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City of Tukwila <br />Thomas McLeod, Mayor <br />INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Planning and Community Development Committee <br />FROM: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator <br />CC: Thomas McLeod <br />DATE: October 7, 2024 <br />SUBJECT: Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable <br />ISSUE <br />The Council is being requested to approve a Memorandum of Understanding expressing <br />support to establish the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The City of Kent has invited cities, educational institutions, and manufacturers in the air and <br />space industries to form a strategic initiative called the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing <br />Roundtable. The purpose of the Roundtable is for Kent Valley C-level executives, educational institutions, <br />and public sector representatives to collaborate and guide workforce development, public policy, and <br />economic sustainability to retain and attract air and space manufacturing businesses. <br />On September 17, 2024 the Kent City Council passed a motion expressing support for the Roundtable <br />and approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU is now being routed to the other cities <br />and educational institutions for signatures. A copy is attached for Council's consideration. <br />DISCUSSION <br />According to a 2022 analysis by the Puget Sound Regional Council, Washington state is well <br />positioned to compete in a growing commercial space economy. The air and space industry is <br />already vital to our regional economy and presents an important opportunity for the City of <br />Tukwila. Attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing and aerospace business is included <br />in Strategy 1A in the City's Economic Development Strategy. <br />Staff believes the Roundtable has the potential to be an effective way to support our air and <br />space economy. Tukwila's role would be to support the Roundtable by collaborating. The City <br />of Kent would take the lead to facilitate the work and there would be no financial contribution <br />from Tukwila. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT <br />This item has no financial or budgetary impact. <br />RECOM MENDATION <br />The Council is being asked to approve a motion expressing support and authorizing the Mayor <br />to sign the Memorandum of Understanding at the October 21, 2024 Regular Meeting. <br />ATTACHMENTS <br />Memorandum of Understanding <br />