Mason County economic development group seeks regional name change, launches childcare coalition

An economic development representative told the Mason County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 that the county's Economic Development District (EDD) has launched a childcare coalition and is asking the board to support a name change to better reflect the region.

Kel, identified in the briefing as an economic development representative, said the childcare coalition "kicked off last month" and will conduct a countywide needs assessment and prepare a strategic plan that includes community surveys and site visits to understand provider and family needs. The EDD speaker said Mason Matters will partner on outreach to families and social-service groups.

The EDD representative said the group maintains regular contact with the state Commerce department and that Representative Couture will attend an upcoming coalition meeting to hear from providers and families about accessibility, affordability and regulatory barriers.

The EDD also described ongoing workforce and business development work, including a planned joint legislative send-off with chambers and legislators on Dec. 1 and partnerships with PacMtn and Mary M. Knight School District to develop career pathways and a youth employment roundtable.

The formal request the EDD presented was for commission support of a name change for the federal Economic Development Administration designation. The board was asked to approve a change from "Pacific Salish Economic Development District" to "Evergreen Coast Regional Partnership," a move the EDD said would make room for Lewis County to join the district. Annette Roth of the economic development district was noted as available to answer technical questions about the federal designation and application process.

Commissioners voiced general support during the briefing and discussed the rationale that Lewis County is not coastal and that the new name better reflects the geography and partners; no formal vote was recorded at the meeting. Staff said the name-change documents will circulate to the four counties in the district and be attached to the EDA application once the federal process resumes.

The EDD representative said the organization is also preparing weekly community updates and planning a community-focused podcast to highlight local businesses and workforce strategies.

The EDD asked the board for support on the name change and said staff would follow up with documentation and the federal application process.