EDC STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2026 - 2030
The Economic Development Council for Island County (EDC) is dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of Whidbey and Camano Islands. We envision a vibrant and connected Island County where local businesses flourish, residents enjoy meaningful work and access to affordable, stable housing, and our communities remain innovative, inclusive, and reflective of the unique character of island life. Our overarching goal is to strengthen Island County’s economic resilience by supporting local businesses, improving regional infrastructure, and fostering collaborative partnerships that create jobs and equitable and sustainable prosperity.
These strategic priorities define how the EDC will continue to advance collaboration, innovation, and resilience across the local economy over the next five years.
TOP TIER STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Business Vitality and Economic Resilience
The EDC’s top priority is strengthening and sustaining Island County’s local economy through proactive business support and regional collaboration. The EDC will continue to expand on helping existing businesses grow, support entrepreneurs and start-ups, and encourage new investment aligned with the community’s vision for sustainable growth. We will advocate for funding, programs, and policies that protect local businesses, foster innovation, and help them grow and thrive. The EDC will continue partnering with all levels of government, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations to direct available resources where they are needed most. Ongoing activities include targeted business outreach, data collection, and collaboration with regional and state partners to advance a stronger, more connected local economy.
Assistance with Business Attraction
The EDC will advocate for programs and policies that encourage and assist in the attraction of businesses to Island County particularly those that align with local strengths. The EDC will support efforts that position Island County as a desirable location for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small manufacturers seeking a connected yet rural quality of life.
Workforce Housing
The EDC will advocate for programs and policies that increase access to affordable and attainable housing for workers in Island County. There remains an insufficient amount of housing aligned with local wages, and increasing that availability will directly support business stability and workforce retention.
Workforce Training and Development
The EDC will engage with partners, programs, and policies that support technical skills training, apprenticeship opportunities, and workforce alignment with current and emerging industry needs. These activities will help local businesses grow, diversify the local job base, and create a business-friendly climate that attracts living-wage job growth. The EDC will continue to collaborate with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center, Goosefoot Community Foundation, Skagit Valley College, NW Workforce Council, NW Education Services District and Sno-Isle Libraries to strengthen small business support and entrepreneurship education. We will also work with local school districts and leadership programs that develop and enhance career readiness, community leadership, and lifelong learning pathways.
Information Technology and Broadband
Access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet remains essential for Island County’s economic future. The EDC will advocate for programs and policies that increase broadband access to underserved areas, ensuring that every business and resident has the digital connectivity needed for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Rural Economy and Community Vitality
The EDC will advocate for programs, policies, and partnerships that support Island County’s rural economy, including the continued vitality of the region’s agricultural sector. The EDC will also support efforts to reduce barriers to entry, address infrastructure constraints, and ensure that rural and island communities remain economically vibrant and resilient.
SECOND TIER STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Transportation, Tourism and Recreation
Reliable transportation is critical to Island County’s economic health. The EDC will collaborate with Island Transit, ports, and state agencies to advocate for improved ferry reliability, transit access, and multimodal transportation options. The EDC will also The EDC will advocate for programs and policies which enhance tourism and recreation, especially those that extend beyond the summer season, enhancing sustainability for hospitality and recreation businesses.
Arts and Culture
The EDC will advocate for programs and policies that strengthen the arts and culture community, including creative districts, galleries, studios, festivals, and cultural tourism. These creative enterprises enhance community identity, attract visitors, and contribute to a diversified local economy. The EDC will support collaborations among arts organizations, chambers, and educational institutions to expand creative industry opportunities.
Business Continuity and Emergency Preparedness
Island County’s island geography makes business continuity and emergency preparedness essential to long-term economic resilience. The EDC will collaborate with local emergency management, chambers, ports, and utilities to ensure businesses have access to resources, communication systems, and planning tools that help them prepare for and recover from disruptions such as natural disasters, transportation interruptions, or extended power outages. By promoting continuity planning, supporting disaster recovery readiness, and integrating resilience data into CEDS monitoring, the EDC will help safeguard Island County’s local economy, enabling businesses to remain operational, retain employees, and serve their communities during times of crisis.
Aging Population and Workforce Sustainability
Island County’s aging population presents both a challenge and an opportunity for economic development. The EDC will advocate for programs and policies that support businesses and services addressing the needs of older adults particularly in healthcare, home services, and aging-in-place solutions. The EDC will also collaborate with partners to attract, retain, and train working-age adults to ensure that local employers can meet workforce demands in these growing sectors.
Together, these strategic priorities position the EDC to strengthen our rural economy, support local enterprise, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and businesses across Whidbey and Camano Islands.
