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Regional planners report progress on SEDS draft; SWOT and target industries near completion
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Summary
Consultants reported the draft economic conditions report is about 80–90% complete, a target-industry analysis and market analysis are finished, and a foundational strategy report for the commission is expected at the March meeting ahead of an administrative SEDS draft.
Mr. Saldanha, participating remotely, gave an update on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) process and the consultant team’s findings.
Saldanha said the economic conditions report is “inclusive of about 80 to 90% of the information” and that the team is revising it to include data for a neighboring Oregon county (referred to as “Milton Friedman” in the presentation packet) so the market analysis reflects the full trade area. He said the target-industry analysis and market comparisons — including vacancy rates — are complete and that the Martin Airfield findings would be factored into the target-industry recommendations.
The consultant walked the commission through an initial SWOT analysis developed from previous commission input, stakeholder interviews and a recent site visit. Strengths listed included strong educational institutions, relative housing affordability, proximity to wine tourism, recent Highway 12 improvements and a shared creative district. Weaknesses cited included limited local commercial and hotel options, traffic congestion at key intersections, limited expansion space for businesses, an undeveloped downtown and limited public transit.
Opportunities the team identified included development of Martin Airfield for commercial/industrial use, urban growth area expansion, mixed-use development in downtown, partnerships with Walla Walla University on workforce development and attractions for remote workers. Threats listed included competition with Walla Walla, loss of agricultural land, resistance to change among some residents, dependence on wine tourism and the outmigration of young professionals.
Saldanha said the team will continue stakeholder interviews, finalize the SWOT, complete remaining data inserts and present a foundational report for commission review at the March 3 meeting; he said an initial administrative draft of the SEDS will follow.
Why it matters: The SEDS frames regional economic priorities and can guide EDA-eligible project lists and funding applications; the consultant said the team is cataloging potential EDA-fundable projects.
No commission vote accompanied the update; commissioners were invited to provide further input for the March report.
