Port Townsend, WA — The Economic Development Council of Jefferson County has adopted its 2026–2027 Strategic Plan, outlining the organization’s priorities and deliverables for the next two years. The plan aligns the EDC’s work with its public-sector role and regional partnerships, and provides a clear framework for how the organization will contribute to economic development efforts in Jefferson County.
Developed through discussion with the EDC’s board, local governments, and community partners, the Strategic Plan reflects a practical assessment of Jefferson County’s economic landscape and clarifies how the EDC will focus its efforts within a complex ecosystem of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The plan emphasizes coordination, information-sharing, and targeted support in areas where collaboration can strengthen long-term economic resilience.
“This Strategic Plan is intended to clarify our role, focus our efforts, and ensure that we are building forward in a way that is realistic, collaborative, and grounded in the needs of Jefferson County,” said David Ballif, Executive Director of EDC Team Jefferson.
The 2026–2027 Strategic Plan is organized around five primary areas of work.
First, the EDC will play an economic development convening role for Jefferson County by supporting coordination among local governments, public agencies, businesses, and regional partners. Planned activities include hosting countywide economic development events, participating in intergovernmental forums, identifying obstacles to economic development, and sharing recommendations with public-sector stakeholders. The EDC will also continue to build relationships with legislative, state, and federal officials.
Second, the plan focuses on supporting new jobs and private investment by improving how new and expanding businesses navigate Jefferson County’s regulatory and governmental landscape. This work includes benchmarking approaches used by peer counties across Washington, publishing analysis and recommendations for local governments, and identifying key locations and potential barriers related to future economic development.
Third, the EDC will serve as a knowledge hub and information broker by expanding public-facing resources, publishing research and white papers, and improving access to economic development data. The plan also includes supporting the development of a countywide Economic Development Framework in partnership with public-sector leaders, subject to available funding.
Fourth, the plan reinforces the EDC’s Business Retention and Expansion work. Over the next two years, the organization will support and expand business advising through a scalable advisor training program, strengthen workforce development capacity to support human capital needs, and support access to capital for local businesses by providing administrative and technical support for the Jefferson County Local Investor Opportunity Network (LION).
Finally, the Strategic Plan emphasizes building the EDC’s organizational capacity to deliver this work effectively. This includes retaining professional staff, strengthening governance and board leadership, and improving internal systems, technology, and operations.
Several initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan are contingent on future funding and continued coordination with regional partners. Progress will be reviewed regularly, and updates will be shared publicly as work advances.
Port Townsend, WA — The Jefferson EDC is now accepting applications for Cohort 2 of its Recompete Business Advisor Training, a grant-funded professional development opportunity designed to expand access to high-quality business advising across Jefferson and Clallam Counties.
The training is part of Washington State’s Recompete Pilot Program, a federally funded initiative focused on strengthening local economies by building workforce capacity and supporting long-term business resilience in rural and underserved communities.
Through this program, the Jefferson EDC will train up to 10 new Business Advisors in Jefferson County in 2026, equipping experienced professionals with advanced tools, frameworks, and applied methodologies to support small businesses with growth, adaptation, and sustainability.
“This program is about building lasting capacity in our regional business support ecosystem,” said Phoebe Reid, Program Manager. “By training advisors who are embedded in our communities, we’re expanding access to consistent, high-quality technical assistance for businesses navigating real-world challenges.”
The 12-week training series will be held in Port Townsend beginning March 31, 2026, and includes weekly, seminar-based instruction focused on practical application rather than lecture-style learning. Core topics include financial management, strategic planning, operations and process improvement, marketing, access to capital, and advanced counseling techniques. Participants who complete the program will earn a Business Advisor Certificate.
This opportunity is offered at no cost to participants. In exchange, trainees commit to operating as independent advisors—not EDC employees—and to providing business advising services within Jefferson and Clallam Counties. Advisors also agree to track and report client outcomes over time to support federal grant reporting and measure regional economic impact.
The Recompete Business Advisor Training is part of a five-year workforce development strategy that will ultimately prepare 25 advisors to serve the North Olympic Peninsula, strengthening existing business support organizations and expanding advising capacity where it is most needed.
Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 15, 2026.
More information about eligibility, program requirements, and how to apply is available at: https://www.edcteamjefferson.org/business-advisor-training
To learn more about the Recompete Pilot Program, visit recompetewa.org.
Contact:
Phoebe Reid, Finance & Program Manager
phoebe@edcteamjefferson.org
360-379-4693
A new group of trained business advisors is now supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across Jefferson and Clallam counties. The multi-week pilot program strengthens local business capacity, expands access to advising, and lays the groundwork for more family-wage jobs in rural communities, helping ensure Jefferson County remains a place where people and businesses can thrive. Read all about it!
Jefferson EDC is pleased to announce the addition of Anne St George as Economic Development Manager. Anne joined the organization in November, bringing more than 15 years of experience in budget and financial management across city government, higher education, and financial institutions.
In her role, Anne supports entrepreneurship and business growth in South Jefferson County, including Brinnon and Quilcene, while also contributing to workforce development and employer engagement efforts countywide. Her work includes business advising, business retention and expansion activities, and collaboration on economic development initiatives that respond to local and regional needs.
Anne’s background includes developing and managing budgets, supporting complex projects from proposal through implementation, and working closely with leaders to align financial planning with measurable outcomes. She brings strong project management and change management skills, along with a practical, collaborative approach to supporting organizations and communities through growth and transition. At Jefferson EDC, she will also support grant compliance and reporting, data tracking, and coordination tied to workforce and economic development programs.
Anne has lived in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a decade and is pleased to now call Jefferson County her forever home. She is committed to building trusted partnerships, listening to understand diverse stakeholder perspectives, and connecting businesses and individuals to the resources they need to succeed.
“Anne’s experience and steady, collaborative approach strengthen our capacity to serve businesses and communities throughout Jefferson County,” said David Ballif, Executive Director of Jefferson EDC. “Her focus on South County and workforce-connected economic development is an important addition to our team.”
Jefferson EDC looks forward to Anne’s contributions as the organization continues its work to foster a resilient, inclusive, and locally rooted economy.
In late 2025, Phoebe Reid transitioned into expanded responsibilities at Jefferson EDC, serving as Finance Manager and Recompete Program Manager as the organization refined its staffing structure to support growing program needs.
After joining the EDC earlier in 2025 to support community workforce coordination, Phoebe played a key role in helping establish the systems, partnerships, and data foundations for Jefferson County’s participation in the federal Recompete Pilot Program. As workforce-facing responsibilities shifted to the newly created Economic Development Manager role, Phoebe’s position evolved to focus on financial management, grant compliance, reporting, and overall coordination of the Recompete initiative.
In her current role, Phoebe oversees financial tracking and reporting, supports grant administration, and helps ensure alignment across Recompete partners and deliverables. This transition reflects both the increasing complexity of the Recompete program and Phoebe’s strong organizational, analytical, and program management skills.
Jefferson EDC is grateful for Phoebe’s continued leadership in strengthening the internal systems that support effective economic and workforce development across Jefferson County.
David Ballif has joined EDC Team Jefferson as Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in economic development, public-sector coordination, and job creation from his work with USAID and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A Washington native, Ballif is now leading regional collaboration efforts and overseeing major initiatives, including the Recompete program, to support businesses, workforce development, and long-term economic resilience in Jefferson County. Here's the full article!
Jefferson EDC is pleased to announce the addition of Phoebe Reid as Community Workforce Coordinator. Phoebe joined the organization in June, returning to her hometown of Port Townsend to lead community-centered workforce development efforts across Jefferson County.
Born at Jefferson General Hospital and raised in Port Townsend, Phoebe brings both deep local roots and a broad range of professional experience to the role. Her background includes environmental studies, program management, and community leadership education, with experience spanning nonprofit, educational, and private-sector settings. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies and is currently completing her MBA at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
In her role at Jefferson EDC, Phoebe serves as a connector between local employers, educational institutions, workforce partners, and community organizations. Her work focuses on understanding employer workforce needs, strengthening coordination among training and career pathways, and supporting initiatives that expand access to living-wage jobs. She plays a key role in grant administration, data collection, employer outreach, and convening partners to build a more coordinated workforce ecosystem.
Phoebe’s position is funded through the federal Recompete Pilot Program, which supports economically distressed communities by investing in workforce development and job creation. As Jefferson County’s designated workforce backbone organization under the program, Jefferson EDC is working to strengthen employer engagement, improve access to training, and build the data and partnerships needed to support long-term economic resilience.
“Phoebe brings an exceptional combination of local knowledge, systems thinking, and collaborative leadership,” said Cindy Brooks, Executive Director of Jefferson EDC. “Her ability to listen deeply, connect people across sectors, and translate community needs into action strengthens our workforce development capacity countywide.”
Phoebe is particularly interested in understanding how workforce challenges intersect with housing, childcare, education, and industry needs, and in ensuring that rural communities across Jefferson County are included in workforce conversations and solutions.
Jefferson EDC looks forward to Phoebe’s leadership as the organization continues to expand its workforce development and employer engagement efforts.
After 3+ Years of Leadership, Cindy Brooks Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Port Townsend, WA – February 2025 – The Economic Development Council (EDC) of Jefferson County announces the upcoming departure of Executive Director Cindy Brooks, effective June 4, 2025. Brooks’ tenure has been marked by dedication, vision, and a profound impact on the region’s economic landscape. The EDC Board of Directors is launching a formal search for her successor, ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum for the organization.
Since joining EDC Team Jefferson in 2021, Brooks has played a pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and innovation. Under her leadership, the EDC expanded resources for local businesses, facilitated key workforce development initiatives, and strengthened regional partnerships. Her efforts have helped shape Jefferson County’s business ecosystem, creating a solid path toward sustainable growth and long-term economic stability.
“Her leadership has had an enormously positive impact on Jefferson County’s businesses, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication. Her legacy will undoubtedly influence our work for years to come,” said Board Chair Mark Knudsen
The EDC now begins the search for a dynamic and strategic leader who aligns with its mission of fostering economic opportunity in Jefferson County. During this transition, the EDC remains committed to providing uninterrupted support to local businesses and continuing the valuable programs developed under Brooks’ leadership.
Reflecting on her time at the EDC, Brooks shared, “Serving as Executive Director has been an honor and a privilege. Jefferson County is home to an incredible community of entrepreneurs, business owners, and partners who are deeply committed to sustainable economic growth. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited to see how the EDC continues to evolve in the years ahead.”
For more information on the transition and upcoming job posting, please visitedcteamjefferson.org.