PSRC Seeking Public Comment on the Draft Regional Economic Strategy

Contact: Jason Thibedeau, 206-389-2879, jthibedeau@psrc.org
 
Puget Sound Regional Council Releases Draft Regional Economic Strategy for Public Comment

SEATTLE— The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking public comment on the draft Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The public comment period will run from October 2 to 31, 2026.

PSRC, through the work of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District Board, is responsible for developing the RES every five years, which serves as the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region, meeting requirements of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). 

The RES builds off other planning efforts to provide a roadmap for strengthening economic growth in the central Puget Sound region, identifying key challenges, emerging opportunities and priorities for long-term development. Approval of the RES provides access to EDA funding programs for eligible organizations in the region and is needed for the region’s Economic Development District to retain its designation.

The central Puget Sound region was one of the fastest growing job markets in the country leading up to the pandemic. But with ongoing recovery efforts, job growth has been stagnant for the past three years. The draft RES identifies four goals that aim to grow the region’s key industries and strengthen its economic foundations:

  • Strengthen global competitiveness to ensure the region remains a leader in international trade, innovation and emerging technologies.
  • Expand economic opportunity across the region to ensure that individuals and communities have the tools, resources and access to participate fully in the economy.
  • Foster a strong business climate that supports the regional economy by encouraging business growth and expansion.
  • Support a high quality of life for regional residents, businesses and visitors.

Twenty-seven strategies have been identified to support these goals and provide a framework for alignment of economic development strategies and efforts across the region. Implementation of the RES is accomplished by many regional partners and is designed to be flexible over the five-year period as new initiatives and actions are identified. 

During the process to develop the RES, PSRC partnered with Challenge Seattle to develop Keeping Puget Sound Strong: A Regional Plan for Jobs and Opportunity, which was released in September. The Challenge Seattle plan includes a set of practical recommendations to strengthen the region’s ability to retain employers, attract investment and create jobs. Alongside this plan, Challenge Seattle launched the Partnership for a Competitive Puget Sound, a new regional effort to strengthen job creation, innovation and economic opportunity across the region. Implementation of the Challenge Seattle plan through the newly formed Partnership will work to advance the goals and strategies in the RES.

How to make a comment:

Written comments on the Regional Economic Strategy received will become a part of the public record and be presented to the board prior to adoption. Find the strategy and related information on PSRC's website or from the Information Center at info@psrc.org. The board is scheduled to adopt the strategy in December.

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