Economic Development

Program Overview | Committees | Plans & Studies
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Program Overview

Economic development refers to the sustained, concerted effort of policy makers, community leaders and citizens to promote the economic health and standard of living of a specific city, area or region. This process includes activities such as attracting new business and industry, providing services to stabilize and improve existing businesses, and pursuing improvements to public and private infrastructure needed to support new and expanding businesses. The overall goal is to create jobs that provide stable employment, sustainable wages, and tax revenues for public services and facilities.

In the Cowlitz and Wahkiakum region, the CWCOG collaborates with local governments, economic development councils, non-profit agencies and the community to address issues and resources needed to advance the region’s economic condition and strengthen its competitive advantages. CWCOG staff conducts research and monitors trends within at least a three-county region (Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Lewis counties), generating a variety of data, information, grant opportunities and resources on behalf of local jurisdictions, businesses and the public.

The CWCOG is responsible for developing and updating a comprehensive economic development strategy or CEDS, which identifies the public infrastructure, projects and programs needed to support economic development. The CEDS outlines strategies for improvement in various business and job sectors of the region and identifies trends, indicators and projects that address the region’s economic development goals.

Committees

Cowlitz-Lewis Economic Development District (CLEDD)

The CWCOG is the administrative agency for the Cowlitz-Lewis Economic Development District (CLEDD). The district is focused on regional economic development to improve the region’s economy and job base. The CLEDD is funded through CWCOG membership and the federal Economic Development Administration.

Big Idea Board of Directors

The "Big Idea" is an interlocal agreement between the cities of Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, and Woodland and unincorporated Cowlitz County to stimulate the local economy and enhance or develop new events to attract visitors. The Big Idea Board of Directors was formed by these entities to collect and expend portions of the lodging tax (defined by RCW 67.28) for regional tourism promotion. One entity will receive the combined funding each year. The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and selecting projects or programs for funding and will establish a collaborative partnership for promotion of tourism and related activities. The CWCOG has agreed to provide staff for the Board of Directors.

Meeting Dates	Agendas	Minutes
October 7, 2011	Agenda	Minutes
November 4, 2011	Agenda

Fire and Ice Scenic Loop

The CWCOG has received funding from the Federal Highway Administration to complete a Corridor Management Plan linking the Columbia River Gorge (SR 14 and White Pass (US Highway 12) Scenic Byways for economic development and tourism opportunities. The Fire and Ice Scenic Loop (FISL) Committee is a partnership of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis and Skamania counties and the U.S. Forest Service. the plan will focus on:

Access
Infrastructure
Recreation (summer and winter)
Conservation
Science
Industry
Tourism
Management

The FISL Committee will identify regional, year-round opportunities that will encourage more outdoor recreation, access by motorized and non-motorized users, cultural and historic trails, tourist services (e.g. restrooms, lodging and food establishments) and shopping. The project has a target completion date of October 2013. To see the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop application, click here.

Below are links to the Corridor Management Plans for both the Columbia River Gorge and White Pass, as well as the Strategic Investment Plan recently published by the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument organization.

Columbia River Gorge CMP

White Pass CMP

MSHNVM Strategic Investment Plan

Meeting Dates	Agendas	Meeting Summaries
October 26, 2011	Agenda	Meeting Summary

Plans & Studies

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Report

A comprehensive economic development strategy report (CEDS) identifies public infrastructure needed to support economic development, and outlines strategies for improvement of various sectors of the regional economy. The CEDS is produced every five years and a CEDS Action Plan is completed annually. The CEDS Action Plan includes economic updtes, trends, indicators and projects that support the CEDS five year goals, objectives and strategies.

2009-2013 CEDS Report

CEDS Submission Form (for new or updated projects)

2007 Lewis County Flood Disaster Strategy Report

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