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<br />1 <br />Category 2: Sensitive information <br />Date: December 13, 2023 <br />To: Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director <br />From: Morgan Shook, Project Director,and Kryn Sausedo, Project Manager <br />Subject:Economic Development Study Consultant - Revised Scope dated 12-13-23 <br />Project Understanding and Goals <br />The WHEB Triangle stands at a pivotal juncture, impacted by the Sound Transit expansion, a constricted housing market, <br />and ongoing local labor needs. Our initial research on Casino Road and the WHEB Triangle underscored the urgency for a <br />broader strategy. We envision a thriving, inclusive future for the area and believe through this comprehensive approach, <br />blending community aspirations with market realities, the City can chart a forward- thinking blueprint for the city’s <br />evolution. <br />As part of this project, we understand that the city is interested in: <br />1. Assessing the economic and social conditions in the area <br />2. Engaging regional and local stakeholders in planning for the area <br />3. Identifying 3-5 specific economic development initiatives that can support the shared economic prosperity <br />4. Developing a city-driven work plan for advancing progress in the area. The plan should address: <br />a. Industry connections and partnerships <br />b. Land use <br />c. Infrastructure <br />d. Public services <br />e. Displacement issues and community ownership <br />f. Public-public partnerships <br />We believe the work can be accomplished using the task structure specified in the RFP and the ECO proposal. However, we <br />think the work will proceed using a strategic planning process along the following steps: <br />Assessment and Strategic Position <br />In this phase, ECOnorthwest will research the background and context for the area. The goal is to summarize the strengths <br />and weaknesses of the economy to support a discussion of opportunities, threats, and the next ten years of economic activity <br />in the WHEB Triangle. ECO will tailor its analysis-based Task 1 and Task 2, but broadly, we imagine five dimensions of analysis.