Rural City Lays Framework To Attract Businesses, Development

SNOHOMISH, WA-Utilizing grants from the Forest Service and local agencies, this small farming and logging town northeast of Seattle has set to work on an economic development plan officials and residents alike hope will drive commercial growth and help bring thousands of new jobs over the next several years.

Ann Caley, a senior planner for the city, says the overwhelming feedback provided by the town’s 8,000 residents is that they want to work in the town where they live, rather than commute as they are currently forced to do. “I think there is a consensus that the folks who live here want to work here. But we don’t have the jobs,” notes Caley. “And according to our projected population growth in our area, we could fill 10,000 additional jobs by 2005.”

The plan, the first in 25 years for the city, is being crafted after extensive input by residents and business owners. The city council is expected to approve the plan by the end of November.