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Executive Summary <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 />- <br />With a population of 292,640 and population density of 76.76 per square mile as of 2015, the <br />Kittitas Vaklme Economic Region can be described as a rural con munity. 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 />K[rTr M YAKimA QiWREmENsiyE EcoNamic DEVELOPMENT STRATEtiy GuAll 2013-2017) <br />Goal One: Support the Retention and iEgwnslon of Regional dusters and lndustrles <br />Gaal Two: Support Small Business 5uoress and Entrepreneurship <br />Goal Three; Develop a 7alented Wo*hwce <br />Goal Four: Irwest in Capital Facilities and Infrastructure <br />Goal Five: promote Tourism and Develop Visitor Amenities <br />Goal six: Enhance Downtown and Ne thborhood Businesa District Vitality <br />These broad objectives align closely with the Washington state's economic development plan <br />and workforce development plans for the region. Each of the goa Is has a number of <br />accompanying actions and strategies that are expected to unfold over the following five years. <br />5 <br />