Lacey reviews five‑year economic development strategy; advisers caution against relying on Queen Meath Village

Consultants from ECHO Northwest presented a draft five‑year economic development strategy to the Lacey City Council at a work session on May 27, outlining data, a phased timeline and stakeholder engagement to implement the economic development element of the city’s comprehensive plan.

The strategy is intended to identify three to five city-level goals and a set of prioritized short‑ and medium‑term actions staff can implement; consultants told the council they expect to deliver goals, policies and an implementation program by the end of the calendar year and to complete a strategy development phase in the fall. "If we do our job well, we'll be able to answer these questions collaboratively with you," said Britney Bejent, project director for ECHO Northwest.

Why it matters: the strategy will guide the city’s economic development priorities and staff workplans, set measurable metrics for success, and shape engagement with local partners including the Port, Thurston County Economic Development Council and private property owners.

Consultants James Kim and Britney Bejent summarized data showing Lacey’s population growth and changing household composition. Kim said the city’s older (65+) population has grown faster than elsewhere in Thurston County…