EVERETT, Snohomish County—Today, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced the launch of an Economic Development Initiative. The initiative will target nine sectors: 1) Trade and Business Development; 2) Aerospace; 3) Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forest Products; 4) Technology; 5) Military and Defense; 6) Recreation and Tourism; 7) Energy and Sustainability; 8) Arts, Culture and Film; 9) Education, Life Sciences, and Global Health. In addition, one important cross-industry and multi-sector priority is manufacturing, since this is an area of particular promise for Snohomish County. The economic development initiative will allow for greater targeted emphasis and give private and public entities a single point of contact within Snohomish County.

“One of our fundamental priorities must be helping to create jobs and boost our local economy. Snohomish County is projected to grow by 200,000 people over the next 20 years, and we need to have enough jobs to sustain that level of population growth,” said Executive Somers. “By working hard within key sectors and highlighting the relative strengths of Snohomish County, we will have a much greater chance to capture opportunities and expand our economic base.”

The Economic Development Initiative grows our region by focusing on:

• Facilitating public private partnerships
• Promoting economic opportunities
• Meeting industry needs

Each of the targeted sectors has either a history of success in Snohomish County or is an area of opportunity. In addition, Snohomish County will be working closely with partners to leverage all possible resources.

“It’s exciting to see Snohomish County make this investment in the future of their community and our state,” said Washington’s Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Our sector-based strategy focuses on our competitive strengths in key industries such as aerospace, agriculture and technology to bolster our entire economy. I’m eager to work with Executive Somers and his team to help Washington win more new business opportunities and jobs.”

“Snohomish County will lead the region in economic development, and by launching our sector initiative, we can ensure the best possible economic health and stability for our community,” said Executive Somers.
You can find more details about the Snohomish County Economic Development Initiative here.