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Posts for Economic Development

A Peek Behind the Pitch: Washington Local Governments Prepare for the World Cup™

February 9, 2026  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Tourism ,  Inclusive Communities ,  World Cup 2026 ,  Special Events ,  Economic Development

As summer approaches, communities across the state are working hard to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is an opportunity to showcase local spirit and culture, bring resources to businesses, strengthen community ties, and invest in public infrastructure. 

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From Vacant to Vibrant: Transforming Empty Downtown Storefronts

June 4, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Downtown Revitalization Series ,  Economic Development

Local governments looking to transform empty downtowns can employ a variety of approaches to revitalize these areas, including allowing vacant storefronts to be used for alternative purposes, like art displays, small scale manufacturing, or pop-up commercial installations.

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Hands are protecting a logo

Protecting Your Local Brand: Federal, State, and Local Strategies

March 20, 2023  by  Michael Incorvaia
Category:  Guest Author ,  Tourism ,  Economic Development

Local governments wishing to trademark a logo or seal may find an uphill battle in getting federal protection, but other options exist for protecting local brands.

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Revisiting C-PACER Two Years Later (Part 2)

May 5, 2022  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Economic Development

In 2020, Washington counties were offered the chance to adopt a C-PACER program that would encourage capital improvements for commercial properties in order to increase water and energy efficiency. This blog follows up on program implementation two years later.

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Six Suggested Actions for Planners during the Extended COVID-19 Pandemic

January 28, 2021  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Land Use Administration ,  Economic Development

This blog suggests some action items planners can undertake during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage commerce, promote recreational opportunities, and streamline the planning process. 

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COVID-19 Pandemic Makes Economic Development More Important Than Ever

November 19, 2020  by  Steve Butler
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Economic Development

This blog looks at what activities local governments can undertake to assist local businesses. 

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New Economic Development Tool Promotes Clean Energy, Resilience Improvements (Part 1)

November 2, 2020  by  Steve Gross
Category:  Economic Development

This blog summarizes the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) program, which offers resources for qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements for buildings.

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Promising Practices for Washington Local Governments: October 2020

October 29, 2020  by  Byron Katsuyama
Category:  Law Enforcement ,  Economic Development

This post highlights promising practices in revitalizing downtown cores, reimagining the functions of law enforcement, and paperless approval processes.

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Encouraging Small-Scale Manufacturing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

September 25, 2020  by  Steve Butler
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Economic Development

This blog post looks at small-scale manufacturing, its role in a strong local economy, and how local governments can encourage the growth of these critical businesses. 

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Now Is the Time to Look at Opportunity Zones

March 6, 2019  by  Sam Alcorn
Category:  Guest Author ,  Economic Development

This post describes Opportunity Zones, how the zones work, what municipalities are doing to attract investment, and how to make sure investment is in the community’s best interest.

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A New Economic Development Strategy for Clallam County

September 11, 2015  by  Jim McEntire
Category:  Guest Author ,  Economic Development

A Clallam County commissioner writes about how the county and other local governments can work with the private sector to encourage economic development.

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