In February of 2010, the County, City and Port began working together to develop a joint strategy for sustainable countywide economic development. The three jurisdictions recognize coordination and collaboration are necessary for our community to effectively compete in the broader regional, national and global economy. And, given the protracted and severe economic downturn affecting the nation and our area since late 2008, inter-jurisdictional cooperation is imperative.
The jurisdictions understand that our community’s economic future is anything but certain. In the face of this uncertainty, our shared challenge as a community is to fairly assess available economic data, factor known constraints, and take specific actions that build upon our economic strengths and existing assets.
Accordingly, the purposes of the Joint Economic Development Planning Process are as follows:
- To collect and evaluate the best available data concerning the Jefferson County economy and future prospects to enable us to make informed decisions about the future;
- To involve the public and key stakeholders in developing a common economic development vision that is based upon the data; and
- To develop coordinated and complimentary economic development policies, and most importantly – effective action steps – to ensure that the County, City and Port are working together to promote the economic health of our community.
Join us for a workshop meeting in your neighborhood (the agenda will be the same at all three meetings) to discuss the best strategies for the Business Community / County / City / Port to use to support positive economic development.
January 11, 2011 - Quilcene (CANCELED due to snow; check back for rescheduled dates). Quilcene Community Center, 294952 Highway 101
January 18, 2011 - Port Hadlock, WSU Spruce Room, Shold Business Park
January 25, 2011 - Port Townsend, Mountain View Commons, 1925 Blaine Street, Room 103
All meetings will begin at 6:30 pm. For more info, contact: Team Jefferson, 379-5610 x 222; City of Port Townsend, 379-5095; Jefferson County, 379-4450; Port of Port Townsend, 385-0656
These materials will be discussed:
Existing Conditions Report, E.D. Hovee
Team Jefferson Business Sector Analysis, Final Draft
Jefferson Healthcare Demographic Excerpts, Sept ' 10
Background information:
Memorandum of Agreement, Shared Economic Strategy City/County/PortCity / County / Port Joint Economic Strategy Agreement
Backgrounder & Themes Memo to the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee, Oct '10
Shared Strategy Process Flowchart