(1) GMA Goal. Encourage economic development throughout the State that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this State, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the State’s natural resources, public services, and public facilities.

(2) Outlook. The economy of Clallam County and the Sequim-Dungeness regional planning area has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Twenty years ago, the area relied heavily on the agriculture and forestry industry. Conversion of farmlands into residential development and changes in forest management have caused the area to look more toward tourism, recreation, residential development and retail for its economic future. Light manufacturing and medical services also can play a vital role in the future.

Commercial and industrial development has and will continue to play a vital role in the economic development of the region. Commercial development, particularly retail, has expanded considerably in the last 10-year period. Industrial or manufacturing type jobs, however, have not flourished. Manufacturing is an important part of an economic development strategy: the jobs are family wage income, far exceeding service type jobs, and the sale of manufactured goods outside the region represent new dollars recruited within the local community. Both commercial and industrial development requires suitable locations, appropriately zoned, and with the necessary infrastructure.

The total industrial land base is equivalent to approximately three and one-half acres per 1,000 population. This is below national averages – 8.3 acres per 1,000 population, and far below the averages within the Port Angeles region – 35 acres per thousand. Maintaining, or increasing the industrial land base for future economic growth will be a difficult challenge.