Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkgroup Homework Port Townsend Page 1/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Name: 2 Please use the right hand margin to indicate: 3 "U"- Update to reflect existing conditions(e.g., data is outdated, 4 policy has been implemented, changed circumstances)If 5 possible,please direct us to updated information or provide a 6 brief explanation. 7 'B"- The goal/policy creates a barrier to achieving the 4 8 fundamental goals of the Comprehensive Plan. 9 At the end of the chapter you will find a place to record"Gaps"- 10 Based upon changed circumstances and emerging trends,describe 11 new issues that you believe the Update should address? 12 13 14 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 15 INTRODUCTION 16 Economic development does not take place in isolation.It is closely linked with 17 virtually all aspects of community life, and is an essential element of a 18 sustainable community. Because of this fundamental relationship,it is wise to 19 consider what economic development is expected to accomplish. 20 The term"economic development"is not synonymous with growth.That is, 21 rapid population growth can occur without corresponding economic 22 development.While Port Townsend and Jefferson County have, as a whole, 23 experienced rapid population growth during the past 20 years,our economic 24 base has not expanded at the same level. Economic development usually means 25 the strengthening of an economy by providing more jobs and producing more 26 revenue within the community, including tax revenues for local governments. 27 Over the long term,our economy needs to be balanced and diverse enough to 28 absorb inevitable market changes and business fluctuations.A diverse economy 29 also provides a wider variety of job opportunities suited to all skill levels in the 30 work force. 31 A primary goal of the Community Direction Statement(see Chapter HI of this 32 Plan)is to provide more "family-wage"jobs.Providing better jobs and more 33 economic opportunities should improve the community's ability to guarantee 34 affordable housing to all,by raising incomes rather than having to rely on 35 cutting the quality of housing.The result of successful economic growth is to 36 strengthen the community's tax and employment base. A strengthened tax base 37 enables the community to support a higher quality of life for its residents by 38 improving public services and amenities(e.g.,police and fire protection,roads, 39 schools,libraries,parks,open space,utilities, etc.). 40 Ideally, economic development in Port Townsend should balance economic 41 vitality with stability, environmental protection,and preservation of our small 42 town atmosphere. How does this translate more specifically?The answers 43 should come from ourselves,from our own community vision. Do we want to Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 2/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 expand our economic base?If so,what kind of diversity do we want?What are 2 the natural resources or other features of our community that we can build on to 3 accomplish economic development?What would be the best jobs for our 4 residents in terms of their compatibility with our small town atmosphere? 5 The purpose of this Economic Development Element is to provide guidance for 6 maintaining, enhancing and creating economic activity within Port Townsend 7 which is consistent with the Community Direction Statement contained in 8 Chapter HI of this Plan. 9 Relationship to the Growth Management Act 10 An economic development element is not required for comprehensive plans 11 developed under the Growth Management Act(GMA).However,good growth 12 management planning should factor economic considerations. Future land uses 13 should be closely tied to a city's economic strategy. Accordingly,this 14 Comprehensive Plan must be closely linked and integrated with an economic 15 strategy to guide,promote, and attract economic development appropriate for 16 Port Townsend.Additionally,the GMA provides some direction for 17 incorporating economic development considerations into the Comprehensive 18 Plan. Among the 13 planning goals contained within the GMA,one pertains 19 specifically to economic development: "Encourage economic development 20 throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, 21 promotes economic opportunity/or all citizens of this slate, especially for 22 unemployed and disadvantaged persons,and encourages growth in areas 23 experiencing insufficient economic growth,all within the capacities of the state's 24 natural resources,public services, and public facilities."(Chapter 36.70A. 25 020(5)RCW). 26 The GMA also contains goals which apply to permits and natural resource 27 industries.These goals relate closely to a community's economic vitality: 28 "Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed 29 in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability." (Chapter 36.70A.020(7) 30 RCW). "Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries." (Chapter 31 36.70A. 020(8)RCW). 32 The Procedural Criteria for Adopting Comprehensive Plans and Development 33 Regulations(Chapter 365-195 WAC)were developed by the state to assist local 34 jurisdictions in implementing the GMA.The Procedural Criteria recommend 35 inclusion of an economic development element within the comprehensive plan. 36 The Procedural Criteria also recommend that local jurisdictions include 37 provisions addressing the procedures for processing development applications in 38 a timely,fair,and predictable manner. 39 The economic development element must also be consistent with the 40 County-Wide Planning Policy for Jefferson County, specifically. Policy 47, 41 "County-Wide Economic Development and Employment."(Chapter 36.70A.210 42 RCW). The applicable sections of that policy are summarized below: 43 The private sector should be primarily responsible for creating economic 44 opportunity in Jefferson County. The responsibility of local government is to 45 assure that economic development activities are carried out in a manner that is 46 consistent with defined community and environmental values. In order to ensure 47 such consistency,the comprehensive plan should clearly identify these values so 48 that economic opportunities will not be lost due to confusion or unreliability of 49 process. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 3/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 The comprehensive plan should give particular attention to the needs of 2 nonservice sector businesses and industries as a strategy for increasing the wage 3 earning potential within the community. 4 An economic development element should be prepared and included within 5 the City's comprehensive plan.The element should be coordinated with the 6 capital facilities,land use and utilities elements of the comprehensive plan. 7 The Port Townsend UGA should be viewed as a regional service and retail 8 center. 9 Certain industries,due to their size or type of operation,or due to their 10 dependence on the local resource base, should not be located within the 11 boundaries of the Port Townsend UGA. 12 The Port of Port Townsend's legislative authority should be used as a tool 13 to implement industry and trade strategies,including the promotion of 14 employment opportunities,the consolidation and parceling of property, and the 15 development of infrastructure to meet the needs of industry consistent with the 16 comprehensive plan and implementing regulations. 17 Summary of the Major Economic Development Issues Facing Port 18 Townsend 19 The challenge of this element is to achieve the economic development goals 20 outlined in the Community Direction Statement(see Chapter III of this Plan),in 21 a way which maintains and enhances Port Townsend's special character and 22 small town atmosphere.Major economic development issues facing Port 23 Townsend include: 24 1. What is Port Townsend's economic image? 25 2. Why is economic diversity important? 26 3. What role should the marine trades play in our economic future? 27 4. Is there enough commercial and manufacturing land designated to meet 28 the community's economic objectives? 29 5. In the future,what criteria should be used to identify commercial and 30 manufacturing lands? 31 6. What steps can local government take to add greater certainty to the land 32 use permitting process, ensuring that projects which conform to the plan will be 33 allowed? 34 7. Have sufficient capital facilities and services been provided to maintain 35 existing economic activities and attract new businesses, entrepreneurs and 36 manufacturing to the area? 37 8. What transportation network improvements are necessary to promote 38 economic activities? 39 9. What utilities will be necessary to promote and support economic 40 activities within the community? 41 10. Is the community providing the right mix of housing to support its 42 economic objectives? Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 4/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 11. How can the community find a balance between environmental quality 2 and economic growth? 3 12. How will the future urban growth area boundaries affect the economic 4 health of the City? Specifically,what role should the Glen Cove area play in the 5 City's economic future? 6 13. Does Port Townsend have a good location? 7 14. What sectors of the economy should Port Townsend target for further 8 development? Should the City try to attract new economic sectors? 9 15. How does education relate to economic development in Port Townsend? 10 16. Should the City actively seek to attract a four year college to Port 11 Townsend? 12 17. Given the relatively high number of seniors in our population,should 13 providing quality health care be an economic priority? 14 18. What role do the City's historic resources play in economic development 15 and how can these resources be managed in a manner that protects the resource, 16 while maintaining Port Townsend's quality of life and economic development 17 potential? 18 The goals,policies and implementation steps of this element will address these 19 issues and guide future economic development in Port Townsend. 20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS &POLICIES 21 The following goals,policies,and implementation strategy have their foundation 22 in the Port Townsend 2020 Report,the Community Direction Statement 23 contained in Chapter III of this Plan,and many hours of citizen workgroup 24 discussion and deliberation. 25 Economic Development-Generally 26 Goal l:To foster a balanced,diversified and sustainable local economy that 27 contributes to Port Townsend's high quality of life,through the protection and 28 enhancement of the community's natural,historical,and cultural amenities,and 29 the improvement of the financial well-being of its residents. 30 Policy 1.1. Cooperate with the Department of Commerce,Chamber of 31 Commerce,and the Main Street Project to promote economic health and 32 diversity for Port Townsend and the County as a whole. 33 Policy 1.2. Coordinate with Jefferson County,the Port of Port Townsend,the 34 Peninsula Development Authority, and the Department of Community Trade 35 and Economic Development to ensure that economic development strategies are 36 carried out consistently. 37 Policy 1.3. Ensure consistency between the economic development strategy 38 of this element and the goals and policies of the other elements of this Plan. 39 Policy 1.4. Maintain and enhance Port Townsend's natural,historical and 40 cultural amenities in order to assist in attracting new businesses,retaining 41 existing ones,and promoting economic vitality. 42 Policy 1.5. Consider public-private partnerships and/or the formation of a 43 public development authority(PDA)as a means to bolster Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 5/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 development/redevelopment that serves the residents of and visitors to Port 2 Townsend. [Ord.No.3075, §3.4,(June 18,2012)]. 3 Training&Education 4 Goal 2:To recognize the value of education as an important economic 5 development tool and to train the workforce to develop skills for new 6 technologies and family-wage jobs. 7 Policy 2.1. Seek to expand programs of Peninsula College,Magnet Career 8 Center,Western Washington University Long Distance Learning,Washington 9 State University Cooperative Extension,and attract or found new institutions 10 sufficient to provide local access to comprehensive vocational training and 11 certification programs. 12 Policy 2.2. Encourage the Port Townsend School District to attain the 13 highest standards of academic and vocational excellence to ensure that graduates 14 are well prepared for the workplace. 15 Policy 2.3. Actively work to establish a four year college or other 16 educational institution in Port Townsend: 17 2.3.1 Ensure that decisions regarding capital facilities improvements(e.g., 18 transportation network improvements)factor consideration of potential college 19 campus sites. 20 2.3.2 Consider providing tax incentives to attract a private four year college. 21 2.3.3 Communicate and coordinate with the Port Townsend School District 22 and other relevant public entities when identifying potential campus sites for 23 acquisition. 24 Marine Trades 25 Goal 3:To strengthen the marine trades economy while protecting the natural 26 environment and balancing public use of shoreline areas. 27 Policy 3.1. When revising the Port Townsend Municipal Code(PTMC)to 28 implement this Plan,maintain and enhance Port Townsend's character as a 29 working waterfront town by allowing marine-related commerce and industry in 30 specified shoreline areas. 31 Policy 3.2. Assist the Port in the development and implementation of master 32 plans for Port properties that are consistent with the Growth Management Act 33 and the Shoreline Master Program. 34 Policy 3.3. Plan and design shoreline open spaces that are compatible with 35 marine-related industrial and commercial uses of shoreline areas. 36 Policy 3.4. Promote the skill,motivation and availability of Port Townsend's 37 marine trades workforce as a regional resource of major importance to the City's 38 economic future. 39 Policy 3.5. Encourage governmental and civilian agencies to work with local 40 firms to identify and transfer technology which can increase marine trades 41 competitiveness. 42 Policy 3.6. Encourage the creation of marine trades jobs that are dependent 43 upon traditional skills,construction techniques,and materials, such as: sail and 44 canvas accessory manufacture; spar and rigging construction;marine-oriented Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 6/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 carpentry; construction of wooden boats;blacksmithing; and block-making and 2 casting. 3 3.6.1 Support educational and vocational training efforts aimed at enhancing 4 traditional marine trades skills,including mentorship and apprenticeship 5 programs. 6 3.6.2 Work with the Port of Port Townsend to promote traditional marine 7 trades enterprises on Port owned lands at both the Boat Haven and Point 8 Hudson. 9 Policy 3.7. Encourage development of a Northwest Maritime Center. [Ord. 10 No. 2670, §1.13 (December 7, 1998)]. 11 12 Diversified Manufacturing&Small Business 13 Goal 4:To support current commercial and manufacturing enterprises,and 14 encourage the formation of small businesses and the relocation to Port 15 Townsend of small scale locally managed businesses as a vital part of Port 16 Townsend's economy. 17 Policy 4.1. Assist in the identification and recruitment of new businesses 18 appropriate to Port Townsend's resources and community vision as described in 19 Chapter 01 of this Plan. 20 Policy 4.2. Encourage industries to form consortia for the purposes of joint 21 marketing,production and other operations improvement,and joint approaches 22 to regulatory compliance. 23 Policy 4.3. Attract employers who use a wide range of job skills to create 24 employment opportunities for all Port Townsend residents. 25 Policy 4.4. Encourage businesses to invest in modernization and 26 environmentally sound technology. 27 Policy 4.5. Encourage the exportation of local goods and services throughout 28 the global economy. 29 Policy 4.6. Promote the location,retention and expansion of small and 30 medium sized businesses which access their markets and suppliers through 31 telecommunications and available shipping. 32 Policy 4.7. Encourage the location or relocation of small scale clean industry 33 (e.g.,high technology and other light manufacturing,subscription fulfillment, 34 catalogue sales,consulting,etc.)which has minimal impact on environmental 35 quality. 36 Policy 4.8. Encourage the formation and expansion of cottage industries and 37 light manufacturing. 38 Policy 4.9. Encourage the development of a diversity of local businesses 39 which serve the needs of residents and visitors. 40 Community Retail 41 Goal 5:To enhance and attract small and medium sized retail businesses which 42 serve the community's needs for goods and services. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 7/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Policy 5.1. Promote development of retail uses which serve local needs and 2 diversify the selection of conveniently located goods and services. 3 Policy 5.2. Plan and provide capital improvements in the Gateway Corridor 4 to attract new businesses and entrepreneurs, enhance existing businesses, and 5 serve the retail needs of the community. 6 Policy 5.3. Promote the redevelopment efforts of Gateway Corridor land 7 owners by helping to assemble parcels and design buildings which meet the 8 retail needs of the community. 9 Policy 5.4. Work with the Economic Development Council(EDC)and local 10 retail business owners to strengthen and expand Port Townsend's retail base, 11 capitalizing on opportunities to decrease retail sales leakage to neighboring 12 communities. 13 Tourism 14 Goal 6:To maintain and enhance year round opportunities for sustainable 15 tourism in a manner which recognizes and preserves Port Townsend's unique 16 historic heritage,culture,recreational amenities,and natural setting. 17 Policy 6.1. Encourage a balanced mix of visitor serving uses to complement 18 the natural,cultural and historical amenities of Port Townsend. 19 Policy 6.2. Develop and explore Port Townsend's potential for enhanced 20 facilities,services and events that will appeal to residents and visitors year 21 round. 22 Policy 6.5. Work with a broad spectrum of the community to create 23 public-private partnerships to develop year round visitor potential. 24 Policy 6.4. Develop strategies to maximize sustainable tourism opportunities 25 to help maintain existing industries and quality of life. 26 Policy 6.5. Develop and implement a Comprehensive Cultural Tourism Plan. 27 Commercial Historic District Revitalization 28 Goal 7:To strengthen,preserve and enhance Port Townsend's Commercial 29 Historic District as an active and economically viable place to shop,conduct 30 business and government,live, and enjoy cultural events. 31 Policy 7.1. Maintain public areas and ensure a safe environment to increase 32 the use of the Commercial Historic District. 33 Policy 7.2. Maintain and enhance the pedestrian oriented character of the 34 Commercial Historic District. 35 Policy 7.3. Encourage the rehabilitation,renovation,and adaptive reuse of 36 upper floors of historic buildings(e.g.,for artist studios,permanent housing,and 37 office space)which will contribute to the vitality of the area. 38 Policy 7.4. Create gateways and entrances into the Commercial Historic 39 District through the use of enhanced plantings/street trees,and street furniture. 40 Policy 7.5. Encourage development in the Commercial Historic District that 41 harmonizes with and contributes to Port Townsend's small town atmosphere. 42 Businesses in the district should provide services,goods, entertainment,and 43 community gathering places for Port Townsend residents and visitors. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 8/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Policy 7.6. Encourage the retention of existing businesses in the Commercial 2 Historic District. 3 Policy 7.7. Ensure that Commercial Historic District public improvements 4 accomplish the following objectives: encourage pedestrian movement through 5 the district and into shops and businesses; and support,rather than overshadow 6 downtown functions. 7 Policy 7.8. In cooperation with downtown business owners and the Main 8 Street Program,develop a parking management strategy to encourage turnover 9 of customer spaces and to encourage long-term parking in areas outside the 10 Downtown 11 Commercial District(e.g. use of the Haines Street Park&Ride Lot and free 12 downtown shuttle for employee parking). 13 Policy 7.9: Work with the Main Street Program to coordinate training and 14 educational opportunities tailored for Commercial Historic District retailers 15 (e.g., customer service/host training;understanding the market; diversifying the 16 mix; and window and retail display). 17 Fort Worden Campus 18 Goal 8:To encourage appropriate(re)development,the City shall encourage the 19 implementation of the Long-range Plan for Fort Worden State Park(adopted 20 2008)as it applies to the 90-acre campus identified in the 2013 Master Lease for 21 the Fort Worden Campus by and between the State of Washington and the Fort 22 Worden Public Development Authority(FWPDA). 23 Policy 8.1: Use the Long-range Plan as the basis for establishing allowed 24 uses through zoning for the 90-acre FWPDA campus. Although a project may 25 be allowed through zoning,all non-exempt redevelopment and new projects will 26 be subject to environmental review to address traffic and other issues. 27 Policy 8.2: Recognize and support the FWPDA in undertaking,assisting 28 with,and otherwise facilitating the implementation of a Lifelong Learning 29 Center at the FWPDA campus generally envisioned in the Fort Worden 30 Long-range Plan. [Ord.No. 3119, § 6.2,(December 8,2014)]. 31 Telecommunications 32 Goal 9:To provide Port Townsend with state of the art telecommunications 33 infrastructure for business, education,public affairs and consumer uses. 34 Policy 9.1: Encourage local utilities to install telecommunications 35 infrastructure,especially high-capacity fiber optic cable. 36 Policy 9.2: Offer incentives to encourage the establishment of"tele-work" 37 stations in mixed use centers. 38 Policy 9.3: Maintain up to date information regarding the infrastructure that 39 businesses will need in the changing work place of the future. [Ord.No. 3119, § 40 6.2, (December 8,2014)]. 41 Commercial&Manufacturing Zoning 42 Goal 10:To provide an adequate amount of appropriately zoned land to support 43 commercial and manufacturing development. 44 Policy 10.1: When revising the Port Townsend Municipal Code(PTMC)to 45 implement this Plan,identify the types of commercial and manufacturing uses Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 9/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 that are consistent with community values, estimate the demand for those types 2 of uses, and scab the amount of commercial and manufacturing land available to 3 projected demand and need. 4 Policy 10.2: Cooperate with Jefferson County to ensure that high intensity 5 commercial and nonresource-related industrial activities are concentrated within 6 urban growth areas(UGAs)where adequate public facilities and services exist, 7 or will be provided at the time of development. 8 Policy 10.3: Consistent with county-wide planning policy 47.4,establish, 9 through an Inter-local Agreement with Jefferson County, a process for 10 reviewing applications and siting criteria for Major Industrial Developments 11 (MID)as defined by RCW 36.70A.365. 12 Policy 10.4: Expand existing commercial and manufacturing zones only after 13 assessing and mitigating adverse environmental impacts. 14 Policy 10.5: Encourage the infill of existing commercial and manufacturing 15 zones before considering the expansion or creation of new zones. 16 Policy 10.6: Provide effective separation of conflicting land uses through 17 buffering, setbacks,zone uses allowed, and transition zones. 18 Policy 10.7: Achieve a greater balance between housing and employment 19 opportunities. 20 Policy 10.8: Assure that implementing regulations permit cottage industries 21 within residential areas,consistent with the character of the surrounding 22 neighborhood. 23 Policy 10.9: Promote development of planned office,business and industrial 24 parks,while conserving unique physical features of the land and maintaining 25 compatibility with other land uses in the surrounding area. 26 Policy 10.10: Encourage neighborhood mixed use centers where small scale 27 commercial development(e.g.,professional services offices,restaurants,or 28 retail stores)may occur in residential neighborhoods,consistent with the goals 29 and policies of the Land Use Element of this Plan. [Ord.No.3119, § 6.2, 30 (December 8,2014); Ord.No.2825, §3.3,(January 6,2003); Ord.No.2783, § 31 2.1, (November 19,2001)]. 32 Public Facilities&Services 33 Goal 11:To provide adequate public facilities and responsive and efficient 34 public services,in order to attract and support commercial and manufacturing 35 development. 36 Policy 11.1: Update infrastructure plans and regulations on a regular basis. 37 Policy 11.2: In cooperation with business interests,work to make available 38 necessary infrastructure funding. [Ord.No. 3119, § 6.2,(December 8,2014)]. 39 Permit Processing/Regulatory Reform 40 Goal 12:To ensure responsive and efficient permit processing. 41 Policy 12.1: Develop and maintain implementing regulations which ensure 42 that development applications are processed in a timely,fair,and predictable 43 manner. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 10/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Policy 12.2: Establish and maintain a master use permit or consolidated 2 permit process that allows an applicant to apply for all needed approvals at once, 3 and for the simultaneous processing of all aspects of project approval. 4 Policy 12.3: Design and implement a permit processing system that 5 coordinates the efforts of overlapping jurisdictions(i.e., federal, state,local)in 6 order to avoid duplicative reviews and unnecessary time delays. 7 Policy 12.4: Develop and maintain a permit data management system that is 8 coordinated with other City departments and Jefferson County(i.e., Assessor's 9 Office). 10 Policy 12.5: Maintain license and permit fees and processes which give 11 preferential rates and expedited processing to activities furthering the goals of 12 this Plan. 13 Policy 12.6: Balance the need to process permits in a timely fashion,while at 14 the same time ensuring that regulations intended to protect and enhance the 15 natural environment are regularly revised and systematically enforced. [Ord.No. 16 3119, § 6.2,(December 8,2014)]. 17 18 AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR PORT 19 TOWNSEND 20 The Strategy 21 Introduction 22 Traditionally,local governments have played a significant,though limited role 23 in shaping how local economies perform.Regional,national and global 24 economies have had a much greater impact on the local economy than economic 25 development plans and policies adopted by local jurisdictions. When local 26 government has been involved, its leadership in promoting economic 27 development has usually been limited to several key areas,including: 28 Land use(i.e.,zoning development standards,permit processing); 29 Public facility and infrastructure investments(e.g.,utilities,transportation 30 improvements,public safety,parks,visitor amenities,etc.); and 31 Marketing cooperation and coordination with other entities(e.g.,Jefferson 32 County,Port of Port Townsend, Chamber of Commerce,Economic 33 Development Council(EDC),citizens and property owners,businesses, etc.). 34 Like these earlier efforts,the City's economic development strategy' also 35 focusses on these key areas: 36 Policies have been incorporated which ensure that Port Townsend will have 37 an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land to support future commercial 38 and manufacturing development. 39 Direction has been included which will help to guide the City in 40 streamlining its permit processing system to provide more timely,fair and 41 predictable permit processing. When implemented,these measures will help to 42 ensure that the City will not miss opportunities for economic development due 43 to delay or uncertainty of process. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 11/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Additionally,policies have been included which will help to ensure that 2 appropriate public services and facilities are in place to attract and support 3 economic development. 4 Finally,policies have been included which foster cooperation and 5 coordination with entities ranging from the Port of Port Townsend,Jefferson 6 County and the EDC,to the State Department of Community Trade and 7 Economic Development.These provisions ensure that government agencies and 8 other entities will work together to develop and implement consistent strategies 9 which promote the economic health and diversity of the area. 10 In addition to emphasizing these traditional components of an economic 11 development strategy,the City's approach seeks to clearly articulate a course of 12 action which will help to improve the job skills available in the workforce, 13 bolster several sectors of our local economy, and improve our 14 telecommunications infrastructure.The strategy seeks to maximize our potential 15 for future economic growth in a manner which is consistent with community and 16 environmental values.Major areas of emphasis within the strategy include: 17 Training/Education; 18 Marine Trades; 19 Diversified Manufacturing and Small Business(e.g., small scale "clean" 20 industry); 21 Tourism(which capitalizes on opportunities for year round cultural and 22 educational visitation); 23 Retail Trades(including a Commercial Historic District revitalization 24 component);and 25 Telecommunications Infrastructure. 26 The key ingredients of the strategy are discussed in more detail below. 27 [Note: The City Council acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Citizen 28 Workgroup and the Planning Commission in prioritizing these implementation 29 steps.Nevertheless,the Council believes that priorities for these steps should be 30 established during the 1997 Budget process in light of the City's limited 31 financial and staff resources.] 32 Training/Education 33 Building and diversifying our economic base must begin with support for the 34 survival and expansion of local small business. It is as important to prevent 35 businesses from going out of business as it is to attract new businesses. The new 36 cannot replace what has been the backbone of our economy,but it can enhance 37 our economic base. How can we retain existing business and industry while 38 setting the stage for sustainable future growth?The unifying principle of the 39 strategy lies in improving the skills available in our labor force. 40 Port Townsend possesses many highly educated individuals.Nevertheless,many 41 possess job skills which are not directly relevant to the economic sectors we 42 wish to encourage.To address this situation,the strategy envisions a three step 43 scheme for improving workforce skills. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 12/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 The first step involves maintaining and expanding the capacity to provide rapid 2 turn around training for workers.This should be accomplished by obtaining 3 additional funding for the Economic Development Council(EDC)or the 4 Jefferson Education Foundation to revitalize the Magnet Center or launch 5 similar training facilities.The mission of the Magnet Center should be specific: 6 to provide short course vocational and certification training programs to enhance 7 competence of employees in the marine trades and retail sales sectors. 8 The second step requires working with Peninsula Community College to 9 develop a local engineering/manufacturing capability. To facilitate this,the 10 City,through a citizen advisory committee, should work with Peninsula College 11 to identify curricula and degree programs which promote Port Townsend's 12 economic vision.Examples of possible degree programs include two year 13 Associate's Degrees in engineering and natural resource management. 14 The final step involves City purchase and lease of suitable land(e.g., 15 Department of Natural Resources land adjacent to the City limits)for a 16 training/education campus. For example the EDC,under contract with the City, 17 would lease sites for a diversity of entities and institutions such as the Magnet 18 Center,Peninsula College,Western Washington University Long Distance 19 Learning,and Washington State University Cooperative Extension.In time,the 20 campus might also serve as the location for technologically sophisticated and 21 environmentally friendly incubator industries,and could grow into a 22 Washington branch campus or an independent four year college. 23 Implementation: 24 1. Promote vocational training and educational opportunities which 25 strengthen and increase the skills available in the workforce. 26 2. Involve the Port Townsend School District in key discussions(e.g.,a 27 "manufacturer's roundtable",discussed below)which relate to the economic 28 development of the City in order to facilitate a better understanding of the skills 29 needed in the local job market. 30 3. Obtain immediate funding for the Jefferson Education Foundation or the 31 EDC to continue the Magnet Center. 32 4. Work with Peninsula College to develop a local 33 engineering/manufacturing capability:Provide direction to Peninsula College 34 regarding what programs would facilitate the community's vision(e.g., 35 Associate's Degrees in engineering and natural resource management). 36 5. Work with the Department of Natural Resources to purchase and lease 37 land suitable for a technical training/education campus(note: a diversity of 38 institutions such as the Magnet Center,Peninsula College and Washington Long 39 Distance Learning could establish facilities on campus). 40 6. In conjunction with the establishment of a technical training/education 41 center, examine the feasibility of attracting an on campus research station to Port 42 Townsend. 43 7. Facilitate a formal process involving all Jefferson County School Districts, 44 EDC,Chamber,Main Street.Washington State University Cooperative 45 Extension,Western Washington University,Peninsula College, and the 46 University of Washington to determine what opportunities and obstacles exist to 47 attracting a quality four year college to Port Townsend. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 13/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 8. Enlist the EDC to work with the Education Foundation in recruiting a four 2 year educational institution to Port Townsend. 3 9. Under the Mayor of Port Townsend's signature, send letters to the Deans 4 of Instruction of all four year public and private colleges and universities in 5 Washington State apprising them of Port Townsend's desire to attract a four year 6 institution of higher education within the next 9 years. 7 10. Sponsor a twice yearly Mayor's Workshop on"Future Prospects for 8 Higher Education in Port Townsend"designed to attract Deans of Instruction to 9 town and maintain an ongoing dialogue with candidate institutions. 10 11. Designate a member of the Building and Community Development 11 Department as the City's official"Education Liaison"for the college recruitment 12 effort. 13 12. Develop and maintain updated college recruitment information to provide 14 to candidate institutions and the local news media. 15 13. Work with Main Street,the Chamber of Commerce,EDC and other local 16 entities to ensure that informational and recruitment publications emphasize Port 17 Townsend as the"City that supports culture and education on the Olympic 18 Peninsula." 19 14. Research,identify, and offer appropriate incentives for businesses that 20 provide "in-house"training and education to bolster employee skills. 21 Marine Trades 22 The Community Direction Statement of this Plan(see Chapter III)describes the 23 community we wish Port Townsend to become in the next 20 years.The 24 statement makes clear that marine-related commerce and industry and 25 maintenance of the "working waterfront"character of the City are central to the 26 community's vision. 27 The potential for expansion of the marine trades sector of our local economy is 28 considerable.The largest obstacles to growth of this industrial sector include: a 29 lack of appropriately located and zoned vacant land; and a lack of Port 30 infrastructure to service larger and increased numbers of boats. As long ago as 31 1985,the Economic Development Council's(EDC)economic development 32 strategy indicated that added moorage,water side work space,large capacity 33 lifts and haulout facilities and port area improvements were necessary to allow 34 expansion. Completion of the 200 ton enhanced haul-out facility will go a long 35 way towards alleviating existing infrastructure needs. 36 The City should play a key role in encouraging the marine trades economy. One 37 important step the City should take is to plan and zone to promote 38 marine-related commerce and industry in specific shoreline areas.Equally 39 important is the City's role in cooperating with the Port to develop and 40 implement master plans for Port properties which are consistent and coordinated 41 with City plans and programs. Finally,the City should take a leadership role in 42 promoting the skills available in Port Townsend's marine trades workforce. 43 Implementation: Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 14/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 1. Work with the Port of Port Townsend to develop the infrastructure(e.g., 2 the enhanced haul-out facility)necessary to facilitate the growth of the marine 3 trades economy. 4 2. Work with the Port of Port Townsend in exploring options to ensure 5 alternative transient moorage facilities. 6 3. Work with the Port of Port Townsend to obtain"pass through"grant 7 funding to finance stormwater management planning and facility improvements 8 on Port owned lands. 9 4. Encourage and assist the Port in developing a master plan for the Boat 10 Haven properties. 11 5. Assist the Port in the development and implementation of master plans for 12 Port properties that are consistent with the Growth Management Act and the 13 Shoreline Master Program. [Ord.No. 2945, § 1.6,(April 16,2007)]. 14 6. Enhance the Magnet Career Center's efforts to provide vocational training 15 which expands the skills available in the marine trades workforce. 16 7. Encourage the Port to work with the Indian Island Naval Detachment to 17 organize and establish a yearly marine "trades show"which borrows upon the 18 technical expertise of the federal government to build and enhance the job skills 19 available in the marine trades workforce. 20 8. Cooperate with the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to organize 21 and promote seminars,workshops and trade exhibitions designed to attract wide 22 attendance while showcasing Port Townsend's quality marine trades industry. 23 Diversified Manufacturing& Small Business 24 The economic development strategy envisions Port Townsend as the center of 25 eastern Jefferson County's economy and employment,with a diversity of 26 commercial and industrial activities thriving and providing employment 27 opportunities for residents.The strategy also envisions that cottage based 28 industries and low impact light manufacturing will have a strong presence in the 29 community. 30 Small manufacturers and emerging technologies deserve special attention in the 31 City's strategy for two principle reasons.First, small manufacturers are able to 32 more rapidly respond to changes in the market place. Economic diversity can be 33 strengthened if we have a variety of small companies doing different things, 34 rather than one large company doing one thing. Second, small scale diversified 35 manufacturing has a tremendous potential to generate additional employment 36 opportunities(note: statistics indicate that for every one manufacturing job 37 created,five more jobs are created in support services and other manufacturing). 38 For these reasons,the City's strategy seeks to assist in the identification and 39 recruitment of small scale "clean"industry and cottage based industries which 40 are appropriate to Port Townsend's resources and vision.The 41 strategy also describes the City's role as "facilitator"in encouraging industries to 42 pursue joint marketing opportunities which could lead to exportation of local 43 goods and services throughout the global economy. 44 Implementation: Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 15/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 1. Designate and zone a sufficient amount of land to support small scale 2 "clean"manufacturing. 3 2. Ensure that the 6 year Capital Facilities Plan targets areas designated for 4 small scale "clean"manufacturing for necessary infra structure improvements. 5 3. Research,identify and offer development incentives for new businesses 6 and business expansions which are appropriate to Port Townsend's resources and 7 vision. 8 4. Establish a"quick response"team comprised of key officials and staff 9 members who are available to meet with,and provide guidance to,prospective 10 business developers. 11 5. Contract with the Economic Development Council(EDC)to develop and 12 make available to prospective businesses vital economic development 13 information regarding the City,including,but not limited to;economic base; 14 capital infrastructure; City permitting processes; and specific sectors desired by 15 the City. 16 6. Organize and facilitate a manufacturer's roundtable to identify and pursue 17 joint marketing opportunities,and to examine the possibilities for increased 18 foreign trade. 19 7. Review, and if necessary, amend existing zoning regulations to allow 20 compatible home based businesses and cottage industries in residential areas. 21 8. Develop a listing of all available sources of funding for economic 22 development efforts. 23 Community Retail 24 The City's economic development strategy recognizes the fact that service 25 industries,including retailing,are the fastest growing sector of the U.S. 26 economy. In Jefferson County, about 26%of all jobs are in either the wholesale 27 or retail trades.While these jobs may not have a"spin off' effects that 28 manufacturing jobs have,they nevertheless provide many meaningful 29 employment opportunities,fulfill community shopping needs,and boost local 30 government revenues. 31 The Community Direction Statement(see Chapter HI of this Plan)and the City's 32 economic development strategy both recognize the importance of retail trades to 33 our local economy and quality of life. The community vision places special 34 emphasis on building the strength and vitality of existing businesses, and 35 minimizing retail sales leakage to neighboring jurisdictions. 36 One significant role local government can play in promoting community retail 37 trades lies in providing and maintaining public infrastructure and improvements 38 in commercial districts throughout town.In this regard,the City's strategy 39 should place special emphasis on implementation of the recommendations of the 40 Port Townsend Gateway Development Plan.This Plan is in reality a 41 comprehensive public improvements plan which could aid in improving the 42 quality of the physical link between public and private spaces in the commercial 43 districts along the Sims Way/Water Street corridor from the Ferry Terminal to 44 the City limits. 45 Implementation: Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 16/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 1. Carry out the capital improvements recommendations contained in the 2 Port Townsend Gateway Development Plan. 3 2. In conjunction with the EDC,study local market conditions,identify areas 4 for additional retail opportunities,and work with business owners and 5 entrepreneurs to create strategies that build on those opportunities. 6 3. Help existing businesses find better ways to meet their customer's needs 7 and expand to meet market opportunities. 8 Tourism 9 The City's strategy focusses on managing and integrating tourism into the 10 economy while safeguarding the unique qualities which bring residents and 11 visitors to Port Townsend in the first place. 12 Many residents feel that peak season tourist volumes in Port Townsend are at or 13 near the saturation point. Additionally, surveys indicate that preservation of the 14 heritage,culture and environment of Port Townsend is critical to the 15 community. Accordingly,the focus of the strategy is maintaining and enhancing 16 sustainable year round opportunities for visitation.Reducing the "seasonality"of 17 the tourist industry could reduce the fluctuation in income, employment and tax 18 revenues in the retail and service sectors. Additionally,reducing seasonality 19 could diminish impacts to the environment,downtown parking demands,and 20 overall conflicts between residents and visitors. 21 Implementation: 22 1. Provide adequate funding to the Tourism Advisory Group to promote 23 off-season cultural and educational visitation to Port Townsend. 24 2. Enlist the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce,Main Street and 25 Economic Development Council(EDC)in researching and identifying small 26 businesses,organizations and associations which hold off- season educational 27 meetings and corporate retreats. 28 3. Examine the feasibility of establishing and funding a maritime museum. 29 4. Contract with the Main Street Program or the Chamber of Commerce to 30 provide ongoing customer service training for retail and service sector 31 businesses. 32 5. Obtain adequate funding for the Visitor Information Center. 33 6. Assist the Main Street Program and the Chamber of Commerce in 34 developing a targeted marketing program which clearly defines the tourist 35 market,establishes strategies for reaching target markets,and communicates 36 when and how best to come for maximum enjoyment of the area. 37 7. Improve and expand signage,both directional and interpretive,throughout 38 the City. 39 8. Work with the Main Street Program,the Chamber of Commerce and the 40 EDC to develop a mechanism for the collection and continuous maintenance of 41 target market information. 42 Commercial Historic District Revitalitation Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 17/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Port Townsend's plan for revitalization of the Commercial Historic District 2 identifies three important areas of involvement for City government. 3 First,the City's plan should ensure the provision and maintenance of appropriate 4 public improvements in the Commercial Historic District.The quality of the 5 physical link between public and private spaces is crucial to the proper 6 functioning of the Commercial Historic District-and its businesses.Public 7 improvements should help create an inviting environment for shoppers,with 8 clearly marked streets,convenient shopping places,well-lit sidewalks and good 9 pathways between parking areas and stores.Public improvements should 10 provide basic infrastructure and services in a manner that is visually compatible 11 with the nature of the functions they support.In order to implement the 12 Commercial Historic District revitalization policies of this element,the City 13 should develop a comprehensive public improvements program which is tailored 14 to the specific needs of the district while reinforcing private projects. 15 Second,the City's plan should provide adequate parking and parking 16 management to meet the needs of customers,merchants,employees,visitors and 17 residents.It should be regulated to encourage turnover of customer spaces and to 18 discourage abuse by long-term parkers.In order to ensure well designed, 19 maintained and managed parking in the Commercial Historic District,the City 20 should develop a parking management strategy. The parking management 21 strategy should take into account not only the numbers and locations of parking 22 spaces,but also methods of enforcement-the incentives and disincentives that 23 can be used to encourage parking in certain areas. 24 Finally,the City should provide assistance to the Main Street Program in 25 strengthening the Commercial Historic District's existing economic base and 26 gradually expanding it.The City,in conjunction with the Main Street Program, 27 should work to enhance diverse resident and visitor-based commercial activities 28 and community events in the downtown. 29 Implementation: 30 1. In cooperation with the Main Street Program and merchants,develop a 31 comprehensive public improvements program for the Commercial Historic 32 District which is tailored to the specific needs of the area while reinforcing 33 private projects. The program should: 34 a. Help to develop public/private partnerships to improve the pedestrian 35 environment: 36 b. Promote the use of pedestrian visible signage in the Commercial Historic 37 District;and 38 c. Ensure that Commercial Historic District public improvements are 39 adequately maintained in order to create a pleasant environment. 40 2. In cooperation with the Main Street Program and merchants,develop a 41 Commercial Historic District parking management strategy. In developing the 42 program the City should: 43 a. Examine incentive based programs,coupled with education,to reverse 44 resistance to using more remote parking areas; and 45 b. Consider a variety of parking control alternatives,including:parking 46 meters;chalking tires; cash boxes; and parking permits. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 18/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 3. In conjunction with the Main Street Program,the City should work to 2 strengthen the Commercial Historic District's existing economic base and 3 gradually expand it.Activities which should be pursued through the Main Street 4 Program include: 5 a. Studying local market conditions,identifying areas of opportunity and 6 designating strategies to build on those opportunities; 7 b. Helping existing businesses find better ways to meet their customer's 8 needs and expand to meet market opportunities; 9 c. Recruit new businesses to complement the district's retail and service mix 10 and boost overall market effectiveness; 11 d. Find new or better uses for under-used or vacant downtown buildings; and 12 e. Seminars and short courses offered to merchants regarding:customer 13 service/host training;understanding the market;diversifying the mix; and 14 window and retail display. 15 4. Coordinate with the Main Street Program to maintain an organizational 16 structure which is efficient and effective in promoting the Commercial Historic 17 District. Activities which should be pursued through the Main Street Program 18 include: 19 a. Promoting events which enliven the Commercial Historic District; and 20 b. Maintaining an ongoing planning and action program involving the 21 business community of the Commercial Historic District. [Ord.No.2825, § 3.3, 22 (January 6,2003)]. 23 Telecommunications 24 The City's strategy pays special attention to upgrading telecommunications 25 infrastructure to promote home based personal and professional service 26 businesses. The City,in cooperation with the Economic Development Council 27 (EDC)should play an important role in researching and identifying aspects of 28 the City's infrastructure which must be upgraded in order to make our 29 community"tele-friendly"for the many"footloose"businesses moving to our 30 area.It is anticipated that implementation of this strategy will result in the 31 installation of high capacity fiber optic cable in our area,and the establishment 32 of"tele-work" stations complete with FAX machines,copiers, and computers in 33 Port Townsend's mixed use centers. One day,we might think of such stations 34 the same way we think of bus stops today! 35 Implementation: 36 1. Task the EDC to research and prepare periodic reports identifying those 37 aspects of the City's telecommunications infrastructure which require 38 improvement in order to facilitate economic development. 39 2. Contact telecommunications utility providers in an effort to "fast track"the 40 provision of high capacity fiber optic cable to the Port Townsend area. 41 3. Complete renegotiation of the City's current cable franchise. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 19/20 VIII.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 1 Measuring Our Success 2 Without concrete targets it is difficult to monitor the success of an economic 3 development strategy once implemented.The overall goal of the strategy is to 4 foster a net increase of at least 680 "family-wage"jobs within five years of 5 adoption of the Comprehensive Plan,and 2,700"family-wage"jobs by the end 6 of the 20 year planning horizon. "Family wage"jobs can be described as those 7 which pay a wage or salary which allows 8 an individual or family to purchase a home within Port Townsend,feed and 9 clothe a family,pay for medical care,take a vacation,save for retirement,and 10 send the kids to college(hopefully here in Port Townsend!).This target assumes 11 that the Port Townsend Paper Mill does not close, and that Admiral Marine 12 Works does not choose to consolidate its operations in Port Angeles. 13 To meet these employment targets,a healthy business climate needs to be 14 nurtured in Port Townsend.This can be done by building on Port Townsend's 15 economic development potentials,and overcoming its constraints.Positive 16 momentum must be started.The community must see the possibilities,believe 17 that the strategy is possible, and believe that the approach will enhance the 18 viability and character of the community. Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014. Port Townsend Page 20/20 IV.LAND USE ELEMENT GAPS: Given changed circumstances and emerging trends are there new issues that the Update should address? If so, would the change result in R New or changed regulatory provisions within the City's Code? I. Specific capital facilities investments? L -A defined leadership role for the City that is aligned with available resources? 0 Other tangible outcomes-please explain No. , issue Outcome (> JT/L/(dither),, Current through Ordinance 3119,passed December 8,2014.