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Economic development study points to healthcare, timber, manufacturing and housing as local priorities
Summary
Mason County Economic Development Council presented an industry‑cluster analysis to the council, highlighting healthcare, forest products, manufacturing, agriculture/aquaculture and accommodation/food services as target sectors and stressing affordable housing and workforce development needs.
Kevin Schutte, executive director of the Mason County Economic Development Council, told the council on Sept. 16 that a summer industry‑cluster study, paid for with ARPA funds, identified five priority sectors for local economic support: healthcare and social services; forest products; manufacturing; agriculture and aquaculture; and accommodation and food services. The study was prepared by a consultant (Jason Robertson and Co.) and presented by the council's business development staff.
EDC staff recommended focusing on workforce development pipelines, supply‑chain connections and infrastructure to support those clusters. The presentation flagged persistent workforce shortages, especially in specialty healthcare roles and skilled manufacturing and timber‑sector positions. The presenters said low Medicaid reimbursement and shipping costs are among constraints for healthcare and seafood processing employers.
Housing emerged as a cross‑cutting constraint. EDC staff said affordable workforce housing—both rental and for‑sale—would improve employee recruitment and retention. Schutte and staff pointed the council to a 90‑acre parcel near the Y that has available infrastructure and could host a mixed workforce housing proposal; the council was urged to consider tools such as a multifamily tax exemption to attract developers.
On infrastructure, Schutte said the EDC supports a proposed 1.5‑million‑gallon water tank estimated at about $5 million and a five‑year build schedule; that project was cited as a priority the city could include in its legislative agenda. Staff also cited dedicated funds for the Crosstown Trail design (see separate item) and recommended continuing freight‑corridor advocacy tied to timber and manufacturing freight needs.
The council and EDC discussed current grant and workforce partnerships with community colleges and workforce boards. No formal council action was taken on policy changes at the Sept. 16 meeting; the EDC requested city support for legislative priorities and coordination on housing and infrastructure projects.
Discussion vs. decision: the presentation was informational. Council members expressed support for workforce training, multifamily tax exemption tools and partnerships; staff said the city could help advance legislative priorities and capital projects in the upcoming budget and legislative cycle.
