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SUBJECTS › ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT › Economic Development Brokers
Updated 03/10

Economic Development Brokers

Contents

Introduction

Economic development in Washington State is facilitated by a number of agencies and organizations that have statutory authority, and by recognized organizations, which public agencies may contract with for the purpose of economic development. Economic development is carried out through partnerships. At the state level, the Department of Commerce contracts with organizations that promote and coordinate economic development. This is done through local service agreements with local governments, small business development centers, port districts, community and technical colleges, private industry councils, and other development organizations, for the efficient delivery of community and economic development services in their areas.

State

The Washington State Department of Commerce, formerly CTED,  is charged with community and economic responsibilities (RCW 43.330.050). The International Trade and Economic Development Division works in partnership with businesses and communities to attract, retain, expand, and support economic activity that promotes prosperity and improves the quality of life throughout Washington.

Associate Development Organizations (ADO) - Development Councils

The associate development organization (ADO) is the lead agency in each county for economic development. It is designated by the board of county commissioners or the county council. The ADO is defined in RCW 43.330.010 as "a local economic development nonprofit corporation that is broadly representative of community interests." The more familiar term is economic development council (EDC). The term, economic development council is generic, but it generally refers to associate development organizations. The ADOs most often are named economic development councils or associations,but others do not, such as the Economic Alliance (Okanogan County) or  Enterprise Seattle (King County).  Some of the counties ADO's have designated the port districts as the ADO. 

Economic Development Districts  - Federal

Economic development districts (EDD) are chartered under the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) 302(b) planning grant program. EDDs help communities build capacity to focus on long-term economic challenges. Economic Development District organizations are often coordinating entities for various Federal and state programs.  

Economic development districts in Washington State:

Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&D) - Federal

RC&D Programs are sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to coordinate multi-county activities. Programs are carried out by the RC&D Council and the Coordinator within the context of an RC&D area. The area is a multi-county, locally defined, sponsored, and directed to carry out a program that encourages land conservation and utilization, accelerated economic development and/or improvement of social conditions where needed, to foster a sound local economy.

Port Districts

Chambers of Commerce and Other Organizations

Partnerships and Coalitions