ResolutionPFAgmt2020_EBDAdbaCenterFuse

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Goal l:D-Z: Stimulate and dlversyf Ellensburg's economy. Policy A Encourage growth that will provide goods and services to the local and regional community. Policy B Promote the retention and expansion of existing businesses as well as the development of new businesses. Policy D Encourage development of light industrial uses within the City of Ellensburg. Goal ED -3 Grow and sustain a qualified workforce. Policy A Coordinate with local high schools, higher education institutions, workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and local businesses to train a workforce that is prepared for emerging job markets. Goal ED4 Emphasize economic development of downtown as an economic, tourist, retail, art and cultural, and event destination. Policy B Partner with local organizations to implement the downtown economic development pian. We have included in this application a copy of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that CenterFuse submitted to the City of Ellensburg in June 2019. These amendments align with the goals and strategies of CenterFuse to create a proactive economic development environment. 8. Describe any research your organization has conducted which shows the need for this position. Please Include the data upon which your claims aro based for our review. According to dataus.io, today's median household income is $36,016, nearly half that of Washington state which is at $70,979 and our poverty level is 34.1%. As of year-end 2017, the Washington State Department of Revenue indicated there were 1,440 registered non-government, non-agricultural businesses In Ellensburg. Of these registered businesses, about 200 were located in the downtown core leaving 1,200 outside the downtown core. Registered businesses may include retail or industrial, as well as home businesses. Nearly 40 percent of jobs in Kittitas County are with state and local government, fifty-six percent of workers leave the county for employment. Ellensburg and Kittitas County rely heavily on the tourism industry, where most workers earn minimum wage. There is a lack of "family -wage" positions in Ellensburg and Kiii tltas County. In 2018/2019 the CenterFuse board interviewed business owners to gain a stronger understanding of the business climate in Ellensburg. Their top Issues included retention of employees due to family members forced to leave the community because of lack of family -waged jobs, understanding of development regulations and permitting process for expansion, and shortage of attainable housing. These issues are included in planning documents like the CenterFuse Strategic Plan and Workplan adopted in 2019.