Planning Commission reviews economic development goals; emphasizes business support and place‑making

The Lacey Planning Commission reviewed an updated economic development element on May 14 that presents six goals and 25 policies intended to support local businesses, entrepreneurship and place‑making while aligning economic priorities with the other components of the comprehensive plan.

Wesley Wynne, economic development coordinator, said the draft builds on past studies and outreach — including a market study and interviews with about 80 local businesses — and incorporates feedback collected at public open houses and direct outreach. “We did take a lot of their feedback, and it’s reflected in the goals and policy that we will be sharing with you,” Wynne told commissioners.

Why it matters: The economic element steers how the city promotes business retention and recruitment, supports entrepreneurs and coordinates workforce and infrastructure investments that enable local jobs and services.

Goals and highlights: The draft lists six goals: promote a positive business climate; encourage a strong and diverse economy through partnerships and workforce development; support entrepreneurship and strengthen local businesses; preserve commercial areas with vibrant local goods and services; promote socially and environmentally sustainable businesses; and ensure adequate housing and public facilities to support economic activity.

Commissioners and staff discussed several specifics. Commissioners asked how the plan could preserve commercial zoning so neighborhoods and districts retain goods and services — including grocery stores — rather than converting commercially zoned parcels entirely to housing. Staff said zoning and land-use controls are the primary tools to preserve commercial sites and that the city will continue to coordinate land-use designations with economic goals.

Commissioners also discussed placemaking in Midtown (the Woodland District) to create a recognizable center for Lacey. Wynne and staff described placemaking as a combination of public art, site design and strategic investments to give an area a distinct identity. “We’re trying to create something…where people can identify as part of Midtown,” Wynne said.

Word choice and implementation: Commissioners questioned the phrasing of some goals — for example suggesting ‘promote’ rather than ‘ensure’ for goal language that reads as definitive. Wynne and staff said the comprehensive plan sets high-level goals; implementation occurs through departmental action plans, programs and partnerships (for example through the Thurston EDC and workforce programs) and not within the comp plan text itself.

Small-business assistance and customer service: Wynne described several city efforts that help businesses navigate permitting and locate property, and he said the city maintains a welcome program and direct outreach to new businesses. Commissioners noted that time and complexity in permitting and approvals remain a practical challenge for entrepreneurs and suggested the city continue and publicize ombudsman-style support.

Discussion vs. decision: The Planning Commission provided feedback on wording and priorities; no formal adoption occurred at the meeting. Staff asked commissioners to send written comments to Ryan so staff can revise the draft before posting the comprehensive plan for public comment.

Ending: The economic development element remains a draft for public review; commissioners generally supported the goals and emphasized the need for implementation steps, clearer public communication of business assistance, and strategies to preserve commercial zones that could support grocery stores and neighborhood services.