The Southwest King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) is a partnership of five cities (Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila), the Port of Seattle, Highline Community College and King County.
Mission
SKCEDI partners work together to promote economic development through programs dedicated to increasing job opportunities and income for Southwest King County residents and stimulating quality business investment and real estate development in the Southwest King County area.
Organization
SKCEDI is a partnership of different types of local governments (cities, port, county, community college). The SKCEDI Executive Committee meets quarterly and is made up of elected officials and representatives from each of the partner jurisdictions. The SKCEDI Steering Committee meets monthly and is comprised of staff with different skills (planners, economists, economic development professionals, transportation experts, business development specialists and workforce development specialists) who implement directives received from the Executive Committee.
Background
The Southwest King County Economic Development Initiative focuses on the economic development potential of Southwest King County in an effort to increase full-time permanent employment opportunities and household incomes by enhancing the area business and investment climate. SKCEDI presents a collective approach to improving the area’s economy. By collaborating on economic development goals, this cooperative approach to economic development could serve as a model transferable to other policy areas.
Programs and Accomplishments
Since mid-2000, SKCEDI has produced a number of programs and accomplishments, including:
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – The SBDC has provided business development counseling and education to small and mid-sized businesses in Southwest King County since 2003.
- Export Promotion Initiative – Implemented from 2003 through 2005, the Export Promotion Program encouraged small and medium-sized firms in Southwest King County to engage in international trade via exporting. The SBDC is now assisting companies with export information and counseling.
- StartZone - A project that serves the business development needs of immigrants, minorities, women and disabled-owned current and potential businesses to increase employment opportunities and household incomes in Southwest King County.
- Business Attraction Program – A program implemented in 2007 to collectively market the assets and opportunities in Southwest King County to outside businesses, commercial real estate investors and developers, and companies in the trade and logistics sector.
- SKCEDI Legislative Advocacy – SKCEDI is collaborating with regional groups on current initiatives, funding priorities, and future areas of legislative advocacy for Southwest King County.
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