When people think about economic development, they often picture factories, warehouses, or office buildings. But some of the most impactful investments a community can make look very different, especially in rural areas where
Yakima County is changing, and with that change comes a responsibility to intentionally shape our economic future. Growth does not happen by accident, and neither does resilience. Both require planning, coordination, and a
Economic development doesn’t happen overnight, and it rarely happens without challenges along the way. Recruiting major new employers is a complex process — one that requires persistence, trust, and strong partnerships to overcome
When a new business comes to town, the excitement begins long before the doors open. It starts with earthmovers clearing a site and construction crews setting up fences. A contractor’s sign appears, sparking
If we want to support a stronger local economy, we need to listen carefully to the people building it from the ground up. That’s why the Yakima County Development Association, in partnership with
As part of its Workforce Development initiative, the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) hosted two Reverse Job Fair events this past spring to help youth build career readiness and connect with local employers.
What do you do with a property that’s been sitting empty for decades—maybe an old gas station, an abandoned mill, or even a drive-in movie theater that no one’s used since the ‘80s?
Small business owners, we want to hear from you! The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA), in partnership with Zocalo, has launched a Business Needs Assessment Survey. Zocalo is working to create a year-round
More than 39 businesses and industry professionals came together last Thursday at Legends Casino in Toppenish for our Construction Business Accelerator Conference to connect, learn, and build toward a stronger local construction economy.
Last month, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of local partners to talk about something we all rely on—but too often take for granted: transportation infrastructure. When it works, it fades
