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KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON <br />1.2.1.4. Update County and City websites to highlight economic development opportunities and to market <br />opportunity zones. <br />1.2.2. lmplement Kittitas County's tourism strategy to highlight opportunities for recreation in the region, while <br />also preserving the sustainability of recreation assets. <br />1.2.2.1. Consider applying for the state of Washington's Rural Tourism Support (RTS) program as a region <br />to receive assistance in developing a community-centered destination development plan. After <br />successful completion of the program, apply for financial assistance from RTS. <br />1.2.2.2. Facilitate management program and messaging to mitigate recreational impacts to natural <br />resources and amenities. <br />1.3. Forge a closer relationship among CWU, the City of Ellensburg, the County, and the local <br />business community. <br />1.3.1. Formalize the standing meeting among CWU leadership and City and County partners to periodically <br />evaluate and discuss opportunities for closer collaboration. <br />1.3.1.1 . Use the meeting to provide updates on City and CWU projects/initiatives. <br />'1.3.1.2. Establish goals for collaboration. <br />1.3.2. Expand opportunities for community connection and service. <br />1.3.2.1. Explore the possibility of utilizing CWU's mental health program to serve the local community. <br />1.3.2.2. Connect visual and performing arts programs to the community by offering performances during <br />events and festivals and concerts in the downtown area. <br />1.3.3. lmprove access to CWU and its resources. <br />1.3.3.1. Lower barriers to use university facilities, such as athletic facilities, meeting halls, and <br />performance spaces and explore partnerships to construct and/or expand public facilities for <br />mutually beneficial purposes. <br />1.3.3.2" Expand CWU community relations office to include more than one employee to create continuity. <br />1.3.3.3. Evaluate the feasibility of adding weekend operations to encourage visitor engagement. <br />Goal 2. Economic Resilience <br />Provide residents with tools and resources f0 access jobs and opportunities in <br />the area, including entrepreneurship. <br />A vibrant economy requires a strong and resilient workforce-one that, given adequate tools and resources, can <br />acquire the skills to take advantage of job opportunities or start new businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors. <br />To this end, the County has the oppofiunity to forge partnerships between workforce organizations, improve <br />resource sharing, and ensure it is offering education and support the community needs to thrive. <br />Central Washington University is a significant asset to the County and will certainly play a role in strengthening <br />the regional talent pipeline. However, workforce organizations, local governments, and the Chamber have a much <br />bigger role to play in workforce development programming. A concerted effort among regional organizations and <br />frequent communication with local businesses to improve alignment can go a long way in improving the County's <br />economic resilience. <br />PAGE 8 I ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN