City-County Economic Development Strategic Plan

Building a Partnership for Collaborative and Transformative 

Economic Development

In 2023, the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP) was completed, establishing a county-wide plan that focused on transformative regional economic development. Utilizing a collaborative model for action, the municipalities, Central Washington University (CWU), and the economic development organizations throughout the county committed to work together to implement the strategic plan and signed the Letter of Mutual Partnership, the first step in building the framework for shared communication, alignment of goals, and county-wide implementation. 

Economic Development Task Force

Over the course of the last 18 months, an Economic Development Task Force was established with members from each municipality, CWU, and the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Roslyn Downtown Association, and the Cle Downtown Association. The task force focused on a deep understanding of the strategic plan's goals, strategies, and initiatives, and creating a successful model for working together that would have long-lasting impact for Kittitas County. 

Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership (KCEDP)

Formalizing the partnership through an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the municipalities, CWU, and the economic development organizations, are creating a framework that ensures successful implementation of the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan. It is a partnership focused on collaboration and transformative economic development. 

Vision: Kittitas County will become a model hub for transformative economic development.

Mission: The KCEDP is committed to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and diversified economy by uniting public and private partners across the county. We work together to implement a strategic plan that honors our unique character, strengthens local communities, and creates a sustainable economy for all residents of Kittitas County.

Learn more about the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership KCEDP Charter

The Ellensburg City Council approved a resolution adopting the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan at the March 6, 2023 City Council meeting.