New Strategic Plan

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 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 regional partnerships and provides a clear framework for how the organization will support economic development in Jefferson County.

Developed in consultation with local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders, the Strategic Plan reflects a practical assessment of Jefferson County’s economic landscape and clarifies how the EDC will focus its efforts. 

“This Strategic Plan is intended to focus our efforts and ensure we are delivering measurable results for Jefferson County,” said David Ballif, Executive Director of EDC Team Jefferson.

The 2026–2027 Strategic Plan is organized around five lines of effort:

First, the EDC will play an economic development convening role for Jefferson County by supporting coordination among local governments, businesses, and regional partners. Planned activities include hosting countywide economic development events, participating in intergovernmental forums, and sharing recommendations with public-sector stakeholders. 

Second, the plan focuses on supporting new jobs and private investment by identifying key locations for economic development, promoting investments in these areas, and orienting new and expanding businesses to Jefferson County’s regulatory and governmental landscape.  

Third, the EDC will serve as a ‘knowledge hub’ with a new website that provides off-the-shelf resources to businesses and showcases Jefferson County as a great place to do business. 

Fourth, the plan reinforces the EDC’s Business Retention and Expansion efforts via business advisor training, development of a Workforce Development program area, and partnership with Jefferson County’s Local Investor Opportunity Network (LION).

Finally, the Strategic Plan emphasizes building the EDC’s organizational capacity to deliver this work effectively. This includes bolstering staff professional development, strengthening governance, and improving internal systems, technology, and operations.