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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution_PFacilitiesAgmt_ChamberofCommerce_2023KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AGENDA DATE: ACTION REQUESTED: AGENDA STAFF REPORT February 7, 2023 Request to Approve a Resolution for the 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners based on Public Works staff recommendation awarded $92,000 to Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce at the January 3, 2023, Agenda session. This Agreement is the final step in the award process. INTERACTION: Public Works; Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce RECOMMENDATION: Approve & Sign the Resolution and the 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement. HANDLING: Return one (1) original to Public Works ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement LEAD STAFF: Mark Cook Director of Public Works BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF KITTITAS STATE OF WASHINGTON RESOLUTION NO: 2023 - APPROVING THE 2023 DISTRESSED COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHEREAS: The 1999 Legislature did pass RCW 82.14.370 Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities in rural counties; and WHEREAS: These funds may only be used to finance public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties and finance personnel in economic development offices in the State of Washington; and WHEREAS: The 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has been executed by said entity with funding available January 1, 2023; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners hereby approves the attached 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. ADOPTED this 7th day of February 2023. Attest: ❑ Clerk of the Board- Julie Kjorsvik BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Cory Wright, Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice -Chairman ❑ Deputy Clerk of the Board- Mandy Buchholz Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner 2023 DISTRESSED COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN KITTITAS COUNTY AND KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE This Contract, dated I �A , 2023 is made and entered into by and between KITTITAS COUNTY ( ounty' , a subdivision of the State of Washington, and KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ("Funding Recipient'). WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to provide for public facility construction and foster economic development opportunities within Kittitas County, NOW THEREFORE, in consideration or attached and incorporated and made Recipient mutually agree as follows: Section 1. Scope of Work. of the terms and conditions contained herein, part hereof, the County and the Funding a. Funding Recipient shall provide the services and staff described in its Application for Funds submitted to the Council of Governments, as Exhibit "A" which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. b. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, Funding Recipient shall furnish the following as required to perform the services, described in Paragraph (a) above, in accordance with this Agreement: Personnel, labor and supervision; technical, professional and other services. All such services, property and other items furnished or required to be furnished, together with all other obligations performed, or required to be performed, by Funding Recipient under this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as "Services." Section 2. Payment. a. As full compensation for satisfactory performance of the Funding Recipient Services, the County agrees to pay Funding Recipient the sum of ninety-two thousand dollars ($92,000.00). b. Additional payment terms: The County will make payment to the Funding Recipient only on a reimbursement basis, as receipts for any items including marketing and/or advertising are submitted to the County. c. Requests for reimbursements must be submitted to: Kittitas County Public Works Attn: Joyce White 411 North Ruby, — Suite 1 Ellensburg, WA 98926 i oyce.wh ite(aa)co. kittitas. wa. us Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program funding Agreement Page 1 d. Timely and accurate financial reporting is required for fund management by Kittitas County Department of Public Works. Financial reporting requirements for all grant awards are listed below: 1. Using Kittitas County Department of Public Works reporting forms, applicants will submit project status reporting forms within fourteen (14) calendar days from the end of the reporting quarter as specified below: • Quarter 1 ending date: March 3151 • Quarter 2 ending date: June 301h • Quarter 3 ending date: September 301h • Quarter 4 ending date: December 3152 Recipients may submit reimbursement requests on a monthly basis on Kittitas County Department of Public Works reporting forms. Grant recipients who fail in meeting required reporting requirements are subject to having funding withheld on the fifteenth (15th) day following the end of the reporting quarter. Failure in submitting the required project status reports (two consecutive reporting cycles) may result in award cancellation upon COG review. 3. Financial reporting forms shall be signed by the identified grant official or designee. Section 3. Performance by Funding Recipient. a. Funding Recipient shall not (by contract, operation of law or otherwise) delegate or subcontract performance of any Services to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of the County. Any such delegation or subcontracting without the County's prior written consent shall be voidable at the County's option. b. Funding Recipient shall at all times be an independent Funding Recipient and not an agent or representative of the County with regard to performing the Services. Funding Recipient shall not represent that it is, or hold itself out as, an agent or representative of the County. In no event shall Funding Recipient be authorized to enter into any Agreement or undertaking for or on behalf of the County. It is understood that the Funding Recipient and the Funding Recipient's staff and employees are not employees of the County and are not, therefore, entitled to any benefits provided employees of the County. c. Funding Recipient shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, licenses, permits, and other requirements, now or hereafter in effect, of any governmental authority (including, but not limited to, such requirements as may be imposed upon the County and applicable to Services). Funding Recipient shall furnish such documents as may be required to effect or evidence such compliance. All laws, ordinances, rules, and orders required to be incorporated into agreements of this character are incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. Funding Recipient agrees to obtain all required licenses and permits, and further agrees to keep them in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 2 d. The County and the Funding Recipient agree that in fulfilling the terms and conditions of this Agreement neither shall discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or the presence of a physical, sensory, or mental handicap. e. The Services shall at all times be subject to inspection by and approval of the County, but the County's making (or failure or delay in making) such inspection or approval shall not relieve Funding Recipient of its responsibility to perform the Services in accord with this Agreement, notwithstanding the County's knowledge of defective or non -complying performance, or the substantiality or ease of discovering the same. Funding Recipient shall provide the County with sufficient, safe, and proper facilities and equipment for such inspection and free access to such facilities. f. This contract is subject to review by any Federal or State auditor. Funding Recipient shall promptly furnish the County or its designee, or such Federal or State auditor with such information related to the Services as may be requested by the applicable governmental entity. Funding Recipient shall preserve and maintain all financial records and records relating to performance of Services under this Agreement for six (6) years after contract termination. For such duration after the County makes final payment of compensation due hereunder, Funding Recipient shall provide the County access to (and the County shall have the right to examine, audit and copy, with or without notice) all of Funding Recipient's books, documents, papers and records related to the Services or this Agreement. g. Funding Recipient understands and acknowledges that Funding Recipient is solely responsible for its own reporting and accounting of all state, federal, social security, and local taxes, of every nature, arising from Funding Recipient's performance of this Agreement. All compensation received by the Funding Recipient will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service at the end of the calendar year in accord with the applicable IRS regulations. h. The grantee shall obligate funding towards construction of the project no later than six months from the time of grant execution (providing the grantee has not submitted the project as being "banked" — COG Policy 2018-05). Obligation is expected to take two forms: consultant contracting or contractor award. Presuming the COG recommends a design only phase of a proposed Public Facility grant, obligation requirements are met on the date of grantee signature on consultant design contract(s). COG recommended construction awards will complete obligation requirements on the date of grantee signature on construction contracts. Failure in obligating grant awards within the prescribed timeframe results in the grant award being remanded back to COG for recommended re -purposing by the Board of County Commissioners. i. The grantee is obligated to follow Public Facility Fund COG policies in effect at the time of grant award as reflected in the Resolution signature date authorizing recipient contracting. COG policies may be obtained from the Department of Public Works (509)962-7523. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 3 Section 4. Release, Indemnity, and Hold Harmless. The County assumes no liability for the Funding Recipient's actions under this Agreement. Funding Recipient releases and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, its officers and employees, agents, representatives, attorneys and/or volunteers, from and against all claims, costs, liabilities, damages, and expenses, (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney fees) which arise or may arise or be alleged to arise out of or by reason of this Agreement including: • Any fault, negligence, strict liability or product liability of Funding Recipient in connection with the Services for this Agreement; • Any lien asserted upon any property of the County in connection with the Services for this Agreement; • Any failure of Funding Recipient, or of the Services, to comply with any applicable law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, license, permit and other requirement, now or hereafter in effect, of any governmental authority; or • Any breach of or default under this Agreement by Funding Recipient. Section 5. Compliance with Public Records Law. a. In compliance with Washington's public records law, the County will retain copies of any documents associated with this Agreement, which may be required by law unless legally exempt from such retention, for any applicable legally required retention period. In the event a public records request is made to the County for documents created in relation to this Agreement, should legal uncertainty arise regarding the disclosability of any documents under federal or state public records laws, the County shall provide notice to Funding Recipient pursuant to Washington's public records act, chapter 42.56 RCW, to allow Funding Recipient to seek a court injunction. c. The County specifically shall not be liable to Funding Recipient for the County's release under public records laws of any documents not protected by trademark, copyright or other law. Section 6. Industrial Insurance Waiver. With respect to performance of this Agreement and as to any claims against the County, its Additional Insureds, officers, agents and employees, the Funding Recipient expressly waives its immunity under Title 51 of the Revised Code of Washington, the Industrial Insurance Act, for injuries to Funding Recipient's employees and agrees that the obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless provided in this Agreement extend to any claim brought by or on behalf of any employee of the Funding Recipient. This waiver is mutually negotiated by the parties to this Agreement. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 4 Section 7. Insurance and Endorsements. a. The County may require through a request in writing that the Funding Recipient provide the County with a certificate, binder, or policy of liability insurance, acceptable to the County in an amount specified by the County. b. Such liability insurance shall be such as will protect Funding Recipient, its employees, agents and representatives, from all claims, losses, harm, costs, liabilities, damages and expenses arising out of personal injury (including death) or property damage that may result from performance of the Services or this Agreement, whether such performance is by Funding Recipient or any of its employees, agents or representatives. c. Should the County require such liability insurance, the Funding Recipient agrees to provide proof of insurance prior to commencing performance of this Agreement. Copies of the County's written request and the insurance documents provided by Funding Recipient shall be attached to this Agreement and by this reference will be made part hereof. e. Where insurance is requested by the County, all liability insurance policies shall be endorsed to include the County as an Additional Insured and shall stipulate that the insurance afforded by the policies shall be primary insurance, and that any insurance, self-insured retention, deductibles, or risk retention trusts maintained or participated in by the Parties shall be excess and not contributory to any other insurance maintained by the County. Funding Recipient shall furnish the County a certificate of insurance with Endorsement as evidence that the required policies are in full force and effect. Section 8. Termination. The County may, by written notice thereof to Funding Recipient, terminate this Agreement as to all or any portion of the Services not yet performed, whether or not Funding Recipient is in breach or default. Upon receiving such notice of termination, Funding Recipient shall, except as otherwise directed by the County, immediately stop performing the Services to the extent specified in the notice. In the event the County terminates the Funding Recipient's Services, the Funding Recipient is obligated and hereby agrees to refund to the County all monies paid for Services not yet rendered by the Funding Recipient, if any, as of the date of the notice of termination. Section 9. Miscellaneous. a. Funding Recipient shall not (by contract, operation of law or otherwise) assign this Agreement or any right or interest in this Agreement without the County's prior written consent. b. This Agreement embodies the entire Agreement between the County and Funding Recipient, and supersedes any and all prior oral or written communications, proposals, conditions, promises, representations, or understandings regarding the Services. No change, amendment or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 5 unless set forth in a written amendment to the Agreement signed by both parties c. Notice for any purpose under this Agreement, except service of process, shall be given by the Funding Recipient to the Kittitas County Commissioners and the Kittitas County Public Works Director, 411 North Ruby, Suite 1, Ellensburg, WA 98926. For all purposes under this Agreement, any notice by the County to the Funding Recipient shall be given to the Funding Recipient's address provided on the signature page. Notice may be given by delivery or by depositing in the U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested. d. The section and paragraph headings of this Agreement are for reference convenience only and are not intended to restrict, affect or be of any weight in interpreting or construing the provisions of such sections or paragraphs. e. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by facsimile, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Funding Recipient warrants to the County that the individual signing on Funding Recipient's behalf has the requisite power and authority to enter into and to perform Funding Recipient's obligations under this Agreement. Funding Recipient further warrants to the County that Funding Recipient has made no misrepresentation or misleading statement in connection with this Agreement, and is not in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, or regulation the consequence of which will or may materially affect Funding Recipient's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. If any term or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person(s) or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other terms, conditions or applications which can be given effect without the invalid term, condition or application. To this end, the terms and conditions of this Agreement are declared severable. h. The exclusive venue for any action brought to enforce this Agreement or any of its terms shall be in Kittitas County, State of Washington. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 6 KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Cory Wright, Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice -Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner Dated: Attest: ❑ Clerk of the Board- Julie Kjorsvik ❑ Deputy Clerk of the Board- Mandy Buchholz APPROVED AS TO FORM: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE hc6u cko Represe tative rl VI Telephone Dated: 01%1 ` iab?o � Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement Page 7 1 ittitas County Department of Public Works 2023 Application Round DISTRESSED COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX APPLICATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE PERSONNEL The Distressed County Sales and Use Tax supports improvements to infrastructure systems that foster economic development in Kittitas County as well as providing funding for personnel in economic development offices. The goal is to create economic opportunity through local investment. APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant: Contact Name: Address: City: Telephone: E-mail Address: Office Location: Jurisdiction: Funds Request: Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Amy McGuffin 609 N Main Street Ellensburg 509-925-2002 amvCkittitascountychamber.com Cle Own and Ellensburg Ellensburg $192,000.00 WA zip: WA FAX: n/a APPLICATION THRESHOLDS Applicant Requirement: Check -off: © 1. The request is to provide funding for personnel in an economic development office in Kittitas County. © 2. Distressed County funds are not being substituted for other funds that are already secured. © 3. Applicant has submitted only one application this round. 19 4. The local/regional economic development organization has been informed of this request. PROJECT BUDGET Funding Sources Is Funding Secured Amounts Yes or No? Distressed County Funds Requested: $192,000 No $192,000 *Other Funding Sources: (Please list) Federal: Other: Shoemaker's Foundation $25,000.00 No Suncadia Community Enhancement $10,000.00 No Department of Commerce — Business Dev. $10,000.00 No $192,000.00 Project Total: "Distressed County Fund Matching Ratio: *Note: You must include documentation for all other funding sources listed (i.e. grant requests, award letter notifications, legislative resolutions, etc.). **Note: Your Distressed County Fund matching ratio must beat least or greater than 10% in order to qualify for funding consideration. The COG will not consider any requests which do not provide at least 10% matching funds from a local source. $75,000.00 Yes State: Department of Commerce Local Government: City of Ellensburg — Tourism $272,583.83 No City of Kittitas — Economic Development/Events $10,000.00 No Kittitas County - Tourism $393,861.65 No Private: Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce $40,000.00 Yes Other: Shoemaker's Foundation $25,000.00 No Suncadia Community Enhancement $10,000.00 No Department of Commerce — Business Dev. $10,000.00 No $192,000.00 Project Total: "Distressed County Fund Matching Ratio: *Note: You must include documentation for all other funding sources listed (i.e. grant requests, award letter notifications, legislative resolutions, etc.). **Note: Your Distressed County Fund matching ratio must beat least or greater than 10% in order to qualify for funding consideration. The COG will not consider any requests which do not provide at least 10% matching funds from a local source. PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Request Description: Please describe the work this position will perform. Include a job description and any other pertinent information. Essentially, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce (ADO) is funding 3 positions with the funding requested. These are the same positions we have requested in 2021: Economic Advancement, Certified Advisor SBDC and Associate Business Development Coordinator. KCCC has recognized the importance of small business retention, especially sole proprietor businesses, which the work is completed by the Certified Advisor through SBDC. Going into 2023, we are putting more responsibilities to the Associate Business Development Coordinator to be assisting in workforce training and business technical assistance administration with new and existing businesses in Kittitas County. Economic Advancement position will be split between three existing positions in the Chamber; (1) Cle Elum and surrounding areas (1) Ellensburg and surrounding areas (1) recruitment and assisting business relocation to the county. They will perform public relations tasks, including physical and digital press releases, press conferences when needed, and social media. They will monitor the county's actions/policies pertaining to Economic Development. Additionally, the positions will pivot to the county strategic plan by, T.1.P Strategies and their suggested planning for the region and the following addition items: overseeing outreach to existing businesses, communicate regularly with our elected officials, and drive objectives towards relocation or recruitment of new businesses. Priorities will be formed with these positions parallel to the County's Regional Economic Development plan. These job descriptions are attached with the application. 2. Is this a new position for your organization? If so, please describe why this position is needed. If not, why is it a necessary for this fund to continue to support this position? No. Continuing the funding for these positions will accelerate the implementation planning from the county's T.I.P strategy planning. Staff members in these positions are familiar with the demands of the position and are familiar with the communities' goals. With the continued growth of the county we will stay ahead of growth and provide the needed services to both new and existing businesses. With the success of the SBDC program in Kittitas County we will be able to provide resources throughout the county, serving mainstream and underserved business owners. The expertise of the Economic Advancement employees will be able to assist and advocate business during permitting and startup. The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce provides diversity by serving many different industries throughout the entire Kittitas County, providing appealing assets to many different industries that are looking for access to major interstates, educated workforce, lower -costs of utilities and rent, commute options and healthy lifestyles. During the process of the regional efforts through the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County, the Kittitas County Chamber will be developing a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative beginning in January 2023. Although our county has a strong economic base, we face well-known, persisting macro challenges that stand in the way of our local businesses and families thriving: • Employers struggle to find talent; workers don't have the right skills for or knowledge of available opportunities • Inadequate workforce housing and childcare capacity negatively impacts workers and businesses alike • Government financial and regulatory burdens and unopposed anti -business rhetoric stifle investment These longstanding challenges are further complicated by the evolving impacts of the receding pandemic, evolution in workplace styles, supply chain disruptions, steep inflation and more. 3. Will your organization be capable of supporting this position in the future without support from this fund? Please describe your plan and include target dates for implementation and completion. If no plan is currently in place and/or no plans are being made, please explain why. The work being accomplished through the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce is a service to the county and the partners involved. These funds provided through distressed funds are a source in order to continue the efforts in economic development providing tools, programs and initiatives to further the competitiveness of the county. The public/private partnership is needed in order to support these positions. The completion of the strategic plan will provide roles and target dates for implementation and completion. This plan will include role definitions and provide clear action to practitioners, such as the Kittitas County Chamber. Regionally we will work together with all stakeholders and partners including government agencies, economic development groups, downtown associations, tribe and land use and environment agencies. In response to key challenges impacting Kittitas County, the Kittitas County Chamber will pull together as a region and proactively move to where the "puck will be" — not where it has been. We believe that the Kittitas County Chamber is an organization to catalyze and lead its implementation in collaboration with essential private and public sector partners. With this Regional Economic Strength and Resiliency initiative we will provide a five-year self-sufficiency plan to include diverse funding opportunities, including potential public funding grants. The Kittitas County Chamber frequently provides value to the region in collaboration with partners; examples include ® Pandemic programs — the Chamber provided programs and resources (e.g. Business Toolkit, Webinar series, Mini -Grant program) in support of recovery efforts in Kittitas County; these were scaled across the region and the state. ® Professional Development programs — the Chamber has been a leading organization providing networking, trainings, and programs to help support businesses owners and employees. 4. Will this position serve the needs and/or interests of multiple jurisdictions and/or organizations? Please explain in detail. Yes. The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce serves both the private and public stakeholders from Vantage to Snoqualmie Pass; and throughout the state. Along with serving the needs and/or interests locally these positions will also serve on committees, state boards, leading business association and affiliations with influencers throughout the state and country. The Kittitas County Chamber's five year- strategic initiative will have guiding principles to help serve the Kittitas Valley region. Data driven, the Chamber will maintain an information hub that will enable the Chamber and its partners to identify and respond effectively to opportunities and challenges. Collaboration, engage and collaborate with partners across Kittitas County; when we collaborate in our economic development activities, we are stronger and more competitive. Creative approaches, the Chamber will seek out local and national best practices, convene key local partners, and catalyze creative economic and community growth solutions. Access & opportunity, the Chamber views equality of access and opportunity as an economic issue, and is committed to connecting economically challenged areas and population segments to capital, "open doors" and other opportunities. Measureable results, the Chamber has identified performance measures and will track and report progress in a transparent fashion. The Kittitas County Chamber has been the lead convener and catalyst for the region bringing economic vitality and an enhanced quality of life through, workforce development, collaborative leadership and a variety of programs designed to address the professional development, networking and other needs of area businesses. 5. What goals and deliverables have you set for this position? How will you measure success? Our current strategic plan has five priorities in which we are measuring to bring added value to our members and set our organization up for long term success and growth. Our focuses are Internal Organization, Membership Value, Community Development, Partnerships, and Tourism. Each focus will have a culmination of action items that have either been place based on current goals, dialogue that has begun on certain efforts, or a need that has yet to be clearly defined. All action items have been identified as a value to our organization and community. Our vision: to be the trusted community resource. Being the trusted resource means providing relevant business support, encouraging innovative entrepreneurs, and welcome opportunity throughout Kittitas County. Priority 1: The Chamber strives to maximize its organizational effectiveness by focusing on staff, policies and bylaws, and financial and organizational structure. • Continue to invest in staff through training, to ensure we will have the best possible team to assist our members and business community. Seek staff training opportunities. Staff will be cross - trained so that a variety of people will have the skills, expertise, attitude and training to solve challenges as they arise. Measurables: Evaluate policy document annually. Complete policies and procedures for both staff and board. Financial stability. Priority 2: Deliver great value to our members and business community. • Provide training for members and businesses in areas such as emerging technology, managerial skills, and workforce matters. Provide knowledgeable experts and relevant training opportunities to add value to their respective businesses. Measurables: Track training attendance. Increased training opportunities. Increased page views on website. Priority 3: Support community development efforts • Promote Kittitas County as the best place to live, work, learn and play. Promotion of the county in a matter that reinforces the message that we have a prosperous business environment and quality of life for everyone. • Support business retention, recruitment and job -creation efforts. Advocate for and take the lead on initiatives aimed at preparing, attracting and retaining a talented workforce. • Create Youth Leadership programs. From youth and young professionals to senior executives, leadership programs will provide the encouragement today and tomorrow the tools they need to grow and impact the community; providing the reason young people will return or stay in our communities. Measurables: Growth of local business via new business licenses, offices opened and population. Growth in per capita income (a macro measure of economic prosperity). Decrease in county unemployment rate. Total grants received. Launch of youth leadership program. Priority 4: Promote partnership. Partnerships play a key role in delivering on the long-term vision of a strong and unified Kittitas County community. Creating partnerships support a consolidated block of voices to represent businesses across community lines. This single voice enables a stronger and more effective influence on public policy and economic development across the region. • Identify, assess, and develop formal partnerships. • Coordinate communications between local government and businesses. • Identify regional issues and set priorities. Measurables: Nurture partnerships by maintaining and expanding formal relationships. Seek out and participate in influential regional organizations. Work with partners on issues we will tackle together with a common purpose. Develop a single regional issue prioritization. Priority 5: Promote/Manage travel and tourism. • Tourism marketing and advertising. Create a well-planned program of targeted marketing and advertising. Ensuring a consistent visitor -directed marketing message across all channels and platforms. • Visitor services. Increase the quality of visitors' experience as an enjoyable and engaging occurrence by ensuring easy access to helpful resources and easy travel throughout Kittitas County. Measurables: Development of a program for targeted marketing and advertising. Increased number of visitors to the visitor centers. Track digital metrics of website, social media platforms, and information requests. *Full current strategic plan is available upon request. 6. Indicate if the proposed position is consistent with the following applicable state, regional and local plans and priorities for economic development. Please include the pertinent sections of the respective plan(s) as justification. Please explain in detail how this position is compatible with the plan(s): Overall Economic Development Plan — Officially Adopted June 2019 The trio of positions will help to achieve the goals found in the Kittitas County comprehensive Plan, noted in Chapter 10 on Economic Development. This will be the area in which the proposed Director will create a timeline of goals and deliverables to be met. Specific areas will be as follows: • Business Retention and Expansion • Recruitment/Relocation to the county • Low impact to resources and land • Commercial/IndustrialInfrastructure • Property/Land inventory at the airport City of Cie Elum Comprehensive Plan — Officially Adopted June 2019 amended 2021 The work of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce will continue the partnership with the City of Cie Elum by following goals and policies found in their Comprehensive Plan chapter on Economic Development. Specific areas will be as follows: • Attraction of Entrepreneurs or "lone -eagle" to the community. • Business Retention and Expansion • Micro -Specialty Manufacturing and Services • Local Investment Network — attracting and supporting specialty businesses City of Ellensburg Comprehensive Plan — Officially Adopted December 2020 amended 2021 Review of the Economic Development Chapter, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce will continue the partnership with the community development department at the City of Ellensburg to help in the following areas: • Information about the local economy, including statistics on population, employment, businesses, and employment sectors. • Policies and programs that seek to help Ellensburg build a promising economic future. • Policies that provide a framework for leveraging tourism and promoting Ellensburg as a destination. • Policies that seek to maintain a qualified workforce and promote living wage jobs. Community Action Plan (or other community-based plan) — Officially Adopted Cie Elum Master Plan adopted May 2018 The partnership with the City of Cie Elum and the Cie Elum Downtown Association; the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce will assist in the following goals found in the Cie Elum Master plan in the following projects: • Wayfinding Plan implementation • Pennsylvania Avenue Infill/Redevelopment • Gaslight District Infill/Redevelopment • Wye Park Expansion trails connection ❑ Other 7. How will this position meet the economic development goals of the County and region? The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce will be focusing on the following elements: ® Continue our efforts with SBDC Certified Advisor to support existing businesses in order to retain and assist in their success and potential expansion. We will continue to offer a variety of workshops both virtually and on location at our Business Development Center in Cie Elum. ® Continue to list resources of current demographics, business climate, quality of life and available properties inventory for sale or lease on our website. ® Continue our social media strategies. ® Continue to collaborate with CenterFuse, Ellensburg Downtown Association, Cie Elum Downtown Association, Roslyn Downtown Association, Mountains to Sound Greenway, Kittitas Conservation Trust, Towns to Teanaway, Forterra, City of Roslyn City council, City of Cie Elum planner and commissions, City of Kittitas Council, City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County community Development Offices. o Continue to highlight and preserve historic and rural stories throughout Kittitas County through our efforts of tourism promotion for Kittitas County, City of Ellensburg and the City of Cie Elum. ® Continue our guidance to businesses on working with local government agencies via our website. ® Continue to collaborate with HopeSource Ellensburg & Cie Elum, COAL in Ronald, and FISH to offer assistance and support for social services such as housing, transportation, and services for our citizens in the county. ® Develop, create and implement marketing materials (digital and traditional) to recruit new businesses and industries to encourage growth and diverse industry offerings at competitive wage base. ® Identify and implement infrastructure projects ready for funding locally, state or federally. Collaborate with partners like Kittitas Reclamation District, Ellensburg School District, WSDOT and others. • ' Continue to work with CWU and programs that help accelerate business management, entrepreneurship, tourism and others. Some of these strategies mentioned above are specifically in Chapter 10 of the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan, Economic Development. You will also see as a priority of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce for the positions that are being requested to implement and measure success of the following goals. ® Support the retention and expansion of existing local businesses and industries. ® Recruit new business and industries to foster a strong base of jobs and wages. • Protect the viability of the airport as a significant economic resource to the community. e Encourage the full economic use of commercial and industrial lands, buildings, and infrastructure. These same types of strategies can be also found in the Ellensburg Comprehensive Plan with an expansion of partners in the following sectors of business: industrial, transportation, agriculture, tourism, healthcare and education. 8. Describe any research your organization has conducted which shows the need for this position. Please include the data upon which your claims are based for our review. The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce recently completed an economic overview with JobsEQ, which was referred by our colleague in Thurston County Economic Development Coalition that provided an assessment of economics & analytics of Kittitas County. Additionally, we received assistance from CWU College of Business to conduct (4) four focus groups to ensure our programs and efforts were effective in the following categories: Business assistance, retention, startups, communications, training, and technical/financial advising. Upon review of the Chamber's 2022 organizational goals, discussion with members of the business community, county wide municipalities the current workload exceeds the capacity of the current staff listed within this application. In order for the Kittitas County Chamber to continue to achieve measurable results, the current positions listed in the application will be moving from 30 -how work week to a 40 -hour work week and recommend expanding the SBDC partnership to focus on administrative work. The recommendations are based on the analysis of Kittitas County's growth in the next 10 years. From employment trends increasing 4.3% in 2022 year over year while the unemployment rate decreasing. The cost of living is 3.1 % higher in Kittitas County than the U.S. Average. These positions have their work cut out for them over the next year. Employment in Kittitas County is projected to expand by 286 jobs. The fastest growing sector in the region is expected to be Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation with a +3.5% year -over -year rate of growth. The strongest forecast by number of jobs over this period is expected for Accommodation and Food Services (+70 jobs), Educational Services (+43), and Health Care and Social Assistance (+42). These positions will need to have funding support to provide rural services which will provide the ability to reach low-income, underserved women -owned and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Creating the door-to-door service will help with those surrounding areas that may not be otherwise served. The program would still include financial assistance, technical assistance, job training, and other services that would accomplish the goals of this funding. *JOBSeq Economic Overview Kittitas County, Washington — available in full by request NOTE: Supplemental materials, including transmittal letter, are limited to a maximum of twenty (20) pages single sided or ten (10) pages doubled sided including all graphics. Submittals shall be 12 -point font. COG reserves the right to decline review of submittals that exceed the stipulated length or fail to provide sufficient font size. Submit the original application to: Kittitas County Department of Public Works 411 N. Ruby, Suite #1 Ellensburg, WA 98926 And to: candie.leader@co.kittitas.wa.us 17P. a T,` CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Job Title: Director of Economic Advancement Status: Full -Time / Salaried / Exempt Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 depending on qualifications and tenure Department: Economic Development Reports to: Chief Executive Officer SUMMARY The economic advancement director is responsible for planning, staffing, advising and overseeing economic development related functions, and must coordinate with all departments relating to events and activities of the Chamber. Also overseeing the Associated Development Organization duties of the county under the regulations of the State of Washington Department of Commerce. To be successful in this role, you will need a deep understanding of business growth, opportunities within Kittitas County. You will also need excellent public relations and verbal communication skills. This single position will lead or have a high probability of recommending and implementing a course of action with our municipality partners. DUTIES AND — may include Establish and maintain development related relationships with consumers, business community, economic development planning advisory boards, economic development agencies, elected officials and governmental agencies in furthering the County's economic development goals. ■ Meet with affected property owners in potential economic development areas to assess and coordinate the county's economic development efforts. • Collaborate with the Council of Government for the advancement of overall economic development goals and objectives. • Meet with Main Street programs in Kittitas County to assess and coordinate economic development efforts. Planning or directing the development of programs to maintain favorable public views of the organization's contract obligations. • Ensure chamber website is updated, current and correct with best practices for: Business & Industry Recruitment, Business Retention & Expansion, Workforce Development, Real Estate Development & Reuse, and Small Business and Entrepreneurial Assistance information. • Adhere to contracted budgets to avoid overruns. • Track key performance areas& identify items to work on for future trends. ■ Updating the cost of living study, relocation guide, and other relevant marketing data sets and tools • Serving as the point of first contact for all new business inquiries from the Department of Commerce, site selectors, or other sources • Meet with SBDC Certified Advisor monthly to assess small business retention and expansion efforts. ■ Meet with Non-profit Advisor monthly to assess non-profit and not-for-profit assistance efforts. Preparing and editing promotional publications to maintain favorable public views of the organization's contract obligations. ■ Develop, implement, and participate in special business community events to promote business development and vitality. • Perform public relations related tasks on behalf of Kittitas County, including physical and digital press releases, press conferences, and social media. • Develop, implement effective resource publications to encourage new business, communicate potential economic development areas, reporting market research and available incentives throughout Kittitas County. • Attend and engage in local and state committees and/or commissions. • Assist in the Council of Government process. May require additional facilitation of assisting local municipalities. Collaborate with COG for the advancement of overall economic development goals and objectives. • Create and conduct local town halls/roundtables, as requested. • Provide industry knowledge to build public relation strategies that influence public opinion and promote products, ideas, and services. • Attend and represent the Chamber and economic constituencies at conferences, trade shows, and other exhibitions, as needed. • Additional requirements for developing programs may be needed. May require business plans, strategic planning, or prior authorization from CEO. Preparing and editing organizational reports/analytics, for internal and external audiences. • Provide a monthly economic report to the CEO, to be shared to the Board of Directors, Council of Government and Board of County Commissioners. i. Economic website stats, Leads, and overall activities of the department. • Present monthly to contracted committees, specifically on campaign website statistics and applicable contract requirements. Annual reports may be requested as a contract obligation. Project and budget management skills. • Coordinate and manage economic development interns for the department. ■ Ensure chamber contracts are up to date and reviewed regularly; liabilities reviewed regularly; and approved by CEO. • Grant Writing may be required for development of department/programs. May require developing, recommending and implementing the county's Economic Development Strategy & Work Plan. • Assist and advocate for businesses and industry during permitting efforts. ■ Plan, development, submit and monitor the Economic Development department's annual budget. GOALS AND MEASURABLES: • Create industry specific relocation:packets — customize to our target industries and available on the website and via email or hardcopy in a binder to be delivered face-to-face o Actively engage 15 site selectors and/or companies — send them the relocation packets described for the industries they represent • Attend 2 trade shows or prospecting trips — identifying 5 targeted companies (suppliers or providers to local companies) and deliver the industry specific relocation packets to them at targeted trade shows • Host 6 site visits to Kittitas County from Prospective Companies — Coordinate with board committee to identify people to meet with the companies and set up tours • 35 Outreach visits to companies in key industries throughout the county — prepare detailed monthly written report on needs, opportunities, challenges, missing suppliers, or providers, and how KCCC can assist f Support 5 local expansion projects — Assist five of the companies visited with one or more of the following; permitting, incentives, site selection, funding, local/state/national connections REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 1. Knowledge of community structure and operations, organizations, policies, and ordinances that affect economic development. 2. Understanding of marketing and promotion techniques. 3. Capability to perform market analysis as it relates to the potential development of a specific site. 4. Knowledge of real estate practices, management, organization, and legal practices pertaining to real property, right- of-way, acquisition, and relocation; survey laws, land transaction methods, title records, and instruments. 5. Knowledge of economic analysis techniques related to market, feasibility, and impact studies. 6. Knowledge of grant research and preparation. 7. Ability to motivate others to gain support for new business. 8. Understanding of political environments and sensitivities and the ability to function effectively within that environment. 9. Ability to interpret pertinent legal documents, laws, and regulations. 10. Ability to cultivate and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with elected officials, advisory groups, the business community, department heads, employees, media, and general public. 11. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form to a diverse audience and to prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence. 12. Effective organization and expression of ideas through use of oral and written communications. 13. Effective presentation of information to top management, public groups, boards of directors, or governing bodies. 14. Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Experience in working with local, county, and state government agencies and elected officials. 2. Experience in public relations, including interaction with the media. 3. Ability to manage and update websites. 4. Valid Washington State Driver license and appropriate insurance at time of hire for work-related travel DESIRABLE QULIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES 1. Experience in the following professions: community development, business, finance, marketing, advertising and promotion, property management, or a related field. 2. Bachelor's degree in economic development. Urban planning, business administration, or a related discipline, or five (5) years of work experience in economic development, real estate development, property management or a similar field. The requirement may be substituted with a combination of certification through the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) program and relevant work experience on a case-by-case basis. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds 2. The employee is occasionally required to stand: walk, climb stairs. and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. WORK ENVIRONMENT • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of thisjob. • Incumbent must be available for meetings and other events atter standard work hours. • While performing the duties of this job. the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and tunes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. • While performing the duties of this job. the employee typically works in an office environment. Frequent travel. under all weather and road conditions. is required throughout the year for the purposes of Business and Industry attraction and the overall promotion of Kittitas County. • Persons in this classification must, with or without accommodation, speak and hear within nonnal ranges, communicate via telephone. and possess close vision acuity sufficient to read small print. Equal Employment Opportunity: The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer and service provider dedicated to the advocacy ofsmall businesses and does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Employee Signature Date Chief Executive Officer Date Job Tide: Associate Business Development Coordinator Status: Part Time / Hourly / Exempt Hourly Range: $15.25 — $18.50 depending on qualifications and tenure Department: Economic Development/Commercial Properties Reports to: Chief Executive Officer SUMMARY To support the Chamber's core mission of business development through the coordination of business attraction and retention related activities, and serving as a secondary point of contact in Economic Development. Provide point of contact for Chamber of Commerce Commercial tenants and managing of properties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Serve as the secondary contact for the county as Associate Economic Development (ADO). o Attend required trainings, conferences, etc. • Business Development Center (BDC) /Catalyst Liaison o Market use of space to businesses and community groups o Build and manage event/meeting calendar o Market events to the community o Work in collaboration with the BDC Committee o Prepare/organize space based on needs • Assist out -of -county businesses seeking to relocate to the county. o Meet with and assist businesses from out of the county. o Arrange sight visits; working with other economic development contacts. o Serve as "property expert" for the Chamber. Manage and update KCCC's property data base under the supervision of Chief Executive Officer. Update building and site availability on a monthly basis internally for KCCC's website and externally with state Department of Commerce. Scrub property information annually for accuracy and designated featured properties quarterly. • Track available economic development/tourism grants and opportunities: o Opportunity Zoning o .09 Funding County o Yakima County's Development Association Partnership `Enterprise Challenge" • Aid in the production of a semi-annual newsletter. This includes gathering pertinent information, drafting and formatting articles, and disseminating to the appropriate industry list. • Participate in various external and internal meetings and events that require KCCC staff support and involvement. This may include Chamber functions, CenterFuse meeting and other possible functions. • Grow membership at a rate consistent with the goals and objectives of the Chamber's budget through outreach and constant contact in order to anticipate and address the needs of current and future membership. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 1. Outgoing personality who enjoys people 2. Writing, reading, and analytical skills 3. Public relations and marketing experience 4. Some data entry skills, competence with office management software 5. Technically savvy (ability to use online resources for research) 6. Strong customer service attitude 7. Organizational skills and attention to detail PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Must be able to lifl up to 25 pounds 2. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, climb stairs, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. JOB SPECIFICATIONS 1. Advanced writing, reading, arithmetic and analytical skills required. 2. High school diploma/equivalent required. 3. Internet commiunicadon skills. 4. Strong customer service skills required in order to communicate effectively with all levels of management, business and government offices/ 5. Excellent organizational, attention to detail, follow through and problem -solving skills required. 6. Experience in planning special events/hneetings. 7. Must have reliable transportation. 8. Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM EDUCATION • Bachelor's degree with significant coursework in business administration. economics. marketing or public relations. • Relevant work experience in development authority, chamber of commerce, business development or research. WORK ENVIRONMENT • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while perforating the essential functions of this job. • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Equal Employment Opportunity: The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer and service provider dedicated to the advocacy ofsma/l businesses and does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Employee Signature Date Chief Executive Officer Date Employment Trends As of 2022Q1, total employment for Kittitas County, Washington was 16,876 (based on a four -quarter moving average). Over the year ending 2022Q1, employment increased 4.3% in the region. Employment for Kittitas County, Washington 12.5. 7.5. are n do d Z $x m T O 3 -2 s a m d n 7s, c 1012g2 201342 201442 2D1 50, 201642 201742 201641 201982 202047 201102 12S Kittitas County, Washington (4.3%) Washington (5.1%) —USA (4.7%) Empls,ment Bala are derived Irpm Ire Oudnedy Census of Employment and Wages prmitled by me Bureau of Labor Statistics and Ireputet vrbere necessary Data are updated through 202104 Mtn preliminary estimates updated to 202201. Unemployment Rate The unemployment rate for Kittitas County, Washington was 5.8% as of August 2022. The regional unemployment rate was higher than the national rate of 3.8%. One year earlier, in August 2021, the unemployment rate in Kittitas County, Washington was 6.5%. Unemployment Rate for Kittitas County, Washington 20.1) 160 Jam 7.4 Jam 14 Jan 17 !air IS .lair 19 Jan z5 Kittitas County, Washington (5.8%) -- Washington (4.1 %) —USA (3.8%) from Iry Local Aura Unarm 1, proaded by los Bureau of Laticr updated Imiduub Augus12022 t H ryrl r r �L I s 4n 00 Jam L2 Wage Trends The average worker in Kittitas County, Washington earned annual wages of $48,031 as of 2022Q1. Average annual wages per worker increased 5.7% in the region over the preceding four quarters. For comparison purposes, annual average wages were $66,637 in the nation as of 2022Q1. Average Annual Wages for Kittitas County, Washington 0 n a E A T O 3 i m an d 0 2012Q2 201302 2014Q2 2015Q2 2016Q2 2017Q2 201SQ2 2019QZ 202002 2021Q2 Kittites County, Washington (5.7%) - -Washington (7.2%)—USA (6.0%) and Wages. to 202201. lobsEQ ' 202: Eco comics All e Cost of Living Index The Cost of Living Index estimates the relative price levels for consumer goods and services. When applied to wages and salaries, the result is a measure of relative purchasing power. The cost of living is 3.1% higher in Kittitas County, Washington than the U.S. average. Cost of Living Information Kittitas County, Washington Washington USA ,ort ro= Ulu as n1202201 C.I. of ndn1 _iJI&I..,_olio.eu�'mom.Jti Cfuvme wne �n...esvq Annual Average Salary $48,031 $81,710 $66,637 Cort of LhAng index (Base USI 103.1 128.2 100.0 US Purchasing Power $46,569 $63,719 $66,637 9 Industry Snapshot The largest sector in Kittitas County, Washington is Educational Services, employing 2,535 workers. The next -largest sectors in the region are Accommodation and Food Services (2,370 workers) and Retail Trade (1,984). High location quotients (LOs) indicate sectors in which a region has high concentrations of employment compared to the national average. The sectors with the largest LQs in the region are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (LQ= 6.61), Utilities (4.40), and Educational Services (1.88). Total Workers for Kittitas County, Washington by Industry Public AdminletrA lon6.1%/ Agdsulture, Foreelry, Fishing vd Ienting8.9% 0ther SeMcea (eesept PUMic Adminislndan)3.4% / Ulllitlae2.3% Assammodauon and Food Sarvleeal4.0% �m / Candmoisrl8.4% Arte, nnertalnmenl, and Reerea0onl1 Mamdactudng3.8% HMO Can and Social AssislmtcA9.6% WIM Educational SeMcesl 5.0% / de3.5% TnnaparMlan and Wanhousing2.4% Real Estate and Rental and L,sasing2.0% Prafamlanel, SeianUrrc, and Technical Servlcea23% Adminhons8ge and suupppport and Waste Management and Remedlatlon Servlsea3.0% Emphwmemdataarederbedfromthe Quarterly Censusof Employmentand Wager,providedbythebureauoflaWIr Uxilend Impuudwherenemsury.WUareupdatedthrough2OMwwnhpmliMmry ebtenab6updah W20220]. Sectors in Kittitas County, Washington with the highest average wages per worker are Management of Companies and Enterprises ($85,102), Finance and Insurance ($80,280), and Construction ($69,099). Regional sectors with the best job growth (or most moderate job losses) over the last 5 years are Construction (+331 jobs), Educational Services (+197), and Retail Trade (+127). Over the next 1 year, employment in Kittitas County, Washington is projected to expand by 286 jobs. The fastest growing sector in the region is expected to be Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation with a +3.5% year -over -year rate of growth. The strongest forecast by number of jobs over this period is expected for Accommodation and Food Services (+70 jobs), Educational Services (+43), and Health Care and Social Assistance (+42). Source: Itttp:// wo 11 e, r I opal fconn fu All Applicant Certification Certification is hereby given that the information provided is accurate and the applicable attachments are complete and included as part of the application package. I certify that application thresholds are met at the time of application. km% h -, C1~D 10.0'7 Signature of Offfeiar Representative Date Sponsoring Agency (If Applicable) Signature of Agency Representative Typed or Printed Name Date Date Associate Economic Development Organization Notification The organization listed below has received notification of this application as demonstrated by the signature of the organization's representative. 'amxmwv Name of Organization Signature of Representative Date Kittitas County Department of Public Works Receipt of Application Signature of Kittitas County DPW Representative Typed or Printed Name Date KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DISTRESSED COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION DUE DATES FY 2023 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Application for Economic Development Office Personnel: Applicants are invited to appear at the COG meeting when the project's criteria is reviewed. APPLICATIONS DUE COG MEETING DATES 2023 Application due Date COG Applicant Presentation Meeting October 7, 2022 ....................................................October 19, 2022 COG Meeting "Funding available January 1, 2023