Laserfiche WebLink
The structural challenge lies in Kittitas County's reliance on low-multiplier technology hub designed to attract firms aligned with Washington's strongest <br /> industries. Education and healthcare are the largest employers, followed by clusters(aerospace, advanced manufacturing, ag-tech,Al applications)while <br /> accommodation and food services.While vital to residents, these sectors do also equipping local businesses to compete in broader supply chains. <br /> not generate substantial outside revenue. Education and healthcare remain <br /> the largest employers, while accommodation and food services rank second. The strategy is explicitly designed to avoid repeating low-value economic <br /> By contrast, nearby King County is anchored by industries in scientific, patterns. Old Heat will not reinforce dependency on externally owned, low-wage, <br /> management, and technical services—industries that act as true base sectors low-technology firms. Instead, it aims to create a multiplier effect by anchoring <br /> by pulling in external capital and supporting high-wage ecosystems. Without an technology-intensive enterprises, encouraging adjacent startups, and connecting <br /> industrial base rooted in advanced technologies, Kittitas cannot retain talent or CWU's applied learning and research with real commercial pathways. In doing <br /> generate meaningful wage growth. so, Old Heat provides Kittitas County with the infrastructure and institutional <br /> platform to finally integrate with, rather than remain bypassed by, Washington's <br /> This imbalance results in consistent outmigration of skilled youth and metropolitan innovation economy. <br /> underutilization of the county's above-average educational attainment(35% <br /> bachelor's degree or higher, compared to only 18% in Yakima). Old Heat <br /> addresses this gap by providing the missing bridge: a commercialization and <br /> MEDIAN 4YR .• INDUSTRY FOR 2ND INDUSTRY FOR <br /> REGION POPULATION(1) MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYMENT DEGREE OR CIVILIAN EMPLOYED % . . OF TOTAL <br /> POPULATIONAGE(2) INCOME(2) RATE(2) HIGHER(2) POPULATION 16 AND EMPLOYMENT <br /> WA State 7,705,281 38.6 $94,605 61% 41% Education,Healthcare,Social Professional,Scientific, 15% <br /> Social Svcs Mgt,&Admin Svcs <br /> King 2,260,675 37.7 $120,824 68% 58% Scientific,Mgt,&Admin 23% Education Svc, 20% <br /> County Svcs Healthcare,Social Svcs <br /> Kit itas 44,357 37.9 $69,928 58/° 35/° Education,Healthcare, Arts,Accommodation, 15% <br /> County ° ° Social Svcs 23°/° Food Service <br /> Yakima Education,Healthcare, 21%256,728 33.8 $69,525 60/° 18/° Agriculture,Forestry 15% <br /> County Social Svcs <br /> and Mining <br /> Table 3—Median Wage Comparison Chart <br /> Old Heat CERB Feasibility Study 135 <br />