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Executive Sum a ry <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 292,640 and population density of 76.76 per square mlle as of 2015, 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 cllmate bullt <br />around agriculture. Unlike many rural communities, agriculture in the Kittitas Yakima Economic <br />Region has a fair market value of over $1 billlon 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 />Km'ITAS YAKIMA COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY GOAJ.S (2013-2017) <br />Goal One: Support the Retention and Expansion of Regional austers and Industries <br />Gaal Two: support Small Business Success and Entrepreneurship <br />Goal Three: Develop a Talented WCNtcforce <br />Goal Four: Invest In Capital Facilities and infrastructure <br />Goal Five: Promote Tourism and Develop Visitor Amenities <br />Goal Six: Enhance Downtown and Nef orhood Business District Vftall <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 goals has a number of <br />accompanying actions and strategies that are expected to unfold over the following five years. <br />5