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 willingness to listen to the people who live and work here. That is the purpose of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS.
A CEDS is a federally recognized economic development roadmap that identifies where opportunity exists, what barriers stand in the way, and what projects and investments can help move a region forward. It also plays a critical role in securing federal funding, as many major infrastructure, workforce, and industry development grants require a current, community-driven CEDS.
In mid-November, more than 70 community members gathered at the Kaminski Conference Center at Yakima Valley College for the first countywide CEDS community meeting. The event was intentionally designed to surface ideas, perspectives, and priorities from across Yakima County. The level of participation and the quality of discussion reinforced how much people care about the county’s long-term economic future.
Rather than prescribing solutions, the meeting focused on listening. A panel of local leaders discussed opportunities and barriers facing Yakima County, and community members built on those themes through open discussion and interactive tools that allowed participants to share feedback in real time.
The meeting centered on key questions that will guide the work ahead: What opportunities exist for growth? What barriers hold us back? How can we overcome them? Input was captured through both live dialogue and written responses, creating a strong foundation of qualitative and quantitative feedback to inform the planning process.
One theme that emerged clearly was the opportunity to build on Yakima County’s existing strengths. Participants consistently pointed to ag-tech as a sector with strong potential, reflecting the Valley’s agricultural base, research assets, and access to markets. Advanced manufacturing, particularly sectors connected to aerospace and other major Washington industries, was also identified as an area for growth. These insights help ensure the CEDS reflects real opportunities grounded in local experience.
However, the value of the CEDS lies not in the document itself, but in how it is used. A well-developed strategy helps Yakima County compete nationally for investment, align local and regional partners, and prioritize projects that strengthen our economy over time. It also tells our story in a way that meets federal requirements while remaining rooted in community input.
Yakima County has a long history of resilience and innovation. We have an opportunity to turn that history into a shared vision and a practical roadmap for the future.
Economic development is not something done to a community; it is something built with it. The strength of the CEDS depends on continued participation from residents, businesses, educators, nonprofit leaders, and local governments. Every perspective adds value, whether it comes from a small business owner, a student, a grower, or a lifelong resident.
Since the kickoff meeting, work has continued to consolidate feedback and prepare for the next phase of engagement. Additional community meetings will follow a similar format to ensure consistency, comparability, and broad participation. These conversations will refine priorities, test ideas, and strengthen the final strategy. I encourage everyone to stay engaged and participate in the upcoming meetings and the CEDS process as it continues.
