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BACKGROUND & CONTEXT <br />With a population of just over 19,000 In 2016, <br />Ellensburg Is the center of commerce and government <br />for Kittitas County. It offers services for local residents, <br />and the financial, religious, and educational institutions <br />that serve an area much larger than what is within city <br />limits. Ellensburg is a central gathering place for the <br />regional community, and hosts a diversity of activities, <br />events, and services that serve more people than those <br />that reside within the city limits of Ellensburg. <br />Ellensburg is known as the home of Central <br />Washington University and the annual Ellensburg Fair <br />and Rodeo that attracts national attention. <br />The quality of life in Ellensburg can be defined by our <br />clean environment, vibrant downtown, and <br />outstanding outdoor recreational assets, all of which <br />are Important factors in nurturing economic growth. <br />Businesses provide property, sales, and lodging tax <br />revenue that help to support public Infrastructure and <br />maintain our quality of llfe. As local and national economies and lifestyles evolve, it will become <br />more important for Ellensburg to maintain and enhance Its livability through good urban design <br />that reflects the values and choices of the community. The Ellensburg community is concerned <br />with the availability of living wage jobs, and with the City's ability to continue providing services <br />that help to foster business development and increase economic opportunities. Residents want <br />employment, retail, and social opportunities that allow them the ability to llve, work, and play <br />in this community. <br />Ellensburg's economic base has been relatively <br />narrow since Its settlement in the late 1800s. <br />While Ellensburg still enjoys a strong agricultural <br />base. our community as a whole has become <br />less dependent on the natural and agricultural <br />resources. Today Central Washington <br />University, Kittitas Valley Healthcare, <br />government, and retail industries are strong <br />economic drivers in the community. Ellensburg <br />has also experienced an increasing number of <br />residents commuting to Yakima County and to <br />the greater Puget Sound region for employment <br />opportunities. <br />CITY OF ELLENSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN o ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • PAGE 122