Res-2018-177 Distressed Sales and Use Tax Cle Elum

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Economic Development Elemant Population growth in Kittitas County lagged behind the rate in Washington in the 1980's, but it has been above the state rate since 1990. • Total covered employment in Kittitas County grew at an average rate of 2.5% per year during 1990 through 2003, slightly faster than population in the same period. Population and employment growth tend to grow at similar rates. Employment growing faster than population may indicate a decrease in unemployment, an increase in the labor force participation rate. or increased level of workers commuting from outside of Kittitas County. • Population in Kittitas County is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 0.6% (low), 1.3% (intermediate). or 1.8% (high) over during 200S to 2025. • Employment in Kittitas County is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.4% over the ten years from 2002 to 2012. Employment in Kittitas County may continue to grow slightly faster than population as it has since 1990, or it may grow slightly slower than population if the labor force participation rate declines due to an aging population. Given the range of growth rates in the State's population forecast for Kittitas County over the 2005 -2025 period, this suggests employment growth at a rate of0.5% to 2.0% per year over the next 20 years. The low end of this range, however, is unlikely t.o occur unless the US or Washington State experiences a severe economic recession. While this scenario is possible, it is unlikely and not a useful scenario for planning purposes. 10.3. Goals, Policies and Objectives Kittitas County has established the following goals and policies to guide future economic development. These goals and policies were developed in response to existing economic conditions identified within the County. GPO 10.1 Be a county the supports the varied needs and demands of the community and ~unding area through the understanding and creation of a supportive and active environment for economic development in the community. GPO 10.2 Support the retention and expamion of existing local businesses/industries and recruitment of new business/industries in order to maintain a strongjob and wage base. GPO 10.3 Implement regulations that recogni7.e and further the diversity of industry and the business community, while also promoting the sustainability of natural resource based activities. GPO 10.4 Encourage economic growth while protecting the rural character of the County. OPO 1 O.S Encourage the promotion of tourism and tourist based businesses. GPO 10.6 Provide the infrastructure and public facilities to support economic activity and growth. GPO 10.7 Strive to maintain a balance of jobs and housing. GPO 10.8 Promote and encourage the establishment and expansion of educational, research and other related activities that support existing Jocal industries and businesses. Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan 10-4 December 2016