Economic Development

This series of webpages related to economic development provides information on what Washington local governments can do to foster and promote economic development. The pages include examples of strategies being used to foster economic development, sample plans and programs, and the use of economic development funding methods provided by state statutes. For an overview of economic development, see What is economic development?

If you have information to share or are aware of other websites to which we should link, please contact Lynne De Merritt, Senior Research Consultant, or call us at (206) 625-1300.

Economic Development Basics

• What is economic development?
• Authority, Statutes Relating to Financing Economic Development
• County Profiles, Choose Washington - Includes sources of economic and demographic information
• Economic Development Brokers: Agencies and Organizations
• Economic Impact - Siting Facilities
• Organizing for Economic Development (Boards, Commissions, Committees, Departments)
• Planning for Economic Development
  • Economic Development Elements
  • Economic Data Collection and Data Dissemination
• Sources of Technical Assistance and Program Information for Economic Development

Financing Economic Development

• Community Renewal Law
• Financing Tourism
• Funding Sources for Economic Development - Financial Assistance Programs
• Parking and Business Improvement Areas (PBIA)
• Public Corporations/Public Development Authorities (PDA)
• Public Facilities Districts (PFD)
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Washington: CRF, HBZ, LRF, and LIFT

Fostering Economic Development

• Business Incubators
• Business Retention - Economic Gardening
• Economic Development and Telecommunications
• Economic Enterprise Zones (EZ/EC)
• Incentives
• Job Training Programs
• Marketing the Community

Special Topics

• Central Business District - Downtown Development

Agriculture

• Fairs in Washington State (Agricultural, Community, and Area)
• Farmers Markets
• Washington Agriculture and the Economy including Marketing and Economic Development
• Wineries - Land Use Regulations and Tourism

Tourism

• Tourism Industry and Local Governments
• Sports and Recreation Tourism

Need more information?

Feel free to Ask MRSC. Washington cities, counties, and our contract partners can call or email MRSC for more information and advice - free of charge.