Q1) Can you briefly describe the purpose of the Economic Development District (EDD)?
A1) The North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) is a federally designated economic development district, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving the NCW region covering Okanogan, Douglas, and Chelan counties and the Colville Confederated Tribes.
The NCWEDD is responsible for regional economic development strategy and planning and collaborates with various private and public agencies to accomplish this goal. The NCWEDD brings together the private and public sectors in a partnership necessary to provide a coordinated strategy and an ongoing economic development program for the region.
Our mission: “To foster an innovative and resilient economy for North Central Washington’s Businesses, Workers, and Families.”
Q2) The EDD has established a priority projects ranking. Can you tell us about the process?
A2) The NCWEDD has a Priority Projects Committee representing Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties, and the Colville Confederated Tribes. The committee ranks the projects based on a number of established criteria, including measurable regional economic benefits, quantifiable community benefits, fully developed plan and strategy, alignment with NCWEDD goals and objectives, and local and regional support. Regional prioritization can result in different project emphases than those established on the county or municipal levels. The top projects will become part of the NCWEDD work plan, including researching, applying for, and administering grants. Comparable support for other ranked projects will be integrated into the NCWEDD work plan as resources permit.
Have the top rankings changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The NCWEDD Board is currently discussing the idea of opening a COVID-19 Priority Projects Ranking to assist communities with potential CARES ACT funding to recover from this unforeseen pandemic.
Q3) Like many organizations, the EDD undoubtedly has a short list of performance metrics. Can you tell us a bit about them?
A3) The NCWEDD works from what is known as the “Guiding Principles.” Guiding Principles establish a broader framework for the EDD vision and mission statements. They identify a set of values critical to the success of achieving our vision. Though each of these principles stands alone in reflecting our committee’s values, it is recognized that some may either complement or conflict with others. The ideal projects will balance competing principles when possible.
- We recognize the importance of maintaining rural lifestyles and enhancing the quality of life.
- We value the preservation of unique and significant natural and cultural resources and respect diverse cultures.
- We encourage the participation of all citizens and consensus-based planning and recognize that success requires a long-term commitment.
- We value the importance of understanding our regional economy and using that to shape the future.
- We believe partnerships expand opportunities.
- We encourage sustainable economic development, believing that the integration of community, economy, and environment is key to success
- We play a leadership role in regional economic development in the region.
- We believe in building on our strengths, supporting the maintenance and preservation of existing business and infrastructure.
Q4) For board and staff, which of the Chelan Douglas Trends measures are the most meaningful to the EDD, at least for the two “southern” counties?
A4) While I cannot speak on behalf of the entire board on what Trend measures are most meaningful to the EDD Board, I will say that all 130+ indicators on the Chelan Douglas Trends site are significant to the NCWEDD.
As staff tracks the economic progress of the region, the two measures that stand out as the most meaningful are the unemployment rate followed by housing affordability. These two indicators help the staff decide on projects and partnerships that will do the most good for the economic resilience of North Central Washington.
Q5) The Trends project is based on the notion that better decision-making will follow if data are presented in an objective, easily digestible manner. In your time with the EDD, have you observed more discussions and decisions based on sound data?
A5) Stepping into the Director role two weeks before the Stay Home, Stay Safe Mandate has limited my ability to have discussions, and as such many of my conversations have been on ZOOM calls with a focus on economic recovery. However, we have several partners who have stated that the data available from the Chelan-Douglas TRENDS site has been beneficial in obtaining CARES ACT funding and forecasting the vitality of our region during these unforeseen times.