HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2022-05-16 Item 1A - Contract - Consulting Services for Economic Development Plan with Community AttributesCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development Committee
FROM: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: March 10, 2022
SUBJECT: Economic Development Plan
ISSUE
Staff requests Council approval to contract with Community Attributes to provide consulting
services to create an economic development plan for Tukwila.
BACKGROUND
One of the strategies in the Economic Development chapter ("Element") of the City's
Comprehensive Plan is to create an economic development plan to further achieve the City's
vision for its economy. In late 2021 the Council amended the 2022 budget to include $150,000
to create that plan, including outreach and creating a business contacts database. On March 31,
2022 the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking consultants to help create the
plan. See attached. The City received Statements of Qualifications from five firms.
DISCUSSION
The City's Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plan, Zoning, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), other
infrastructure plans, budget, and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan provide
significant vision and strategy related to economic development. The Comprehensive Plan
even includes a chapter on economic development.
Even with the many existing plans that relate to the City's economy, creating an economic
development plan would provide an opportunity to review and update the City's vision for its
economy and provide additional context, options, and guidance for staff and policy makers.
Due to the close relationship between the Comprehensive Plan and a new economic
development plan, the City's Economic Development staff will coordinate closely with the City's
Community Development staff.
Staff anticipates the scope of the project would be:
1. Basic Plan: This work includes hiring a consultant to conduct research, analysis, writing,
graphic design, and producing a document. It would also include standard community
outreach such as an online survey, a limited phone survey, and some public meetings.
2. Expanded Outreach: This work may include multiple community-based organizations or
firms to assist with outreach to various groups based on culture, language, age, etc. It
would include tailoring those contracts to work with those groups on outreach methods
appropriate for each group. These methods may include surveys, conversations,
interviews, focus groups, or other ways. As appropriate, methods would include
interpretation, translation, childcare, and participation incentives.
It is important to note that the City plans to engage with our community on many projects
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
this year and we need to be sensitive to "survey fatigue" or confusion. Economic
Development staff adjust the outreach to coordinate with these other efforts.
Staff would determine the specific outreach process in coordination with the consultant,
once they are selected.
3. Improved Business Contacts Database: This purpose of this component is to improve
our business contacts database which would improve outreach needed to develop the
Plan but would also improve ongoing outreach. The component would include a
combination of purchasing a software tool and contacting our businesses to update
and/or collect their contact information, including the language their local management
prefers. This database could help other departments with their business outreach (for
example, in emergencies) and staff would coordinate with those other departments.
There would be an ongoing maintenance cost but we do not yet have an estimate for
that.
The City received Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from five firms. Economic Development
staff and the City Administrator reviewed all SOQs. The rating sheet is attached. Four of the
firms could perform this work for Tukwila. Of those, two were rated qualified and two were rated
highly qualified. Economic development staff held follow-up conversations with the two firms
rated highly qualified. Staff recommends the City select Community Attributes. Although it's
clear that four of the firms are qualified to do the work, Community Attributes stood out because
it has experience making community outreach fun and engaging and its final documents are
more user friendly for the public. Community Attributes' SOQ is attached.
At this time staff is seeking Council approval to enter into a contract with Community Attributes
for up to $50,000. This would be enough to create the Basic Plan as described above. Once
Community Attributes is under contract, staff will work with them to create a proposal for
enhanced community outreach as described above. At that time, staff will return to Council for
approval of the full community outreach plan and, if needed, authorization to increase the
contract with Community Attributes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This contract would be for up to $50,000 which is already included in the economic development
division's budget for 2022.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee is being asked to forward this item to the May 23, 2022 Committee of the Whole
and June 6, 2022 Regular Meeting to authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Community
Attributes for consulting services for creating an economic development plan up to $50,000.
ATTACHMENTS
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Summary of Ratings
Statement of Qualifications from Community Attributes
2
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The City of Tukwila is seeking a consultant to help us create an economic development plan.
Background
Tukwila is a small city with a big economy. With over 2,000 businesses and 40,000 jobs, more
people are employed in the City of Tukwila than in 29 counties in the State of Washington.
Tukwila has high concentrations of businesses in manufacturing, aerospace, retail, and
entertainment. Anchored by Westfield Southcenter, businesses in Tukwila generate over $2
billion of taxable retail sales annually.
Project Scope
The City has a Comprehensive Plan that includes a chapter on economic development and a
Strategic Plan that includes goals related to the city's financial health, business community,
economy, identity, and image. The City would like to create an economic development plan (or
strategy) that provides additional clarity, consensus, and prioritization to help the City focus its
economic development work. The product of this project could be an economic development
plan (or strategy), or an update to the economic development chapter in the Comprehensive
Plan. In addition to the "work product", we would like the process to be one that builds
relationships with businesses and residents and a greater sense of understanding and
connection.
Many of the questions we would like to explore are fairly obvious such as: Should we update our
vision for attracting and retaining certain industry sectors? How do we ensure our retail and
entertainment cluster remains strong and growing? How should we update our visions for
various business districts to help them grow into great neighborhoods? How do we ensure our
residents have access to education and training for better futures? How can we ensure diversity
of our businesses in a way that provides ongoing sustainable tax revenue? Of course, more
questions will arise as we engage with businesses and residents.
City staff is looking forward to working closely with the consultant team on this project and co -
developing the project scope.
Equitable and Inclusive Community Outreach
The City of Tukwila is one of the most diverse communities in the Nation and values its
diversity. The majority of people who live in Tukwila are people of color and over 40% were born
in a country other than the United States. More than 80 languages are spoken in our schools
and over 50% of our residents speak a language other than English at home. The City is
committed to equitable access to opportunity for Tukwila residents and has a City Council
adopted equity policy. As such, equitable outreach and engagement will be a key component of
creating the economic development plan.
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Budget
The City has allocated $50,000 for this project. Additional funding is available as needed to
contract with community-based organizations to ensure equitable community outreach.
Selection Criteria
Please describe your project team's qualifications including your:
• experience helping cities with projects of this type
• ability to achieve great results relative to the project budget
• knowledge of the City of Tukwila
• ability to meet the anticipated project schedule
• experience and capability conducting community outreach, especially with BIPOC
populations, recent immigrants and refugees, and people who are English language
learners
Please describe your project team's organizational structure including any sub -contractors.
Please list the primary team members who would be assigned to this project and provide any
additional information about their qualifications.
Please describe specific suggestions on how to ensure equitable outreach for this project.
Selection Process
Staff will review statements of qualifications as we receive them and will follow up with the
consultant if we have additional questions. We anticipate staff will select a preferred consultant
and bring that recommendation forward with a proposed contract to the City Council for
approval.
Anticipated Schedule
May 6, 2022
May 16, 2022
May 23, 2022
June 6, 2022
June 2022
July 2022
Fall 2022
November 2022
Staff selection of preferred consultant; begin contract discussions
City Council committee consideration of staff recommendation
City Council consideration of staff recommendation
City Council authorization to execute contract
Project planning; research begins
Community outreach begins
Council presentations and discussions
City Council adopts the Plan
Note: This schedule and process is subject to change.
Submittal
Please submit your qualifications as a Microsoft Word or PDF formats. Submittals will become
public records.
Please email your statement of qualifications to the contact below by 5:00 PM April 25, 2022.
Contact
For more information, contact Derek Speck at 206-790-2187 or Derek.Speck@TukwilaWA.gov.
4
City of Tukwila
Economic Development Plan RFQ Evaluation Sheet
Evaluation Criteria
Beckwith
Berk
Better
City
CAI
EcoNW
1) Experience & capability with similar
projects
Q
HQ
SQ
HQ
Q
2) Experience & capability with outreach
and equity
Q
HQ
LQ
HQ
HQ
3) Experience & capability with
communication, production, and
graphic design
Q
HQ
LQ
HQ
Q
4) Capacity to complete project on
schedule
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
5) Knowledge of Tukwila
SQ
HQ
LQ
HQ
HQ
6) Return on City investment
(bang for the buck)
Q
Q
LQ
HQ
Q
7) Overall
Q
HQ
SQ
HQ
Q
Comments
and redevelopment.
with paid community partners for equitable
regional aerospace economy.
Northwest. Not much info on outreach. Product
A strength is keeping their message simple.
data from Soundside Alliance project. Strongest in fun
of the final document. Their RFQ included links to
for staff to easily see examples of work.
detailed financial analysis, and in-depth
development plans.
1. Beckwith strengths appear to be planning
2. Berk has good recent experience contracting
engagement. Very well understands the
3. Better Cities has no experience in Pacific
appears to be just summary of input.
4. CAI already has workforce and regional
public participation and public readability
their economic development strategies
5. EcoNW's strengths appear to be for planning,
research. Fewer examples of economic
Ratings: LQ = Less Qualified/Unknown; SQ = Somewhat Qualified; Q = Qualified HQ = Highly Qualified
5
6
•
cai
April 25, 2022
community
attributesinc
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator
City of Tukwila Mayor's Office
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA
Re: Economic Development Strategy
Dear Mr. Speck,
500 Union Street, Suite 2001 Seattle, WA 98101
206 523 6683 1 communityattributes.com
Community Attributes Inc. (CAI) is pleased to present this proposal to support the City of Tukwila in
developing an Economic Development Strategy.
CAI is a recognized leader in data analytics, community engagement and outreach, and economic
development strategy. We work with communities and organizations throughout the western United States
to construct data -driven, impactful studies and strategies. Tukwila desires assistance to build upon its
economic development planning to date to clarify, prioritize, and develop consensus around specific courses
of action to increase prosperity for its diverse communities. Tukwila has enjoyed a particularly strong,
dynamic economy but structural changes resulting from the pandemic, including the growth of remote work
and online retailing, are forcing all cities in the region to adapt and react, making this a critical time to think
strategically about how to leverage available resources to create prosperity for all.
Our team is ideally suited to serve Tukwila in this role. Our value lies in the following key attributes and core
competencies:
• Deep understanding of principals of economic development, site selection, business attraction,
retention and expansion, and supply chain relationships honed through past work with regional
economic development organizations, counties and cities throughout the western United States
• Rigorous data analysis to help stakeholders understand regional economic trends, market
opportunities and actionable strategies to grow local economies
• Specific experience with equitable economic development and equity metrics, and a track record of
working to improve equity outcomes in regions with strong growth, high housing costs, and limited
land supply
• A culture of transparency and objectivity with the flexibility to adapt to meet Tukwila's needs
We work collaboratively with our clients to plan and implement better futures for their communities, and
we hope to partner with the City of Tukwila to proactively plan for economic growth that sustains and
enhances the quality of life for all of the city's current and future residents. Thank you for your
consideration, and we look forward to discussing our proposal and approach. Please feel free to contact us
at (206) 523-6683 (office) or (319) 621-2483 (Project Manager direct).
Sincerely,
Elliot Weiss, Project Manager
Community Attributes Inc.
elliot@communityattributes.com
(319) 621-2483
Chris Mefford, President and CEO
Community Attributes Inc. (auth. representative)
chrisPcommunityattributes.com
(206) 617-9576
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 1
7
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PROFILE
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attributesinc
Community Attributes Inc. (CAI) supports all phases of community and economic development—from
visioning to implementation. We aim to support decision-making by linking community priorities with
economic opportunities in the context of regional economic trends and available resources. The hallmarks
of our practice are flexibility, responsiveness, and innovation, all of which we whole-heartedly employ to
meet our clients' needs. We're passionate about delivering viable reports and products that help city
officials and their stakeholders improve the quality of life within their communities. CAI currently employs
10 staff members across three main teams focused on economics, planning and data systems.
Our project experience includes economic development strategies for large and small cities and regions,
including places with robust, retail and industrial sector -centered economies, such as Kent, Tacoma, and
Spokane, and Vancouver, Washington. Critically, we are experienced in identifying equity considerations in
these places, and in integrating solutions to such pressing challenges into an actionable strategic plan. We
recently led the development of an economic recovery framework for the greater Seattle region, which
addressed equity issues head-on by acknowledging the region's challenges and by analyzing how the
COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated them. We understand Tukwila's need for a detailed economic
development roadmap, and we will bring our extensive experience to bear in identifying challenges and
pioneering solutions so that Tukwila can improve, expand and diversify its already robust economy.
Elliot Weiss, an experienced planner with over a decade of consulting experience at the intersection of
planning, design, and development, will lead this work for CAI. Elliot joined CAI in 2012 and has since led
numerous economic development strategies, including award-winning recovery work for communities
working to overcome the impacts of a natural disaster. Other staff at CAI, including Bryan Lobel, Cassie
Byerly, and Michaela Jellicoe, will offer critical support on this project, and their resumes are included in this
proposal.
We enjoy a collaborative relationship with our clients, and we are happy to further discuss and refine any
aspect of our proposal. If we are selected, we look forward to working closely with staff to identify and
refine a detailed project scope to meet Tukwila's needs. Thank you for your consideration.
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 2
8
Tillamook Cheese Factory T1lllaal00k
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The Tillamook Cheese Factory located on the west mast of
Gregor, is both a mayor food production fealty and regional
tourist draw. The lacilly is the Mtginel 1lemook Cheese pro-
duclinn factory and produces approximately 161.000 pounds
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year. The factory is a successful axanaVe el "Make in Heck.
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fully Integrated 010tor and retail1acllltles. -
OUR QUALIFICATIONS
Selected Project Experience
Community Attributes has partnered with local governments throughout the western United States on
community and economic development projects, including strategies and action plans. The following is a
selection of our relevant work which we have successfully delivered within schedule and budget.
Relevant Project Experience: Economic Development Strategy
SOUNDSIDE ALLIANCE: ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
The Soundside Alliance for Economic Development is a partnership of five cities (Burien, Des Moines,
Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila), the Port of Seattle and Highline College dedicated to promoting
economic opportunity in Southwest King County. To support their mission, CAI mapped and assessed
primary source data to evaluate the economic and workforce assets of the region and determine potential
opportunities to leverage and augment these resources to expand middle-class jobs and promote business
growth. The conclusions of this report provided future guidance and direction for policy initiatives in the
region. (2015)
CITY OF KENT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
For the City of Kent, Community Attributes Inc. provided project management of an economic development
plan. CAI developed industrial and commercial profiles which analyzed employment, real estate, retail,
commercial and demographic data for Kent's major commercial and industrial activity centers. Stakeholder
engagement efforts included interviews with representatives from government and private sector leaders,
business forum facilitation and workshops. The report included assessments of strategic advantages,
challenges and opportunities to support and grow the commercial, industrial, residential and retail assets in
the City of Kent. CAI conducted a second phase focusing on stakeholder feedback analysis, including
interviews with City Councilmembers and facilitation of three business forums. (2014)
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40
GATEWAYS dC�
5 KENT INDUSTRIAL VALLEY
Strategy 5.3 Position the Industrial Valley as an Amenity
for both Industrial Users & Surrounding Communities
® Encourage Retail and Hospitality In KIV
Articulate clear City policies that encourage additional retail, service end
hospitality development at Me most visible gateways and Intersections of
the RIO.
® Put Window on Manufactudng
Partner WC Kent Industrial Valley manutactanng firms to explore pass-
baitIes for indoor or outdoor visitor viewing areas 101 local manulecturing,
labncation, assembly or food protesting operations.
Conduct a' Made In Kent" Retail Tour
Organize and promote retail lours and marketing collateral tar local manu-
facturers K prominent brands via Kent Chamber of Commerce. Cay and
consortium of Interested Ilrms in the Kent Industrial Valley.
IMICI Activate the Slack Space
Partner with landowners and tenants to identity appoduruties lar adaptive
revenue-generebng reuse of underutiflzed warehouses, storage lots, slack
space and vacant or overlooked Industrial buildings and sites in the KIV
Cross Listed Action Steps
® Gray to Green
® Lrghl the 51reet
® Add Biking and Punning Trails
NEE Finish the Kent Valley Loop Trail
® Sponsor RnTech Events In AIV
® Make In Back. Sell In Front
® Expand Allowable Uses In KIV
215100 2025 GOALS
Community Attributes Inc. I City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 3
9
The Kent EDSP is available at:
https://www.kentwa.gov/home/showdocument?id=2758
TRI COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: COMPRHENSIVE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)
CAI prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Tri County Economic
Development District (TEDD). The CEDS presented goals, objectives and milestones for a three -county
region of northeast Washington. Cities across the three counties ranged in size, with varying economic
drivers and community needs. CAI worked with stakeholders, including a CEDS Committee and the TEDD
Board of Directors, to ensure that the adopted strategy effectively represented the needs of the region's
residents and businesses. As part of the strategy, CAI deployed a business survey to ascertain the economic
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and developed strategies to support economic recovery and resiliency.
(2021)
Project Cost: $100,000
Project Manager: Elliot Weiss
Project Team: Bryan Lobel, Cassie Byerly, Michaela Jellicoe
CITY OF BOISE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
For the City of Boise, Idaho, CAI led the development of the City's first economic development strategic
plan. The plan identified goals around regional collaboration, quality of life, target industries and workforce
development, and included strategies and actions meant to make tangible progress toward the goals. As
part of the effort, CAI conducted 13 focus groups with over 100 local leaders from business and industry,
community organizations, City and partner jurisdictions, and educational institutions. (2021)
Project Cost: $95,000
Project Manager: Elliot Weiss
Project Team: Chris Mefford, Bryan Lobel, Cassie Byerly, Michaela Jellicoe, Ethan Schmidt
CITY OF TACOMA: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
The Tacoma EDSP is available at:
https://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cedd/CED Main/CoT Strategic Plan 2020 2025.pdf
Project Cost: $65,000
Project Manager: Bryan Lobel
Project Team: Chris Mefford, Elliot Weiss
Community Attributes Inc. l CityofTukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 4
10
City of Tacoma Ecanomie Development Strategic Plan
TH
REE Overview
AcLion in the Near Term
The following pages hist 39 PRIORITY ACTIONS that the City of Tacoma can begin to undertake now that well have
a significant impact in the near term • and that welt signal its intent in these eight FOCUS AREAS of economic development
and develop momentum for the rest of the STRATEGIES and ACTIONS contained in Section q of this Pan These priority
actions are intended to focus the City's finite and limited resourcesin as practical and impactful a way as possible in the
near term. The following pages may also be used as a CHECKLIST to periodically track and update progress
on implementation
Focus Areasm bold type at the top
describe the general category of
Priority Action
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City all -atom 1 Economic Development Strategic Plan
TWO Values
Equity & Prosperity
The City of Tacoma's mission isto achieve equity in service
delivery. decision-making and community engagement.
This mission requires a commitment to identify and eliminate
underlying drivers of social and economic inequity within
Tacoma. Opportunity and advancement for all requires broad
civic and community participation. Livable neighborhoods
without physical barriers to economic opportunity. and a
robust economy that ensures wealth creation opportunities
for all.
Social and economic equity must be reflected in specific
actions - including economic development actions outlined
in this Plan Throughout this pia h. specific actions that
conttbute to equity in Tacoma's economic development
policies and programs are marked with. an Icon [right]
These actions present an explicit plan., with in the- plan
for moving the City of Tacoma toward greater social
and economic equity.
Equality versus Equity
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Delaited Strategies & Actions
presented in Section 4 of Nis pion
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CITY OF MCMINNVILLE, OR: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
CAI produced an economic development strategic plan to guide the City of McMinnville's investment to
support sustainable and equitable growth. The strategy focuses on placemaking, recreation, leisure
activities, entrepreneurship, medicine, and education. It leverages critical assets like Linfield College and
Chemeketa Community College, the Willamette Valley Medical Center, and an award-winning historic
downtown, creating a roadmap that maximizes the City's strategic location in Oregon's wine country, nearly
equidistant from Portland and the Oregon coast. As part of the strategic planning process, CAI deployed a
survey, held industry focus groups, facilitated public meetings, engaged with an advisory committee and
coordinated with a larger team. CAI's work also included a robust data profile, which analyzed the City's
existing challenges and opportunities. (2018-2019)
The McMinnville EDSP is available at:
https://www.mcminnvilleoregon.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning/page/1675/ed strategic
plan.pdf
Project Cost: $50,000
Project Manager: Elliot Weiss
Community Attributes Inc. I City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 5
11
Project Team: Chris Mefford, Bryan Lobel, Michaela Jellicoe
CITY OF KENMORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
With abundant change happening in both Kenmore and the region, the City needed a refreshed look at the
its market position and relative strengths and opportunities as they relate to economic development.
Communities connected by SR522 are experiencing major change in terms of economic activity,
infrastructure and investment. As such , CAI led an update of its economic development strategy. The plan is
rooted in current market and industry dynamics as well as the City's capacity for commercial growth and
how that impacts future opportunities. The plan will leverage these analytics to inform and guide
stakeholder engagement, culminating in development of an actionable strategic roadmap for City staff and
policy makers in the short and long term. (2017-2018)
The Kenmore Economic Development Strategy is available here:
https://www.kenmorewa.gov/home/showdocument?id=1445
Project Manager: Mark Goodman
Project Team: Chris Mefford, Elliot Weiss, Bryan Lobel, Kristina Gallant
CITY OF ASTORIA, OR: FIVE-YEAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
CAI led a five-year economic development strategy for the City of Astoria, Oregon. Final economic
development strategies, actions and implementation measures drew from an economic opportunity analysis
(EOA) and stakeholder engagement. CAI's analysis of economic opportunities presented an overview of
regional economic and demographic data, and a comparison to national trends. CAI applied buildable lands
methodologies to estimate and inventory available employment lands. Stakeholder engagement included
industry focus groups with leaders in sectors such as food manufacturing and education. CAI also facilitated
a community forum or open house to garner feedback on proposed economic development strategies. The
final report features strategies with recommendations on disposition, marketing and recruitment for key
redevelopment sites in the Astoria area. (2017)
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Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 6
12
The Astoria Economic Development Strategy is available here:
https://www.astoria.or.us/Assets/dept 3/pm/pdf/cai.astoria eds%202017.pdf
Project Cost: $80,000
Project Manager: Elliot Weiss
Project Team: Chris Mefford, Bryan Lobel, Michaela Jellicoe
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL: REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY
CAI worked with the Puget Sound Regional Council to develop a new Regional Economic Strategy (CEDS)
for the four -county region of King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The CEDS, called Amazing Place,
incorporated stakeholder feedback from representatives of major industries, economic development
organizations, government agencies, workforce councils and municipal boards. CAI provided technical
assistance and economic analysis to ground the strategy in a quantitative and qualitative assessment of
regional strengths and opportunities. (2016 - 2017)
The Regional Economic Strategy is available here:
https://www.psrc.org/sites/default/files/amazingplacestrategy.pdf
Project Cost: $109,700
Project Manager: Chris Mefford
Project Team: Elliot Weiss, Bryan Lobel, Michaela Jellicoe
Relevant Project Experience: Economic Resiliency & Recovery
GREATER SEATTLE PARTNERS: COVID-19 REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY
FRAMEWORK
Community Attributes is providing research and facilitation to support GSP in the development of a
Regional Economic Recovery Framework. CAI and GSP brought together a Task Force of public, private, and
non-profit sector representatives from all aspects of the economy to collaborate on strategy, resources and
alignment. The Task Force consists of five Work Groups (Trade, External Investment, and Growth Sectors;
Policy and Advocacy; Small Business; Workforce and Talent; and Tourism and Marketing). CAI has
conducted interviews with Task Force members, deployed an online survey to gather input, and is
conducting meetings to inform the goals and strategies in the Framework. Equity and inclusion represent a
key focus of this effort and permeate the recovery framework. The outcome of this process will be a best -in -
class, data -driven Regional Economic Recovery Framework and an Action Plan that will include clear and
committed actions to implement in the near-term. In addition to developing the strategy, CAI developed a
website to represent the planning process, along with custom data dashboards to track key metrics. (2020 -
2021)
The framework is available here: https://greater-seattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Economic-
Recovery-Plan final 0921 sm.pdf
Project Cost: $105,000
Project Manager: Chris Mefford
Project Team: Elliot Weiss, Madalina Calen, Bryan Lobel, Michaela Jellicoe
Community Attributes Inc. l City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 7
13
THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGE
Covid created an economic crisis, but it also revealed an even deeper crisis. Even os Greater Seattle rose ID superstar status in the decade pre-Covid,
cracks were forming in the foundation of its economy:
Shortage of good jobs
A 3% unemplayrnent rote
pre-Covid obscured the fact
that nearly 900,000 people in
Greater Seattle were out of work
or shirk in low-wage jobs. The
shore of people out of work in
Greater Seattle was 30% higher
than in Minneapolis -5t. Poul.'
More than one in three employed
people in Greater Searle were
in low-wage jobs that paid less
than $18 per hour, and many
others were struggling to get by
in o region where the living wage
for most families is $25 per hour
Or more-'
Huge race and gender disparities
across the economy
Rose- and gender-based disparities were
ma ee in terms of both income and business
ownership. For example, just 38% of women of
color with collegedegrees in Greater Seattle
hod a good job f$251hr • benefits), versus f S%
of white men with college degrees.` Greater
Seattle ranked in the bottom third of large
metro areas in terms of Block and Hispanic
representation in tech jobs and management
roles.' In terms of business ownership, 35%
of the workforce land 30% of college degree
holders) in Greater Seattle were people of color,
but they only owned 8%al high-growth firms.'
People out of work en
Greater Seattle was
30% higher
than in Minneapolis, St. Paul
38% of women
ur:rilh::ollege degrees
Compared to 65% of white
men with college degrees
Too few successful
new businesses
Amidst a booming tech economy,
Greater Seattle's entrepreneurship
ecosystem loitered. Between
2009 and 2019, the number al
jobs in young firms (less Mon
five years old) in Greater Seattle
grew by less than 8%. In other
high-growth and high-tech metro
areas, young firms expanded
rapidly -jobs in these businesses
increased by 12% in Mania,
nearly 25% in Deriver, aver
30% in Nashville, and over47%
in Austin
The number of jobs in young
firms in Greater Seattle
grew Less
than 8%
Compared Inc 47% in Austin
In short, Covid hit o Greater Seattle economy that -contrary m appearances- was already inder-performing, largely because it was failing to develop
and elevate the immense talents of its diverse population. PolicyLink hos hied up the casts of this status quo. the region's economy would be $33 billion
larger every year if racial disparities in income and employment were eliminated.' The cost of exclusion would surely top $50 billion if gender disparities were
included. I1 Greeter Seattle's economy grew by $50 billion, it would voult past Philadelphia and Boston, becoming the 8th -Ingest economy in the country.
CAI provided
analysis,
facilitation and
strategy
development for
Forward
Together, the
Greater Seattle
region's equity -
focused
recovery
strategy from
the COVID-19
pandemic and
systemic
economic
inequities,
STATE OF WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS AND SWOT
ANALYSIS FOR WASHINGTON STATE
Community Attributes, in partnership with ECONorthwest, conducted a SWOT analysis of Washington's
industries as input into a comprehensive business competitiveness analysis of the state's economy for the
Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR), administered by
the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The SWOT process involved the use of existing industry studies and
plans and secondary data from several state and federal sources. The analysis was bolstered by qualitative
input from various stakeholders, including industry experts and Department of Commerce sector leads. CAI
gathered insights and perspectives on any creative opportunities or overlooked threats and an equity lens
to jobs growth, wage growth, and small business development from a racial and geographic perspective.
Project Cost: $50,000
Project Manager: Michaela Jellicoe
Project Team: Madalina Calen, Ethan Schmidt, Cassie Byerly
Community Attributes Inc. I City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 8
14
CITY OF SEATTLE OED: COVID-19 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
CAI worked with the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development to design and deploy an online survey
to assess the impacts of the pandemic on small businesses across the Seattle region. The analysis provides a
clearer understanding of near term, COVID-19-related business impacts for local elected officials and
business and community leaders to help them articulate the need for policy interventions. Two rounds of
the survey were conducted in March and May. CAI conducted a longitudinal data collection and analysis to
determine changes in the scale and nature of the impact over time, and represented the results through a
series of infographics. (2020-2021)
Project Cost: $126,000
Project Manager: Chris Mefford
Project Team: Elliot Weiss, Madalina Calen, Bryan Lobel, Michaela Jellicoe
King, Pierce, Snohomish Counties
COVID-19 Business Impacts Survey
4,739
Respondents
through April 1, 2020
ORGANIZATION TYPE
Independent worker (contractor, 1660 36%
freelance, gig worker, no employees}
Privately held business w/ern ployees 2,349 S196
Franchised business operation 141 396
P ub1 id y traded corporation 25 1%
Not-for-profit organization 469 1046
Total 4644 10095
BUSINESS OWNER OUTLOOK
1,000
750
500
250
0
SSin e-Loeat8 Businesses
539
Two to Four Locations
130
Five or more
Not worried, no negative impacts {26,155 not shown)
Some impaets, but we'll make it
■ Worried about impacts and staying in business
IN Very worried, don't know if we'll make it through
■ Will likely go out of business
CURRENT LAYOFFS (excluding independent contractors)
"Have you reduced your staff capacity?"
931 927
639
No, we hada not Yes, we haw reaead Yes, we have laid off Yes, VA havelald[fr
reduced staffing emptoyee or contract employees or contract employees AND
workers haur5 Yowlers reducedempVey,n
contract workeis hours
RESPONDENTS BY INDUSTRY
Top Six Industries
Retail (Strores or
E -Commerce)
738
Healthca re or
Social Assistance
637
0 Hospitality or
Food Services
402
RENTS & LEASES
Professional or
Technical Services
651
eArts, Entertainment,
Recreation
635
0 Educational
Services
370
310 34%
of businesses express say they are unable to
concerns about paying rent
BUSINESS CONCERNS
Lack of cash reserves
Temporary closures
Cancelled events
Peduced participation at gatherincg
inati+nor u
Cit her
2
300 600 900 1,200 1,500 1,800 2,100 2,400 2,700 3,000
Note; Survey led by Seattle Office of Economrc Development, with
support from Greater Seattle Partners and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber
of Commerce. The survey responses are not a representative sample of
all local businesses, and the survey was not designed to serve that goal.
Survey respondents are apt to present a selection bias toward business
more negatively affected..
CAI designed, deployed, and analyzed results for a regional COULD -19 pandemic impacts survey. We
designed infographics to summarize the results in an accessible and impactful manner.
Other Relevant Project Work
ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY CLUSTER ANALYSIS
• Port of Whitman County, Washington: Industrial Feasibility and Strategic Plan
• Washington State University: Economic Impact Analysis
Community Attributes Inc. i City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 9
15
• City of Issaquah, Washington: Economic Clusters Study
• City of Spokane Valley, Washington Tourism and Retail Strategic Plans
• City of Seattle: Othello -Graham Retail Trade Analysis and Strategy
• Washington Aerospace Partnership: Aerospace Industry Economic Impact Study
• EDC of Seattle -King County: Washington State Maritime Industry Cluster Analysis
WORKFORCE AND JOBS ANALYSIS
CAI brings distinctive expertise in assessing data related to local and regional workforces and education and
training institutions. This expertise informs our strategies to highlight industry needs and relevant talent
pipelines.
• Workforce Development Council of Seattle -King County Talent Pipeline Reports
• Workforce Central Skills Gap Analysis and Sector Strategies
• Soundside Alliance Economic and Workforce Strategic Assessment
• City of Seattle Construction Equity Hiring Analysis
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY
• City of Post Falls, Idaho: Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan
• City of Spokane Valley, Washington: Economic Development Element and Comprehensive Plan
• City of Colville, Washington: Economic Development Element and Comprehensive Plan
• San Juan County, Washington: Comprehensive Plan Visioning and Resource Lands Analysis
• Island County, Washington: Economic Development Element
• Mason County, Washington: Economic Development Element
TECHNOLOGY TOOLS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Columbia River Economic Development Council: Site Selection Application:
https://credc.caimaps.info/cailive?county=Clark&state=Washington&tab=edu
• International Regions Benchmarking Consortium: http://caimaps.info/irbc#RegionalProfile
• Workforce Development Council of Seattle -King County: Talent Pipeline Application:
http://caimaps.info/wdc/#Dashboard
Key Staff
Community Attributes has in-house the experience, expertise, and capacity to do this work well in close
collaboration with the City of Tukwila. The resumes that follow provide detailed credentials and project
experience for staff anticipated to lead and support this project. Additional analysts are available to support
the work, as needed.
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 10
16
CHRIS MEFFORD President & CEO 1 5% dedication 1 0% on-site
Chris will serve as principal -in -charge and provide principal -level oversight.
Chris founded Community Attributes Inc. in Seattle in 2005. Chris is expert in regional
economic development and planning, financial feasibility, transportation planning, and
socio-economic and demographic analysis. Chris speaks to audiences on the regional
economy and its relevance to community development. His current work supports
economic stabilization efforts and recovering strategies throughout the Seattle region.
Prior to founding CAI, Chris led market analyses and managed projects with Seattle
consulting firms, served as a senior planner for the Puget Sound Regional Council and was a
transportation and land use planner with a local transportation planning firm. Currently,
Chris is the Interim CEO at Greater Seattle Partners.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Economic Recovery Framework
GREATER SEATTLE PARTNERS
Greater Seattle, WA 1 2020
Tukwila Urban Center Market Analysis
CITY OF TUKWILA
Tukwila, WA 1 2012
Highway 99 Economic Impacts
SOUND TRANSIT
Seattle, WA 1 2015
Strategic Plan
SEATTLE METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
Seattle, WA 1 2018-2019
Industrial Lands Land Use and Employment Study
CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Seattle, WA 1 2016-2017
Regional Affordable Housing Task Force Facilitation
KING COUNTY
King County, WA 1 2017-2018
Okanogan County Economic Recovery Plan and Website
NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Okanogan County, WA 1 2016
Tacoma 5 -Year Arts Plan
CITY OF TACOMA
Tacoma, WA 1 2016
Strategic Plan
TRADE DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
Seattle, WA 1 2016-2017
Housing Task Force Facilitation
KING COUNTY
King County, WA 1 2017-2018
Regional Economic Strategy
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL
Puget Sound Region, WA 1 2016
New Market Aircraft Pitch
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Snohomish County, WA 1 2018
SKILLS
Economic Development
Market Analysis
Strategic Planning
Public Outreach and Facilitation
EDUCATION
Data Analysis
Financial Plans
Public Policy
Master of Business Administration, 2002
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, 1995
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, Economics 1991.
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
MEMBERSHIPS
Board Member, Leadership Tomorrow
Member, Urban Land Institute
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 11
17
ELLIOT WEISS, AICP Senior Planner 1 40% dedication 1 20% on-site
Elliot will serve as project manager and manage day-to-day communication with the City
of Tukwila and provide leadership across all project work.
Elliot joined Community Attributes in 2012 and has served as a project manager for planning
and economic development projects for several years. Elliot's ability to synthesize the fields
of planning, urban design and commercial real estate make him uniquely capable of
identifying realistic and impactful interventions that advance community and economic
development objectives. As a project manager, Elliot has delivered award-winning work for
his clients, including the North Stillaguamish Valley Economic Redevelopment Plan, which
won the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2040 award in 2016. He has a passion for
creating and supporting vibrant and productive places that reflect community priorities.
Prior to joining CAI in 2012, Elliot worked as an independent planning consultant and served
in AmeriCorps, leading projects involving energy-efficient affordable housing, community development and pedestrian
and bicycle transportation in under -served urban areas.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Economic Development Strategic Plan
CITY OF BOISE
Boise, ID 1 2021
Economic Development Strategic Plan
CITY OF MCMINNVILLE
McMinnville, OR 1 2018
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
TRI COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Colville, WA 1 2021
Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
CITY OF KENMORE
Kenmore, WA 1 2017-2018
Economic Recovery Framework
GREATER SEATTLE PARTNERS
Greater Seattle, WA 1 2020
Five -Year Economic Development Strategy
CITY OF ASTORIA
Astoria, OR 1 2017
Development Feasibility Analysis
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward, CA 1 2021-2022
Arlington/Darrington Community Revitalization Plan
America's Best Communities Competition
CITIES OF ARLINGTON AND DARRINGTON
Snohomish County, WA 1 2015
Town Center Feasibility Analysis
CITY OF MERCER ISLAND
Mercer Island, WA 1 2021
Economic Redevelopment Plan
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Snohomish County, WA 1 2015
Tourism and Retail Strategies
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Spokane Valley, WA 12015-2016
Economic Development Action Plan
CITY OF LYNNWOOD
Lynnwood, WA 1 2015
SKILLS
Economic Development Strategy Public Outreach
Land Use Planning Housing Policy
EDUCATION
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, 2012
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Certificate in Real Estate Development, 2012
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts International Studies, 2009
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, American Planning Association
Member, American Institute of Certified Planners
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 12
18
MICHAELA JELLICOE Senior Economist 1 15% dedication 1 0% on-site
Michaela will support infrastructure and municipal finance analyses, including for tax
revenue projections.
Michaela is a senior economist and project manager with skills in municipal finance, impact
fee analysis, talent pipeline and other workforce analyses, economic impact analysis, and
industry cluster studies. She currently leads CAI's municipal finance and impact fee
practice, supporting municipalities with infrastructure finance planning. Michaela has
supported jurisdictions in Washington, Oregon, and California with impact fee analysis,
and has presented findings to stakeholders, elected officials and more. Previously,
Michaela worked as a research assistant at Purdue University, conducting economic
analysis, econometric modeling, data collection and visualization, and extensive research.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Employment Lands Study
COLUMBIA RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL
Clark County, WA 1 2019-2020
Northline Village Economic Benefits Analysis
CITY OF LYNNWOOD
Lynnwood, WA 1 2019
Industrial and Maritime Strategy Analysis
CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE OF PLANNING &
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Seattle, WA 1 2019 - Ongoing
Multifamily Tax Impact Evaluation
CITY OF SEATTLE
Seattle, WA 1 2019
Shoreline Housing Action Plan
CITY OF SHORELINE
Shoreline, WA 1 2020-2021
Park System Development Charge Update
CITY OF TUALATIN
Tualatin, OR 1 2017 - 2018
Park Impact Fee Update
CITY OF WASHOUGAL
Washougal, WA 1 2021
Transportation Impact Fee Support
CITY OF HAYWARD
Hayward, CA 1 2021
Fire Impact Fee Support
CITY OF SHORELINE
Shoreline, WA 1 2016 - 2017
Buildable Lands Program Methodology
WHATCOM COUNTY
Whatcom County, WA 1 2019 - 2020
Economic Impact Analysis
PORTS OF TACOMA AND SEATTLE; NORTHWEST
SEAPORT ALLIANCE
Puget Sound Region, WA 1 2018 - 2019
Park Impact Fee
CITY OF SHORELINE
Shoreline, WA 1 2016 - 2017
Northline Village Economic Benefits Analysis
CITY OF LYNNWOOD
Lynnwood, WA 1 2019
Fire District Impact Fee
CITY OF BOTHELL
Bothell, WA 1 2016
SKILLS
Impact Fee Program Development Statistical Analysis
Development Feasibility Analysis Policy Evaluation
Input -Output Analysis Survey Design
Statistical Model Design Data Collection
EDUCATION
Master of Science Agricultural Economics, 2014
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Bachelor of Arts Economics and Political Science, 2008
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 13
19
BRYAN LOBEL, AICP Senior Planner 1 35% dedication 10% on-site
Bryan will support analysis, strategy development and implementation measures.
Bryan is a leader in economic development strategy with foundations in economic
geography, urban industrial development and neighborhood planning and design. Trained as
an urban planner, Bryan studied downtown Los Angeles's Fashion District before working
with city planning departments at Glendale and Los Angeles. There he contributed to a LEED
for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) pilot project—the Cornfields -Arroyo Seco
Plan—to balance jobs and housing in an evolving neighborhood on the L.A. River. In Glendale,
Bryan supported the implementation of the City's new Downtown Specific Plan. In the past
ten years at Community Attributes, Bryan has helped model the feasibility and economic and
fiscal impacts of development regulations extensively. Most recently, Bryan heavily
supported the development of the City of Shoreline's Housing Action Plan, including its
housing needs assessment and strategy development.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Sammamish Town Center Feasibility
CITY OF SAMMAMISH
Sammamish, WA 1 2015
Economic Recovery Framework
GREATER SEATTLE PARTNERS
Greater Seattle, WA 1 2020
Economic Development Strategic Plan
CITY OF TACOMA
Tacoma, WA 1 2019 - 2020
Economic Redevelopment Plan
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Snohomish County, WA 1 2015
Okanogan County Economic Recovery Plan and Website
NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
COVID-19 Small Business Impact Support
CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Seattle, WA 1 2020
Economic Development Plan
CITY OF KENT
Kent, WA 1 2013-2014
Lynnwood Economic Development Action Plan
LYNNWOOD OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Lynnwood, WA 1 2013 - 2014
Comprehensive Industrial Lands Analysis
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL
Central Puget Sound, WA 1 2014 - 2015
Arlington/Darrington Community Revitalization Plan -
America's Best Communities Competition
CITY OF ARLINGTON AND DARRINGTON
Snohomish County, WA 1 2015
SKILLS
Economic & Market
Analysis
Economic Development
Strategy
Land Use Planning and
Development Regulations
GIS Analysis & Mapping
EDUCATION
Stakeholder Engagement
Industrial Land Assessment
Master of Urban Planning, 2008
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts English & Spanish Language and
Literatures, 2005
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, American Planning Association
Member, American Institute of Certified Planners
Community Attributes Inc. I City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 14
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CASSIE BYERLY Planning Analyst 1 45% dedication 1 10% on-site
Cassie will support the landscape assessment and socioeconomic profile.
Cassie joined CAI in 2020. She brings a blend of legislative and planning research and
analysis experience to the Economics and Planning team. Her recent work includes data
analysis and interpretation for a variety of long-term strategic economic and planning
policies and plans and a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the financial impact,
demographics, and efficiency of Pierce County's volunteer board and commission system.
Prior to CAI, she led a team of graduate students in developing an Inclusionary Housing Plan
for the City of Huntington Woods, Michigan and analyzed housing and economic impacts of
the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cassie brings five
years of strategic communications and legislative experience from her time as a Press Secretary in the U.S. Senate.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Economic Development Strategic Plan
CITY OF BOISE
Boise, ID 1 2021- Ongoing
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Plan
Update
TRI -COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Tri -County Region, WA 12021 - Ongoing
Analysis of Volunteer Board and Commission System
PIERCE COUNTY
Pierce County, WA 1 2021 - Ongoing
Climate Entrepreneurs Strategic Assessment
CITY OF BOISE
Boise, ID 1 2021 - Ongoing
Washington Agricultural Fairs Economic and Social
Impact and Reach
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
Washington 1 2021.
Business Competitiveness and SWOT Analysis of
Washington State's Economy
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR/
ECONORTHWEST
Washington 1 2021- Ongoing
Food Industry Market Analysis
FARESTART
Puget Sound Region, WA 1 2021
Sound Transit Apprenticeship Retention and
Completion Disparity Analysis
SOUND TRANSIT
Seattle, WA 1 2020 - Ongoing
SKILLS
Economic Development Stakeholder Engagement
Strategy Qualitative Analysis
Land Use Planning and Development Regulations
EDUCATION
Master of Urban and Regional Planning, 2020
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts English & International Studies, 2014
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, American Planning Association
Member, Washington Planning Association
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 15
21
PROJECT U\DERSTA\DING & APPROACH
Project Understanding
Tukwila has always been an economic and cultural crossroads of great importance. Named in Chinook
jargon for the hazelnut trees that once sustained the original inhabitants in the Duwamish and Green River
valleys, the city today lies at the confluence of vital arteries of regional commerce and encompasses one of
the most diverse collections of international communities in the world. It's nearly 21,000 residents speak
dozens of languages, with fully half speaking a non-English language at home and 41% born outside the USA.
At last count, the city was home to over 47,000 jobs - 2.25 times the number of residents - a vital economic
center and commuter destination for workers all over the region (Exhibit 1). Once a fertile agricultural
economy, today's Tukwila residents of Allentown, Foster, and Thorndyke live a stone's throw from major
hubs of aerospace (including The Boeing Company, Tukwila's largest single employer), distribution
(including Amazon, UPS, and USPS facilities), data centers, manufacturing, and hospitality and retail (at
Westfield Southcenter - the Puget Sound's largest shopping center).
Exhibit 1: Commuter Origins of Tukwila Workers, 2019
Where Workers Live Who are 2019
Employed in Tukwila
Seattle 1 2.6%
Kent 7.3%
Renton 5.6%
Tacoma 4.2%
Federal Way 4.1%
Auburn 3.6%
Burien 2.5%
Bellevue 2.4%
Tukwila 1.9%
SeaTac 1.9%
Des Moines 1.5%
Fairwood 1.2%
Kirkland 1.2%
Everett 1.1%
Maple Valley 1.1%
Puyallup 1.0%
Sammamish 1.0%
South Hill 1.0%
Other 44.8%
2009 - 2019
Average
13.6%
7.2%
5.6%
3.9%
4.0%
3.1%
2.5%
2.6%
2.0%
1.8%
1.6%
1.2%
1.3%
1.2%
1.1%
1.0%
0.9%
0.9%
44.6%
Source: U.S. Census On the Mop LEHD, 2019; Community Attributes, 2022.
Tukwila has planned proactively to outline its economic objectives and identify its strengths and
weaknesses. The city's 2012 Strategic Plan focused on Tukwila's role as a regional employment center and
sought to strengthen links to its business community; it was updated in 2018 to prioritize the key role of
commercial space diversity for the city's economy. The city's 2015 Comprehensive Plan included a detailed
Economic Development element outlining goals, policies, and strategies to strengthen and diversify the
Community Attributes Inc. I City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 16
22
city's economy. Core issues at the time included a major perceived loss of employment (from 48,000 in 2000
to 40,000 by 2013) closely related to declines in manufacturing such as at Boeing, and declining retail sales.
Since the time that these plans were produced and analyses undertaken, major structural shifts affecting
Tukwila's economy have occurred - not least of which was the transformational worldwide Covid-19
pandemic and its acceleration of remote work and online retailing. While retail sales had indeed been in
decline for some years following the Great Recession as families saved money, spent less, and recovered
financially, the region had actually entered a period of sustained growth and retail sales per capita were on
the rise in Tukwila (Exhibit 2) - despite the growing effects of online shopping on brick and mortar retailers.
When the pandemic hit, retail sales in all categories declined dramatically, but accommodation and food
services were disproportionally impacted as even more retail trade shifted online. In Tukwila, the Food
Services and Accommodation category declined 46% from 2019-2020, while retail trade only declined 20%
(Exhibit 3).
Exhibit 2: Taxable Retail Sales per Capita, City of Tukwila, 2005-2020
TRS/capita Population
$180,000 25,000
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
mils 2021$
$1,800
$1,600
$1,400
$1,200
$1,000
$800
$600
$400
$200
$o
$149,800
$138,600 20,000
5116,700 5122,300
$105,300 $104,500 5110,300
15,000
$89,800
10,000
5,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, 2010; Community Attributes, 2022.
Exhibit 3: Top Taxable Retail Sales Industries, City of Tukwila, 2005-2020
Retail Trade
Construction
Accommodation
II 111 111 Ili 111 awnFood Seradervices
hdolesale T
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, 2010; PSRC, 2022; Community Attributes, 2022.
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 17
23
ill
id
Id
HI
oh
iil
11
111
1 i
li
ili
Retail Trade
Construction
Accommodation
II 111 111 Ili 111 awnFood Seradervices
hdolesale T
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, 2010; PSRC, 2022; Community Attributes, 2022.
Community Attributes Inc. 1 City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 17
23
Our Approach
The shifting of the structural conditions underlying Tukwila's historically strong and dynamic economy
require the city to react and adapt. What's more, Tukwila increasingly desires prosperity that is shared
equitably by all of the city's communities, including historically underrepresented, low-income, and non-
English speaking households. At Community Attributes, we are experts at the core tasks necessary for
successful execution of long-term planning to guide diverse and equitable development, short-term
prioritization of resources, and the curation of durable partnerships and momentum. Successful economic
development plans achieve buy -in from communities and stakeholders with critical perspectives on an
area's economy early and often and leverage their insights and ideas as the foundation for action.
EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In working with Tukwila to prioritize community economic objectives and identify action -oriented
strategies to achieve them, CAI will develop a detailed plan for multi -channel, phased community and
stakeholder engagement collaboratively with City staff and key partners. We will tailor our methods to the
communities we seek to reach and utilize a suite of outreach tools in multiple languages to engage and
incorporate critical and underrepresented perspectives and voices. CAI's approach is unique and will ensure
that Tukwila emerges from this planning process with a strategy that is equitable, impactful, and actionable.
In Tukwila, we will work with the city and its economic development partners early to identify key
"influencers" in the community that can get the word out to the diverse communities we want at the table in
this process. We will create and maintain a project website as a central clearinghouse of information on this
project in multiple languages where events, surveys, interactive maps, comment forms and draft content can
be hosted. And we'll utilize information design in a playful and engaging way to make planning more fun and
accessible to individuals and groups that might not normally participate.
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"Postcards from the future" were designed for the City of Astoria, Oregon's economic development planning process as a fun way
to try to gather insights into citizens' economic visions for their changing town.
A key factor to the success of economic development planning in a place as diverse and dynamic as Tukwila
will be convening and building a durable coalition of partners, staff, and community leaders to curate and
shepherd economic strategies toward implementation. Out outreach plan will be designed with this in mind.
EMPOWERING DATA TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES
Data analytics are a hallmark of our practice, and our analyses provide objective foundations for strategy.
We leverage robust analytics to tell nuanced stories about local and regional economies. In preparing the
Community Attributes Inc. City of Tukwila Economic Development Strategy Qualifications Page 18
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ground for economic development, diversification and equity strategies, CAI will first level -set the
understanding of Tukwila's economic foundations and recent trends by updating the city's demographic and
economic profile with recently -released 2020 U.S. Census data and 2016-2020 American Community
Survey data. We will continue the good work already underway by looking at Tukwila's strengths,
weaknesses, and opportunities and evaluating Tukwila's business climate. We will re -assess Tukwila's target
clusters to understand whether a competitive advantage continues to exist in specific industries, and how to
synergize new sectors with traditional ones. We will also assess the recent and projected fiscal impacts of
Tukwila's businesses with a focus on ensuring sustainable tax revenues into the future.
STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS, STRONG ECONOMY
Ultimately, economic development planning is about making life better for residents and workers in
Tukwila. As such, Tukwila's neighborhoods and its commercial and residential spaces, infrastructure, and
public services are both a driver of economic success and a beneficiary of it. To power equitable growth, the
city and its partners must strengthen Tukwila's neighborhoods and its physical fabric. Quality of life is a
powerful economic development tool, and the city must make sure that it continues to lead in livability,
allowing residents to prosper. CAI will identify key catalytic site, typology, and development priorities for
public investment with the most potential for leveraging private activity.
In conclusion, if CAI is chosen as Tukwila's partner for this important work, we look forward to co -
developing a scope of services to meet Tukwila's needs and executing that work on time and on budget. We
have the capacity to complete this project over the summer and autumn of 2022, with a target adoption
date by the end of the year. CAI will channel Tukwila's economic development work to date into an
actionable plan that is implementation focused and accessible and will deliver tools for the city and its
partners to guide and track progress toward achieving its economic development vision and goals in the
years to come.
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