SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5475

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Counties planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) are required to complete an economic development element for their comprehensive plan, provided funds are appropriated by the state. The element is to include a summary of the local economy and a summary of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as an identification of policies, programs, and projects to foster economic growth. Approximately two-thirds of the counties have adopted an economic element.

All counties designate an Associate Development Organization (ADO) for their county to increase the support for and coordination of community and economic development services. The ADOs are to provide direct business assistance and support for regional economic research and planning efforts. They are specifically tasked with providing information on permitting, tax and other business issues, participating in discussions regarding gaps in start-up assistance, and participating in the development of a countywide economic development plan, consistent with the state comprehensive plan for economic development produced by the Washington State Economic Development Commission.

Summary of Bill: Counties planning under the GMA must complete the economic development element of their comprehensive plan by June 30, 2010. They may direct the ADO they choose for the county to use its state-supplied resources to complete a countywide plan for economic development and the economic development element of the comprehensive plan.

The information ADOs are to provide businesses is to be via websites and other methods and include information on tax incentives, customized training, and job skills training programs. ADOs are to work with state and local partners to develop programs to address gaps in business start-up assistance. They are also to take the lead in developing a countywide economic development plan, which may serve as the economic development element of a county's comprehensive plan.