Build, invest and serve: a strategic framework for growing Washington’s economy
Commerce is developing a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan to guide inclusive statewide economic growth over the next four years and beyond. As the state’s economic development agency, Commerce focuses on strengthening our key industries, expanding international trade, helping small businesses grow and supporting the work of our local economic development partners in all 39 Washington counties.
This plan strives to grow the Washington economy by developing and promoting strategic investments and partnerships, enabling resilient businesses, communities, workforce and living wage jobs.
Strategic plan timeline
1. Launch and early research (March 2026 and ongoing)
A $300,000 proviso funded the plan. Commerce drafted sector strategies, gathered economic data and launched four working groups: rural, regional, tribal and inclusive growth.
2. Request for proposals (Closed August 2026)
Commerce selects a consultant in September, with $270,000 in state funds available. Pro bono contributions are welcome.
3. Plan development with partners (Fall 2026 to spring 2027)
The consultant will interview businesses, analyze competitiveness, identify barriers and define actions. The Council reviews a draft.
4. Final strategy and actions (Due June 2027)
The plan will deliver a SWOT analysis, statewide priorities, recommended actions, an implementation guide and measures of success.
Our partner network
The statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan draws on well-established networks of organizations, local businesses and local governments to turn ideas into actionable steps forward. Learn more about how Commerce partners with communities to build, invest and serve.
Associate Development Organizations (ADOs)
Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN)
Key components
- Focus on developing high-quality, high-wage jobs that support Washington’s inspirational lifestyle for current residents and future generations
- Development of goals and strategies for state-supported economic development activities in the state, utilizing analysis of economic and industry data
- A state economic profile, examining demographics, workforce characteristics, industry landscape, infrastructure and assets, and regional and tribal economics
- Updates on the small business resiliency network and other programs addressing the overall needs of businesses
- Equity and community wealth-building efforts
- Metrics for measuring our outcomes
- An implementation plan
As part of our plan development, we launched working groups and we’re conducting partnership outreach to groups like the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), 29 federally recognized tribal nations, and the Small Business Resiliency Network. Furthering economic development are Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) strategically located in 39 counties.
Working groups represent these stakeholders:
- Rural communities
- Regional hubs
- Tribal nations
- Historically underserved communities
Education and engagement
Members of the Commerce strategic economic development planning team are available to attend your community meeting and provide updates as well as answer your questions. Email us at Community.Engagement@Commerce.wa.gov for more information and to request our participation in your upcoming meeting.