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Draft economic development element emphasizes tourism goal and workforce link to housing
Summary
Consultants and staff presented a revised economic development element that adds a separate tourism-focused goal and consolidates workforce and living-wage job policies; the San Juan County Economic Development Council provided written input.
SAN JUAN COUNTY, Wash.
Planning staff and consultants reviewed updates to the county's economic development element during a Feb. 21 Planning Commission workshop. The draft adds an explicit tourism goal, consolidates living-wage and workforce-development policies, and emphasizes balancing economic opportunity with protection of the county's natural and community assets.
Why it matters: Tourism is a major driver of San Juan County's economy; the new goal separates tourism strategy from broader economic goals to clarify the county's role in supporting businesses while protecting natural resources and the visitor experience.
David Fisk of Leland Consulting Group told commissioners the element was developed with input from the San Juan County Economic Development Council and that the draft consolidates earlier goals to streamline policy direction. He said a new goal specifically addresses tourism, including policies to preserve natural and social assets while supporting tourism-related employment.
Victoria Compton of the San Juan County Economic Development Council spoke briefly during public access to thank staff and consultants for collaboration and said the EDC submitted additional written comments to Sofia Cassel.
Commissioners and consultants discussed the strong link between economic development and housing: affordable, year-round housing and workforce training were described as key constraints to growing living-wage jobs. Commissioners noted the county has a high quality-of-life asset base attractive to employers, but housing availability limits the ability to attract and retain workers. The draft directs the county to pursue workforce development partnerships and support infrastructure improvements that help businesses.
The draft references an economic profile prepared by Western Washington University and will be revised to incorporate EDC comments and public input before a later review.
Decisions: No formal commission votes were taken due to lack of quorum; the element is in the public-review phase and will be updated with submitted comments.
