HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2024-10-14 Item 1A - MOU - Memorandum of Understanding with Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing RoundtableCity of Tukwila
Thomas McLeod, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development Committee
FROM: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator
CC: Thomas McLeod
DATE: October 7, 2024
SUBJECT: Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable
ISSUE
The Council is being requested to approve a Memorandum of Understanding expressing
support to establish the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable.
BACKGROUND
The City of Kent has invited cities, educational institutions, and manufacturers in the air and
space industries to form a strategic initiative called the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing
Roundtable. The purpose of the Roundtable is for Kent Valley C-level executives, educational institutions,
and public sector representatives to collaborate and guide workforce development, public policy, and
economic sustainability to retain and attract air and space manufacturing businesses.
On September 17, 2024 the Kent City Council passed a motion expressing support for the Roundtable
and approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU is now being routed to the other cities
and educational institutions for signatures. A copy is attached for Council's consideration.
DISCUSSION
According to a 2022 analysis by the Puget Sound Regional Council, Washington state is well
positioned to compete in a growing commercial space economy. The air and space industry is
already vital to our regional economy and presents an important opportunity for the City of
Tukwila. Attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing and aerospace business is included
in Strategy 1A in the City's Economic Development Strategy.
Staff believes the Roundtable has the potential to be an effective way to support our air and
space economy. Tukwila's role would be to support the Roundtable by collaborating. The City
of Kent would take the lead to facilitate the work and there would be no financial contribution
from Tukwila.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item has no financial or budgetary impact.
RECOM MENDATION
The Council is being asked to approve a motion expressing support and authorizing the Mayor
to sign the Memorandum of Understanding at the October 21, 2024 Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Memorandum of Understanding
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Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable
Memorandum of Understanding
Subject: Establishment of the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing
Roundtable
Whereas, Green River College and Renton Technical College, as mission
driven institutions of higher education and talent development, recognize the
value of strong collaboration between aerospace leaders and the alignment
of training and programs with industry growth;
Whereas, The Auburn, Kent, and Renton School Districts are the starting
point for student career exploration and contribute to the development of
workforce education programs by fostering career connections between K-12
education, post- secondary pathways, and the aerospace industry;
Whereas, The public sector leaders representing the cities of Auburn, Kent,
Tukwila, and Renton, along with Kent Valley education leaders, recognize the
need for a strategic initiative aimed at addressing challenges and
opportunities within Kent Valley's aerospace industry;
Whereas, The Next Generation Sector Partnerships model has demonstrated
success in facilitating collaboration between business leaders, educators, and
government entities to address industry challenges and promote economic
vitality and sustainability;
Whereas, The creation of the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing
Roundtable provides an efficient platform for industry leaders to collectively
address workforce and talent development, drive legislative agendas, and
promote economic vitality and sustainability within the aerospace industry;
Whereas, Participation from industry leaders is essential for success of the
Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable as Kent Valley
employers are creating the jobs of the future and their guidance is critical to
shaping the aerospace industry's talent pipeline.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that Green River and Renton Technical
Colleges, and the Auburn, Kent and Renton School Districts hereby invite
establishment of the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable to
build stronger partnerships, foster collaboration, and expand equitable
access to our region's best jobs;
Be it further resolved that Kent Valley employers represented by C-suite
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executives, are invited to join the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing
Roundtable, and participate in the inaugural launch meeting scheduled for
late October 2024, as well as subsequent biannual meetings and Action
Teams;
Be it further resolved that the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila
express their support for the establishment of the Kent Valley Air and Space
Manufacturing Roundtable and commit to working collaboratively with the
Auburn, Kent and Renton School Districts, as well as Green River and
Renton Technical Colleges, and industry partners to ensure its success;
Be it further resolved that the Auburn, Kent and Renton School Districts,
Green River, and Renton Technical Colleges, along with the city mayors,
extend their sincere appreciation to Kent Valley Air and Space Industry
employers for considering this opportunity to collaborate and shape the
future of the air and space manufacturing industry and region.
Signed:
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