Economy Expert Finds Spokane Lacking Development Efforts Need Vision And Coordination
Spokane faces numerous obstacles to attracting new businesses with high-paying wages, an economic development expert said Friday.
“There is a need for aggressive economic development in this region,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of The Pace Group, a Tupelo, Miss.-based consulting company.
“There’s not a lot of coordination. There’s not a lot of cooperation in terms of a regional type of approach,” Jenkins told about 100 people Friday at the Inland Northwest Partnership’s annual meeting at the Spokane Club.
Jenkins’ comments are based on research his company did for Washington Water Power Co. in its service areas, including Eastern Washington, North Idaho and parts of Oregon.
The Pace Group also authored the Pace report, a study of Spokane’s economy released last year.
Among the problems the region faces, Jenkins said, are a shortage of skilled workers, tax burdens, lack of a high-profile technology business park, high poverty rates and a heavy reliance on companies that are becoming outdated due to technology.
“There is no overall vision for you in this region,” Jenkins said. “There is no clear vision about what this region has to offer. I would strongly encourage you to take a look at that.”
Following Jenkins’ presentation, regional experts discussed solutions, including how to build a better work force, how to invest in technology for economic development, and how future economic trends will impact the region.
Not all of Jenkins conclusions were so ominous. The quality of life in the Inland Northwest is excellent and wages are competitive. Energy rates are low, he said, and the region is perceived as being pro-business.
But, Jenkins said, the labor force is growing “exceptionally” slowly - at 1.4 percent. Slow growth combined with an unskilled workforce will deter good companies from moving to this region.
Environmental issues, including growth management and concern about salmon runs, also will impact economic development, Jenkins said, with increased regulations pushing businesses away.
Washington also has a bad tax reputation, Jenkins said. The state is ranked 47th in national fiscal performance and 12th in per capita tax burden.
Jenkins also expressed extreme concern about poverty in Spokane and the lack of discussion about it.
“We were astonished at the level of poverty in this community,” he said. “It should be a topic of discussion. It should be a concern to everyone who lives in this region.”
, DataTimes