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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111317_cabs01CAB JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and Planning Commission Philip Morley, County Administrator FROM: Patty Charnas, Director/i Department of Community Development (DCD) DATE: November 7, 2017 SUBJECT: Monday, November 13, 2017 County Administrator's Briefing Session Economic Development Element (Briefing Series 2 of 3) Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update — policy feedback on selected key topics STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Department of Community Development (DCD) is leading the County's periodic update of its Comprehensive Plan. DCD believes that a series of policy conversations with the Board is advisable on high priority topics, namely the Housing, Economic Development and Land Use Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. This will be second in a series of policy conversations during the County Administrator's briefing session with DCD so that the Board may suggest or comment on emerging policy content as first drafts for public review are being prepared. ANALYSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS/PROS and CONS: The periodic update is mandated by state law and directs that plans be "reviewed and revised if necessary" using administrative guidelines (commonly referred to as the "checklist") published by the Washington Department of Commerce. The intent of these afternoon briefing sessions is to ensure that the Board is kept informed and given the opportunity to provide general policy feedback at this time in the work plan. During this policy discussion with the Board and County Administrator, DCD lead staff will summarize public outreach results and other relevant information that have helped frame updates to the Economic Development Element goals and policies. FISCAL IMPACT/COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS: There is no fiscal impact to this briefing. RECOMMENDATION: Receive a briefing on the comprehensive plan periodic update and hold a high-level policy discussion on the Economic Development Element. Mu REVIEWED BY: PTrlp Mode Co my Administrator Date ECONOMIC y DEVELOPMENT Jefferson County's is an economically distressed, rural region with historical roots in , forestry, agriculture, fishing and mineral extraction. A majority of the County's population suffer from a lack of economic opportunity. With over two-thirds of the County already in public ownership and unavailable for economic development, there are very limited areas and economic development opportunities. Responsible and appropriate future growth management planning in Jefferson County requires addressing the complexity of growing and providing job opportunities for all residents while preserving the county's outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, ecological resources that is Jefferson County's enviable "quality of life." Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Did You Know: The purpose of the Economic Development is to Jefferson County's average annual wage "establish local goals, policies, objectives, and is more than $20,000 less than the state average? provisions for economic growth and vitality and a high quality of life." (RCW 36.70A.070). This Unemployment in Jefferson County is Element is closely aligned with the Land Use much higher than state and national averages? Element, Housing Element and Capital Facilities Element among other comprehensive plan Jefferson County'spoverty rate remains elements. Comprehensive plan goals and in double digits and is significantly greater than surroundingjurisdictions? policies that enable appropriate economic development, job retention and job growth for existing and future county residents are directly linked with goals and policies that empower adequate and affordable housing, supportive land use and development codes and safe and sufficient infrastructure. Existing Jefferson County Economic Sectors Resource based economies: the largest economic sector of Jefferson County by dollar volume are the natural resource based sectors including private commercial forestry, timber harvest, and gravel and other mineral resource extraction. Commercial forestry occupies the largest area of privately owned land in the County and is a zoned at a minimum of eighty acres per developable parcel. Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Agriculture: while occupying much less of the economy than in previous decades, Jefferson County possesses and designates areas for long-term commercially viable agricultural production due to its high quality agricultural soils and grazing areas. Washington State University extension services and programs strongly support Jefferson County agricultural based economic development through technical assistance, demonstration/teaching farms, local food resources, and coordination and serving as an information clearinghouse. The return of agricultural -based jobs and incomes is slow yet steady and is the focus of increasing support and interest by agricultural leaders in attracting new and expanding existing agricultural -based jobs in Jefferson County. Other Manufacturing, Service Based Jobs and Industries Jefferson County supports jobs in a broad range of service based jobs and in the manufacturing, marine trades and maritime industries. These jobs exist in the incorporated and unincorporated urban growth areas, in the rural commercial and rural village centers and intermittently throughout other rurally zoned lands. These include all services related to small businesses, home businesses and cottage industries, tourist based and food services and health care and medical services. The service based sectors come in second place in Jefferson County after resource based economies for total jobs supported and by dollar volume generated. Existing Conditions, Challenges and Opportunities Key variables affecting economic development in Jefferson County are: - An available workforce population with a higher than average educational level; 2 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - A limited workforce that is increasing in average age or becoming removed from the workforce through retirements; - A lack of countywide recovery from the Great Recession that continues to constrain those trades, goods and services that support economic development (including recovery of construction, manufacturing and related sectors); Legal barriers and limited public sector financing to build infrastructure to support new or expanded job growth (municipal wastewater treatment, broadband internet services) especially in rurally zoned areas of Jefferson County Jefferson County Demographics and Job Related Statistics Percent of Jabs by Age of Jobholder, 2015 xo: . Jeffersm .sit. 15 10% 5!5 0!t} 14.24 225.34 35-" 45.54 55-4 55.99 3 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Percent of Jobs Field by Workers Age 16-24 Jefferson County, 2015 0: 10,,. 20% ALL Industries Agriculture, ForosW, Fishing sod hunting Mdning Utilities C nstructron Manufacturing � WholesaLe Trade Rafal L Trade Transportation and Warehousing Information Finance and Insurance Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Prokwhonal, 5ciaatific. and Technical Services Management of Companies and Enterprises AdminkstratIve and Waste Maxjewient Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance ,arts, Entertaiaanaat, and Recreation A,ncomnodlation and Food Services othier Sorvicas NKK Adrninkstrartion Percent of Jobs Held by Workers Age 55+ Jefferson Country, 2015 1C.- c ALL Industries AjjrKuLWr*, F estry, Ftsning and Hun ON Mining Utilities Construction ant Manufacturing 4111Ip.- t4lt *ALe Trade Retai I Trade Transportation and War*ousing Information Fa wK@ and Insurance Real Estate and Rental and Leasing WcPfesslonaL, kient6c, and Technical Services Management of Companies and Enterprises Ad inistra" and Waste Management EWE --- Educational. Services WE---EducationalServices Health Care and ScciaL Assistance Arts. Entertainment, and Recreation Accommodation and Food Services � Citing' savrces n Public AdrninFstration Agencies and Organizations Leading Jefferson County Economic Development Partnerships (additional information still being collected; section to be drafted) Port of Port Townsend 0 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDC Team Jefferson (rewrite as narrative) Washington State University North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce NODC The North Peninsula Development Council (NODC) POLICY A7 POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT 1. The private sector is primarily responsible for ft crcatiun of acommic oliwrtunky in lttkrsm Cously- The rcSlloosihility Of the puhlic sector is to assure that these activities arc carried owl consistem with defined 0amniunity and envirosaunial values. To dus end, comprehensive plan should clearly identify these values in order that erunomic opportunity ,s oar lost dor to —fusion or vasettaylliey of pro .. Pu -titular -motion will b. Bi— to the needs of non-servIce sector buslnessm and irndwtirirs as a strategy to iuorexac wage taming poten" within the community. 2. An cconomi� development ckmcnt should be Prepares and included in the County's and incorporated areas` Comprehensive plan. This element Should idcnfify and designate adaquate areas for commercial, retail, and industrial powlh necessary to sustain and men future Population and employment ferer_asts. Tae ecanorruc development element shall be coordinated with the Capital %cility, Land use and utilities elements W the comprehEnslvc PIM. 5. Each UGA and rural center is amsidered in, comme-'cial and husincss "bub' in their rcgmctive mea of the Conary. UGAS should be viewed at regiontr service and retail semen, U. utc rural +:anter A,," la our tool .,u+„n,arary >c�il ams a�rrvcc necda. arid ts20ent accornmodauons. Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4. Certain industries due to Nein sire or type of operation, or due to their depeadance the local resource base afiould not be located within Che boundaries of SOCIAS. When locating &tse types of activities outside of UGAs, speeia: attention must be ,given to assort that the activity will not promote 'urban developmmt` of the surrounding area These activities will nerd w be self-supporting and rout require the extcmion of urban Seryrce$. S. The Port of Part Townsend's Ioolativc authority should be uliliaed as a tool to implement industry and trade stralcgje3: ineluding the promodon of emplaymonl cpporornities, the consolidation god pa ding of ptopeny, and the development of L rn e.xiuuwe ur — d. nml. ur Lalu.ury cw.ufaulx Wiwi ­uryrchu,.+tve prem a o development regulations. The Countywide Planning Policies direct that the Comprehensive Plan give particular attention to the needs of nonservice sector businesses and industries and recognize that some businesses are best suited for the urban growth area (UGA) while others may be better suited for the rural unincorporated areas. Factors and Trends Affecting Jefferson County Economic Development Aging Population The oldest members of the Baby Boomer generation (1946 - 1964) will either begin to leave the workforce or have and are retired. This trend can be expected to affect the economy in ways ranging from housing demand to retail sales to labor force replacement and health care services demands. Industrial and Manufacturing Sites Industrial sites in Jefferson County include the Port of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Industrial Park (which has become a commercial and business park), Glen Cove, Eastview, Quilcene Industrial Area, the Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA, the Port Townsend Paper Mill, 24 acres at the Jefferson County International Airport, and Resource Based Industrial zoned sites. 0 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Commercial Development Districts Commercial development in Jefferson County is mainly concentrated within the City of Port Townsend, The Irondale Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area, and to a lesser extent, within the County's LAMIRDs (local areas or more intense rural development), which includes Brinnon, Quilcene Discovery Bay, Chimacum, Mats Mats, Wawa Point, Beaver Valley, Nordland, Gardiner, and Four Corners. The Port Ludlow and Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resorts also has sites zoned for commercial development. Home Businesses, Cottage Industries and Small Scale Tourist Recreational uses are also allowed in most non-commercial zones with a permit. Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA Identified as the primary growth center for unincorporated Jefferson County, the UGA requires sewer as an "urban level of service" in order to implement new zoning urban level zoning and density. Phased sewer implementation will facilitate further economic development as almost one-quarter of the UGA is designated for commercial land use, including a commercial zone as the largest with 272 acres. Approximately 25 acres is designated as Urban Light Industrial (all but 5 acres of which are already in light industrial use). This UGA has been found to be legally compliant with the Growth Management Act as of January 27, 2010. The County is currently pursuing funding to construct the wastewater infrastructure to promote future economic growth in this area.' Airport Light Industrial Park One of the projects mentioned in the High Tech Manufacturing section is the light industrial manufacturing park at the Jefferson County International Airport, also known as the Airport Light Industrial Park. In 2009 the County approved a rezone of twenty four acres from rural residential to Airport Essential Public Facility capable of supporting up to ten small to medium sized low -impact, non -aviation -related light industrial/manufacturing businesses. As of 2017 the site requires a Binding Site Plan, clearing and installation of infrastructure before any business operations. 7 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A strong, stable, diversified and resilient economy provides a high quality of life for the citizens of Jefferson County and the region. The economy generates the resources through which local governments provide for the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Therefore, Jefferson County, as a local government entity, shall promote and provide for economic development, along with public health, safety, social services and environmental quality. GOALS AND POLICIES Economic growth with job creation, diversity, sustainability, and environmental protection constitute the focus of the following goals and policies. GOAL: EDG 1.0 Improve and enhance coordination with federal, state, tribes and involved local economic development groups to promote a healthy and vibrant economic environment within Jefferson County. POLICIES: EDP 1.1 Support Team Jefferson and its public and private partners in their efforts to plan for, promote, educate, attract, build and maintain businesses and economic development in Jefferson County. EDP 1.2 Investigate and/or pursue programs, grant funds and other technical and financial support with federal, state and local agencies to collectively plan, develop and implement economic growth in high demand areas. EDP 1.3 Consult with area Tribal Governments on areas of shared economic development planning and implementation and to solve shared issues concerning economic development and unemployment. GOAL: EDG 2.0 Support a comprehensive approach to education and training for employment, job retention and advancement. POLICIES: 0 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDP 2.1 Support the full use (after hours) of schools, community centers, and other public facilities to expand educational opportunities, job training and work force development. EDP 2.3 Support a consortium of education and job skills providers to coordinate class offerings, facilities, and staff resources available to Jefferson County residents (teenagers, adults, displaced workers, veterans, retirees, etc.) who seek high school degrees, G.E.D., remedial education, vocational training and retraining, skills or knowledge enhancement, professional certification, two-year degrees, four-year degrees, and advanced degrees. GOAL: EDG 3.0 Support Jefferson County's industries that leverage existing strengths, advantages, and potential in the following areas: • Health Care; • Port related economic development • Marine Trades; • Natural Resources; • Advanced Technology/Manufacturing; • Construction and Real Estate; • Agriculture/Aquaculture; • Education; • Home -Based Business • Tourism & Retail; and • Local and Native Arts POLICIES: EDP 3.1 Support the efforts of the Port of Port Townsend in diversifying the Jefferson County International Airport (JCIA) to provide for a broader number of trades, manufacturing and services. This may include, but is not limited to, the siting of appropriately scaled aviation and non - aviation -related EDP industrial/manufacturing activities in the Airport Essential Public Facilities District. EDP 3.2 In accordance with Countywide Planning Policy 7.5, recognize the legislative authority of the Port of Port Townsend as a valuable tool to implement industry, trade strategies and promote employment opportunities. E Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDP 3.3 Protect the Port of Port Townsend's industrial properties, waterfront and all other public assets entrusted and managed by the Port and established by legislative mandate to enhance economic vitality and quality of life for the citizens of Jefferson County. EDP 3.4 Consider re -zoning Port of Port Townsend residentially zoned property (Quilcene Marina) to a public facility, to provide more allowed uses for Port activities to meet its purpose of creating economic benefit. EDP 3.5 Conserve existing agriculture and encourage future innovative agriculture ventures and technologies, while managing the water and soil to be sustainable. EDP 3.6 Support technology that fosters home-based businesses, (e.g., telecommuting, e-commerce, broadband, etc.). GOAL: EDG 4.0 Work in partnership with public and private economic development interests to review barriers, consider regulatory incentives that encourage and facilitate economic opportunities within the County. POLICIES: EDP 4.1 Continue to work with state, federal and local agencies to coordinate and streamline land use review procedures and processes. EDP 4.2 Continue to work towards internal efficiencies in the application of development regulations and standards, especially for proposed developments that provide local jobs. EDP 4.3 Periodically review and update, if necessary, land -use and permitting procedures to assure that regulatory processes are understandable, predictable and timely. 10 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDP 4.5 Continue to work with the City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, PUD, economic stakeholders and economic development agencies regarding capital facilities and land use in the Glen Cove Industrial District. GOAL: EDG 5.0 Promote the development of tourist and tourist -related activities as a provider of employment and business opportunities in Jefferson County. POLICIES: EDP 5.1 Provide infrastructure for tourist services and promote agricultural tourism, eco -tourism, and native and cultural tourism with revenue generated from the lodging tax. EDP 5.2 Encourage efforts to preserve scenic open space, historic and native villages and local cultural resources that are attractive to both local residents and visitors. EDP 5.3 Encourage the development of small businesses, services, cultural attractions and special events that capture and support tourism. Identify wider uses for these small businesses to also furnish goods and services, and locally grown food to the traveling public and local population. GOAL: EDG 6.0 Encourage economic development that sustains natural resources and open spaces, protects environmental quality and enhances Jefferson County's overall quality of life. POLICIES: EDP 6.1 Support and protect the economic value and long-term sustainability of Jefferson County's environmental resources. 11 Preliminary Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDP 6.2 Develop and update land use policies that conserve resource lands and provide sustainable employment opportunities. GOAL: EDG 7.0 Support phased infrastructure development that is adequate to attract and accommodate desired economic growth in areas of Jefferson County consistent with the requirements of the Growth Management Act. POLICIES: EDP 7.1 Support and coordinate efforts with the City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, PUD, Port Ludlow MPR, infrastructure service providers, and/or other stakeholders to conduct special studies that identify and evaluate infrastructure needs in areas targeted for future commercial and industrial development. EDP 7.2 Support the development, production, siting and use of non-fossil based renewable energy such as solar, wind, water, and ammonia fuel produced from hydroelectricity. EDP 7.3 Support a local food system capable of supporting the population of Jefferson County without diminishing the long-term carrying capacity of the County's natural resources. 12