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Executive Summary <br />Mount Stewart <br />The Kittitas-Yakima Economic Region is a beautiful region of <br />lakes, rivers, and national parks with all four seasons. Hot <br />and dry summers contrasted with cool and wet winters <br />provide a climate suitable for a variety of interests and <br />lifestyles. This diverse landscape of rivers to plains to forests <br />and mountains is only rivaled by the diversity of its residents. <br />With a population of 286,000 and population density of 43.4 per square mile as of 2011, the <br />Kittitas Yakima Economic Region can be described as a rural community. Similar to most rural <br />areas, agriculture is an economic mainstay that fosters a consistent business climate built <br />around agriculture. Unlike many rural communities, agriculture in the Kittitas Yakima Economic <br />Region has a fair market value of over $1 billion dollars sold locally, nationally and <br />internationally. Other significant industries or clusters in the region include health services, <br />warehouse/distribution, manufacturing, alternative energy and tourism. <br />Some of the Kittitas Yakima region's economic strengths include: <br />✓ its proximity to the major metropolitan area of Seattle and Portland markets <br />✓ a strong and diverse natural resource based economy; <br />✓ a concentration of higher education institutions; and <br />✓ an outstanding quality of life featuring great weather and outdoor recreation options. <br />Some of the region's weaknesses include: <br />✓ Lack of family -wage employment opportunities <br />✓ Low K-16+ education attainment and corresponding occupational skill gaps <br />✓ Complacency towards growth and economic diversification <br />Despite some of the region's challenges, the Kittitas Yakima area has enormous economic <br />potential. The CEDS outlines six key goals to advance the regional economy. <br />KITnTAS YAKIMA COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY GOALS (2013-2017) <br />Goal One: Support the Retention and Expansion of Regional Clusters and Industries <br />Goal Two: Support Small Business Success and Entrepreneurship <br />Goal Three: Develop a Talented Workforce <br />Goal Four: Invest in Capital Facilities and Infrastructure <br />Goal Five: Promote Tourism and Develop Visitor Amenities <br />Goal Six: Enhance Downtown and Neighborhood Business District Vitality <br />