ICG Advances Economic Development Framework with Focus on Housing, Infrastructure and Shared Vision

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — The Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) held a special meeting on Thursday, June 18, to continue developing a framework for economic development in Jefferson County. The meeting, facilitated by Karen Affeld and Angela Glore from the North Olympic Development Council (NODC), brought together elected officials and staff from Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, the Port of Port Townsend and the Jefferson County PUD.  

From 13 ideas to four priorities

The ICG has been working since February to refine its focus, moving from an initial 13 broad topics to a prioritized set of four key areas: funding, housing, infrastructure and shared vision. But several members pushed to add a fifth pillar: job creation and workforce development.

Affeld noted that housing alone doesn't sustain an economy; job creation must accompany it. County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour agreed, "We will never have affordable housing until we have jobs that pay living wages."

The group also debated whether "shared vision" should apply narrowly to the ICG's collaborative work or broadly to the entire county's economic future. County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette suggested the ICG start with the former, a vision for how member governments coordinate, before expanding to a community-wide conversation.

A candid concern emerged mid-meeting: Do member agencies actually have staff capacity to take on this work? "I think I already know the answer to this question," Eisenhour said, acknowledging that staff across all four entities are already stretched thin.

Housing: Barriers, advocacy, and the developer's view

Housing discussions turned to what's blocking development. Several members noted that building was easier 30 years ago, with fewer regulations, and that developers currently choose other areas because Jefferson County is seen as difficult to build in.

County Administrator Josh Peters suggested the group "identify where [housing] can happen with the least amount of resistance" and bring developers, lenders and major employers into the conversation. Others advocated for state-level changes, including higher taxes on vacant or second homes.

The city noted its recent Request for Expressions of Interest for the Evans Vista neighborhood development, which has drawn three submittals. It highlighted its upcoming work on the Olympic Gravity Water System, a regional asset that supports the paper mill and jobs, as well as providing drinking water to Port Townsend residents

Climate and agriculture voices

While climate change and food/agriculture resilience weren't among the top four, Port Commissioner Carol Hasse made a point of advocating for them. "We shouldn't be doing any planning or projects that don't start from a climate lens," she said, later suggesting the group run an emergency exercise focused on food and agriculture resilience.

Public comments and engagement 

David Bailif, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council (EDC) Team Jefferson, reported that the organization is hiring an Economic Development Associate whose first mission will be to “activate” Port Hadlock, translating government plans into investor-ready materials, such as GIS (geographic information system) maps.

He also announced the EDC's inaugural annual event on October 2, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Timothy Egan at Fort Worden. He noted that Jefferson County has submitted nominations for federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 designations, which are federally designated areas where federal tax policy encourages investment in undercapitalized communities.

Public comment featured Karen Bennett, president of the EDC board, who noted the ICG's work "will absolutely serve as an accelerant" for economic development efforts.

Kees Kolff, a Jefferson Healthcare commissioner, reported that the hospital board has decided to postpone a discussion of a levy lid lift to next year. However, he emphasized the importance of coordinating with the ICG's work.

Framework development progress

Affeld clarified that NODC's current role is facilitation rather than plan development. "We are not in the process of developing an economic development plan for Jefferson County," she stated. "We're just trying to get to a point where it's possible to say, 'Okay, we definitely want a framework. These are the things that we want it to involve.'"

The group discussed forming subcommittees or working groups to advance work between quarterly ICG meetings. Options include utilizing the Public Sector Cabinet or creating ad hoc committees focused on specific topics. No conclusions were made during this meeting. 

Upcoming events and agency updates

Recent agency updates reveal that Jefferson County has scheduled a Comprehensive Plan workshop for June 22, alongside the passage of a fireworks ban that will take effect in 2027. 

The City of Port Townsend is reviewing submissions for the Evans Vista Request for Proposals, with sustainability for the Olympic Gravity Water System prioritized this summer. 

The Port of Port Townsend has acquired a commercial hangar at the airport, is preparing to launch a new fueling system, and will celebrate the completion of a new stormwater system with a ribbon-cutting event at the boatyard on July 7 at 11 a.m. The Port is also nearing completion of a $1.8 million roofing project at Point Hudson. 

Meanwhile, the Public Utility District (PUD) has expanded eligibility for its low-income program, reached 700 broadband customers, and secured an energy-efficiency grant valued at $1.5-$2 million.

Several upcoming events include the EDC Annual Event on October 2, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Timothy Egan at Fort Worden, and the LION Event scheduled for July 1 at 5 p.m. at Port Townsend Eco Village.