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City Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Agenda - 08/19/2003
• KENT W A!M I N O T O N COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA August 19, 2003 The Workshop will be held in the Chambers East in Kent City Hall at 5:00 p.m. Council Members: President Judy Woods, Tim Clark, Connie Epperly, Leona Orr,Julie Peterson, Bruce White, Rico Yingling Subject Speaker Time . 1. Approval of Minutes of July 1, 2003 2. Economic Development Strategic Plan Nathan Torgelson 30 min 3. Homeless Emphasis John Hodgson 10 min 4. Pool Status John Hodgson 10 min The Council Workshop is held each month on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in Chambers East unless otherwise noted. For agenda information please contact the City Clerk's Office at 253-856-5725. ANY PERSON REQUIRING A DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 253-856-5725 IN ADVANCE. 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P 7 # .� �*• � Wl CZ CD 0) CL IN b„f[w Sr sn R O yj"kY MN 4 } A co CD .. A f * >f �i fL a - O n.a, IL a a r z'x �u t� • At a= r ;�y } e 12 ;r+y P. 'f e,Wvyyy�����` ¢ gg �„rf fyti k y [ ��, qF' _ SAY, -r q •� f `IK Y N ,r v W4, t!f < �'l � 77 ( LD m co : U U cu CD o cu U � O•dJ IM (C73TVA CL F Luc x 42,C O_ O O t h. k r t ti, �� O Y UJ cu 0 0 v �co � s ` J �t Y IU o g *�s C) c t r e s C) �+qb cu cu O E 4—a V } ^s �A■1J 06 cu En v, `J V U) -o CU o cux7. .fit7� lip _� > WCD O UUJ z� N O U) 84 � Q U z U) • • • • • • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT KENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2003 - 2008 Positioning Kent as the Premier Location for Business and CommunityVitality 3 r � �. V DRAFT { August 2003 Acknowledgements Seattle 140 Q5k°�°'as`e ;, 99 OI,Lake a�.Fmx.vC mllea Washingion Bellevue A special thank you to the Kent Chamber iA f of Commerce, who facilitated a 17-month A 1_5 Renton economic development strategic planning Puget Sound Regional Map process with the greater Kent commuity. W, 3,al,. _ SeaTae Valle This process serves as the foundation for International T �la Mescal Center the City's Economic Development Plan. Sea-Tac t67 Thank you to the Kent Downtown Partner- ship, the Kent School District, Green River Des Moines Community College, Highline Community Vassal, :�Marina sib° KEN T Island ivel W.a....,.,r F omplex City College and Renton Technical College I _ Center who were keypartners t in the community ' /r Lake P Y OMeridian Lake 18 dialogue. Salt Water Fenw State Park _(167 `99 �SDtate Palk` Federal Way �Enterald Downs Seattle In International Auburn Regional c c 'Medical Mt.Rainier Center f 4 approx � e5 m.es Tacoma 15 _ Auburn v ,r City of Kent Jim White, Mayor City Council: Tim Clark Connie Epperly Leona Orr Julie Peterson Bruce White On the cover - Images of Kent: Judy Woods Sounder commuter train, Riverbend Rico Yingling Golf Complex, CenterPoint Corporate Park, and a view of Mount Rainier Mike Martin, Chief Administrative Officer Photos courtesy of Sound Transit, CenterPoint Corporate Park and the City of Kent. 2 . �t�.� ----------------------------------- PLAN PURPOSE ANDPROCESS "A strong local economy is one of the primary goals in the City's Strategic Plan. Our City under- stands that a prosperous economy This five-year Plan sets forth an ambitous yet achievable enhances the vitality and livability of our community." strategic economic development agenda for the City of Kent and its business and community partners. Mayor Jim white City of Kent The Plan is keyed to two of the City's overall 2002-03 Strate- gic Plan goals - a Strong Economy and Vibrant Downtown. The Economic Development Plan's purpose is to articulate a set of measurable strategies and implementing actions to facilitate continued economic growth and new opportuni- ties forthe City's business districts and neighborhoods, and to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the City's economic development partners in achieving successful outcomes. The Plan will serve as a workplan for the City's economic development team, providingfocus and direction for future resource allocation and decision making. The City's 2002-03 Strategic Goals 1. Vibrant Downtown 2. Safe Community Economic 3. Effective Transportation System Development Strategic Plan 4. Strong Local Economy 5. Valued Government Services Plan Purpose & Process Business & Community Partners Chamber of Commerce-Facilitated Economic Development Strategy Teams Provide Significant Input to this Plan. The City maintains a close relationship with the Kent Chamber of Commerce-a nonprofit, membership- supported organization dedicated to promoting a better KENT CHAMBER economic climate in the Kent area. OF COMMERCE In February 2002, the Chamber, in partnership with the City of Kent, the Kent School District, Kent Downtown Partnership, Green River and Highline Community Colleges and Renton Technical College, and many community volunteers began a strategic planning effort for Kent's economy. Local businesses and civic volunteers have been meeting to discuss Kent's competitive advantages and disadvantages, and develop initial economic strategies. The Kent Economic Strategic Planning Group divided into four subgroups: "Workforce of the Future," "Downtown Center of Excellence," "International Kent Economic Summit City," and "Prosperous Manufacturing and Wholesale." Each group identified gaps, made short-term and long-term recommendations (Attachment ##) and identified community leads for each recommendation. Priority short-term and long- Photo Insert term recommendations from each group are included in the Plan. On August 4, 2003, at the Kent Economic Summit, the subgroups' recommendations were confirmed by community representatives. 18-hole City-owned Boeing Airspace Plant golf course at Riverbend Recent Milestones comes to Kent opens;currently in Kent's History 1986 busiest in State 1989 Kent incorporated 1964 1989 residents.with 763 Great Wall Mall opens- Kherson, Ukraine(for- Becomes 80,103 sq.ft. of retail merly USSR) becomes space and home to 39 ethnic Kent's first sister city businesses by March 2003 4 , KEWT ...... l .i .. c.s. .. - Plan Purpose & Process Kent Downtown PartnershipPlays a Key Role. The City Y Y v of Kent helps fund the Kent Downtown Partnership(KDP)effortsg at revitalizing Downtown. The KDP, formed in 1992 to work on downtown business retention, development and recruitment,was a key participant in the Kent Chamber's Downtown Center of j Excellence strategy team. The recommendations crafted by this 1j subgroup and the KDP's goals and work plan,are encompassed in this Plan's first goal— "Create a vibrant downtown to serve as a destination retail and community gathering place." x Green River Community College in Auburn (9,000 students), Highline Community College in Des Moines (10,000 students)and Renton Technical College in Renton (15,000 students)serve the Kent area and provide degrees and certificates in acedemic, professional and technical programs, as well as courses in continuing eduction and devleopment HI ,aHL11" E education. Cf'r,,Oid <Irl 'iWiI<1 The Kent School District (KSD) is the fourth largest school RTC logo ai =C district in the state, with over 26,000 students and 3,165 employees. The District boundaries encompass 73 square miles and includes four high schools. ('s 4S 4 KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Kent insitutes 1%for human services- now funds services of 20 Comprehensive Employment in the City local non-profits 1993 Plan 1996 surpasses 60,000 1998 193 1995 3,372 acre Meridian 1997 Downtown Starbucks Roasting annexation adds Plant opens in Kent approximately 20,000 to Strategic Plan Kent's population S ........... ......... ------- Plan Purpose& Process Planning Context Comprehensive Plan. The City of Kent adopted its Comprehensive Plan in 1995. The Comprehensive Plan sets the broad policy guidance for the City in the areas of "1 have always been impressed land use, community design, housing, human services, by the City's ability to be a leader transportation, parks, utilities,capital facilities and economic in South King County in terms of development. The Economic Development component addressing the needs of economic of the Comprehensive Plan articulates the vision for an development,housing,growth man- expanded downtown with retail, office, residential and agement issues and public safety." entertainment uses located adjacent to transit. This Plan Dini Duclos- Executive Director is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Multi Service Center Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan was prepared by the City to qualify for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funds beginning in 2003. It describes an assessment of housing, human services and community development needs of Kent and outlines the City's five-year housing and homeless, economic development and employment, livable communities, and antipoverty strategies and a one- year action plan. The Economic Development Strategic Plan is committed to promotion and implementation of the Consolidated Plan's economic development policies which benefit low and moderate income families and individuals who live, work or want to start a business in Kent. Permit Center opens- 90% of permits are City partnership Strategic produced on-time by creates one of the Plan largest ice arenas years end in the Pacific NW 2001 2001 1999 City completes 196th St. 2001 December Corridor Project and its City purchases Kent 2001 part of 277th St. Station property-embarks Corrior Project on public/private partnership to create destination Downtown 6 Plan Purpose& Process Downtown Strategic Action Plan. The 1998 Downtown Strategic Action Plan built on the City's long-standing commitment to downtown revitalization, provided downtown subarea-specific development goals and policies, and laid the framework for the Kent Station development. As part of the Downtown Strategic �� } Action Plan, a vision for downtown was established, market opportunities and development potential were analyzed and a development strategy was identified. . F._ Downtown Area 1/4 Mile Kent Station M..Ice Arena Yexit Commons e Regional Justice Center •Kent Library• 'Station* Senior Ocenter City Hall- ParkAndRid •`• Police Station ^ Skate Park 5 As a designated urban center under the State of Wash- ington's Growth ManagementAct(GMA), Downtown Kent serves as the City's Civic core,and includes the County's Regional Justice Center, City Hall and other City offices, the Police Station,King County Library,Kent Senior Center, and Kent Commons, the City's recreation center. El Grullo, Mexico Consolidated becomes Kent's May Plan November sixth sister city 2004 002 2002 OFM announces popula- October City secures water April City starts tion statistics- 2002 supply for future- 2003 construction of 228th Kent moves from 8th to thorugh 2020 St. Corridor Project 7th largest city in State- 84,210 residents 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPM ENT GOALS "The City has a sound history of fi- GOAL 1 nancial management. The Mayor, Create a Vibrant Downtown to Serve Council and the staff leadership as a Destination Retail and have earned Kent's excellent bond rating and the trust of the business Community Gathering Place community." Barb Ivanov- Executive Director Kent Chamber of Commerce GOAL 2 Strengthen and Grow the City's Major Manufacturing and Business Centers GOAL 3 Invest in Neighborhood Livability and Development of Neighborhood Centers GOAL 4 Promote the City's Image in the Region through Creating Destination Activities, Marketing and Business-Friendly City Services h EN T GOAL 1 Create a vibrant Downtown to serve as a destination retail and community gathering place ACTION STRATEGIES Quality Downtown Development The City has a longstanding vision A. Develop Kent Station as the number one destination in to create a more vital and identifi- South King County and complete construction of 530,000 able Downtown with retail,office, resi- square feet of entertainment, educational, retail, housing dential and entertainment uses located and office uses by 2008. adjacent to transit. To further this vision, the City has made strategic investments: B. Encourage Green River Community College to attract a In 1999, the City agreed to contribute university-level program as part of its presence in the Kent $4 million to Sound Transit toward Station Project by 2008. construction of structured parking at the Commuter Rail Station. Commuter C. Encourage redevelopment and development of at least rail service connected Kent commut- two key downtown properties by 2008, which may include ers to downtown Seattle (and eventu- King County Metro's surplus Lincoln Park and Ride lot ally Tacoma) in February 2001. The property. parking structure opened in March 2002. The station will become a D. Partner with King County or a private developer on devel- major King County-Metro bus stop. opment of all or part of the Municipal Lot block, which The City purchased almost 20 acres of includes City and privately-owned parcels, by 2008. Con- property adjacent to the station to stimu- sider public parking, residential and commercial uses on late and control redevelopment of prime the site, in addition to a municipal park/public plaza. downtown property. Tarragon Develop- ment is the lead developer for the Kent Station site. The 530,000 square foot project will include a 12-screen cinema, a branch campus of Green River Com- munity College, as well as additional retail, and housing and office uses. `j x Downtown - s Y= 9 „ City of Kent Vibrant Downtown - Retail Destination E. Encourage the development of at least 200 units of new & Community Gathering Place market rate housing downtown by 2008. Consider incen- tives for new housing construction such as: • Reduced or waived permit development fees. • Building code changes to allow four stories of wood frame construction above a concrete base. • Extending the multifamily tax exemption program to rental market rate housing. F. In partnership with the KDP, attract a conference and meeting center by 2008 that can accommodate at least "N` ` 300 people. The center may include a hotel. � Downtown Transportation Improvements Sounder Commuter Rail G. Create downtown Kent as the transportation hub of South King County: • Ensure that Sound Transit completes Phase 11 Sounder commuter rail service expansion to 18 train stops daily by 2008. • Lobby King County Metro to increase Bus Route 918 "We have been in business in service to link Kent Valley with every new commuter Downtown Kent for 21 years, and rail train that is added. we've seen a lot of positive changes. However, the change we are most enthusiastic about is the addition Business Growth and Retention and completion of Kent Station." H. Attract two new businesses to downtown annually with June McElheran - Co-Owner KDP as lead. Kent Business I. Persuade three existing retail businesses annually to ex- pand their evening/weekend operating hours with KDP as lead. Community Dialogue - Economic Development Strategic Plan Downtown Subgroup (See page 4 for background information.) 10 Downtown Image, Activities and Vibrant Downtown - Retail Destination Pedestrian Experience & Community Gathering Place K. Create and implement a plan for an attractive pedestrian corridor along 2°d Avenue between Kent Station and the historic downtown through the use of landscaping, wayfind- ing, street furniture and other design features in conjunc- "The downtown core of Kent is tion with KDP by 2008. poised to turn the corner, and once again become a vibrant L. Provide matching grant funding to at least five downtown downtown." businesses through a pilot FaQade Improvement Program funded through federal Community Development Block Bruce Anderson - Grant (CDBG) dollars by 2006. Kent Property Owner and Developer M. Provide new landscaping and paint at least three build- ings in downtown that front alongthe Burlington Northern Railroad corridor with KDP as lead by 2008. This corridor is Kent's front door to Amtrak and Sounder train riders. N. Create a signage and wayfinding concept plan for downtown in conjunction with KDP by 2006. 0. Support the Lion's Club efforts to return the farmers' mar- ket to a City-owned outdoor location in downtown Kent by 2004. Support Kent Downtown Partnership as an Agent of Downtown Revitalization P. Continue to contract on an annual basis and partner with the Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) to complete City design, promotion and economic development goals for Downtown. Q. Complete a downtown branding strategy and recruitment package and host a brokers event to unveil with KDP as lead by 2005. Kent Station R. Create a KDP website (KDP has lead role) by 2004. In the long-term: • Attract a conference center and/or hotel with meeting space to hold 300- 500 seats. (KDP has lead role with City and Kent Lodging Association involvement.) GOAL 2 Strengthen and grow the City's major manufacturing and business centers RPM Manufacturing drives the economy in the Kent Valley. In 2002, Kent, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn& Tukwila employed more than 67,000 in manufacturing. Manufacturing continues to support high-wage jobs: state-wide " average manufacturing wagesfor2001 exceeded$48,000peryear, the highest of all major industry groups. In King County, every manufacturing job adds another one and a half to three jobs to the region's economy due to large supplier and distribution networks. Kent has invested more than $87 million in the three east-west transportation corridors for the future of its manufacturing and Kent is home to manufacturing industrial centers. Workforce training and education is a vital strategy to ensure that Kent's young and diverse workforce has the trainingand experience needed to reach livable wage employment and to fill skill intensive jobs in the manufacturing sector. Many of Kent's residents com- mute outside of the City for jobs;the City should consider strategies "The City is a good place to be to improve the accessibility of Kent jobs to Kent residents. whether you are a developer or a builder or anybody." Manufacturing has long been subject to the ups and downs of regular market cycles and the pressures of an increasingly competi- Gary Volchok- tive global market. Globalization and the ability of other countries CB Commerical to export deflation have caused some US manufacturers to lose pricing power. In the past ten years, South King County manu- facturers have built their success on being the low cost produc- ers of high quality products. They will need outside assistance in order to make the strategic change to focus on innovation. Community Dialogue - Economic Development Strategic Plan (See page 4 for background information.) 12 -------------------------------------------------- Strong Manufacturing& Business Centers ACTION STRATEGIES Center for Advanced Manufacturing A. Partner with the Kent Chamber of Commerce and area colleges to create a Center for Advanced Manufacturing for South King County, which would include a research institution to transfer technology to commercial applica- tions, a public access research library and librarian, and a teaching facility to develop a skilled workforce by 2008. Kent industrial employers draw Bellevuekmamish broadly from the Seattle region. The map Issaquah , shows origination Newcastle' of all trips destined to Kent's industrial ° � areas. Buries �SeaTac X� � .a The darkest areas ' show the highest s, concentrations of trip , origins per acre. m Tacoma = Edgewaod# Puyallup Workforce of the Future Subgroup • Build real life work problems into curriculum. Teachers job shadow at businesses, carry back industry information and incorporate industry standards into the curriculum. (KSD has lead role with involvement of Colleges.) International Subgroup • Write 21st Century Community Learning Center federal grant in order to of- fer adult education and after-school activities for English-language learners. (KSD took lead role in completing this task in July 2003.) 139 04 iness assistance and training targeted at small, ethnic businesses. (Hi_aP1frY0 and Green River Community Colleges have lead role.) Strong Manufacturing ------- __.__..____________ Business Centers Cross Valley Corridors. Kent has taken a lead in the Seattle-Tacoma area in addressing transportation and freight mobility challenges by investing over$87 million and lever- aging an additional$120 million in the construction of three east-west transportation corridors. These corridors link Kent's manufacturing and industrial centers with Interstate 5and the Valley Freeway(167),and separate these three roadways from Kent's railroad traffic. ink4rnsTiartal Airporx Y "And the (transportation)ST improvements the City has made... Now it is world class. Dean Conti- Vice President ° `*� r Alpha Precision Manufacturing, Inc. & Member of Executive r Committee of Chamber's Board S 228TH ST I�rt�tStstiots ' S 277T ST, Community Dialogue e Economic Development Strategic Plan 14 Strong Manufacturing& Business Retention and Attraction Business Centers B. Provide direct assistance targeted towards expansion and retention of 25 existing Kent businesses annually. Courtesy of IM1MI CenterPoint Promote long-term stability of Kent businesses by assist- corporate ing those businesses who are purchasing their own real Park estate. C. Contact or provide recruitment assistance to a minimum of 25 businesses annually. Focus on businesses that could be recruited because of Kent's locational advantages and ` competitive property and lease rates. D. Partner with Green River Community College to open a � Small Business Development Center in Kent by providing partial funding through CDBG dollars by 2004. The SBDC shall provide technical assistance and loan preparation Kent is home to many of the services to a minimum of 30 Kent businesses or residents region's employers annually. Transportation Improvements E. Support and politically pursue freight mobility transpor- tation improvements to State highways that benefit Kent and the region, including: • Improvements to the Valley Freeway (HOV improve- ments between 15' Street SW to 151h Street NW, improvements between 277th Street and SR516, and a wider bridge structure at SR18). • Completion of State Route 509, which will provide a continuous freight corridor between Kent, Sea-Tac International Airport and the Port of Seattle. g • Completion of the State Route 167 connection to 1-5 -'', (access to Port of Tacoma). �, r F. Pursue additional funding for the South 2281h Street Ex- tension and Grade Separations and begin construction in 196th Street Improvements 2004. skilled workforce with a focus on quality efficiency practices. (Chamber has lead role with City, Washington Manufacturing Services and Colleges as partners.) International Subgroup • Kent Junior High becomes a high-achieving neighborhood middle school. May include math, science language and/or international business options. (KSD has lead role with City, Chamber, KDP, and Colleges as partners.) 15 Strong Manufacturing& Property Redevelopment Business Centers G. Complete environmental review and platting actions neces- sary for the future development of vacant parcels within the Pacific Gateway Business Park and Boeing's Space Center and redevelopment or occupancy of any surplused "We came here because the buildings within Boeing's Space Center by 2004. price of property and the in- frastructure is a lot better in H. Create an inventory of brownfields property in Kent by Kent." 2005 and pursue assessment grants, cleanup grants and loans and remedial action grants from the Federal Environ- Doug MacLean - President mental Protection Agency (EPA), the State Department of 1/ectra Fitness, Inc. Ecology (DOE) and the State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). I. Support and use tools that encourage redevelopment of key parcels in Kent, including supporting future legisla- tive efforts to amend the State Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation and adopting a City-binding site plan ordinance. Workforce Development J. Partner with the Chamber and work collaboratively with Green River, Renton and Highline colleges to develop a consortium of training programs and niches serving the Courtesy of Aerospace, Furniture, Manufacturing and Construction Flow International p g Corporation sectors. K. Work with the City's Housing and Human Services division and the City's Human Services Commission to annually fund Economic Development and Employment strategies as outlined in the City's Consolidated Plan that benefit low- and moderate income persons that promote sustain- ability and upward mobility, such as: 196th Street Corridor Ribbon #* * Cutting 16 <. ------------------------------------------------- Strong Manufacturing& • Fund literacy-based on-site basic skills training and Business Centers soft-skill training to increase employee skills at Kent businesses • Increase ability of low and moderate income wage earners to maintain jobs and progress in their jobs by providing child care scholarships L. Consider strategies to increase the percentage of Kent residents who find employment within the City. Partnerships and Collaboration Those who work in Kent come from all over M. Continue to work with the Governor and the region. The map shows origination of all work- Legislature on policies that impact the related trips destined for the City of Kent. City's major manufacturing and business centers. Focus on developing options for The darkest areas show the highest concentrations of trip origins per acre. the State sales tax streamlining legislative proposal to minimize revenue impact on the City of Kent. N. Educate local elected officials, the School s eellevueo mam/sh District, colleges and area leaders on the Seattle importance of the manufacturing and in- s dustrial center through a public relations N castle Issaquah and education effort. � . ff 0. Continue collaboration and coordination eyrren ruz �� ?` on economic development issues and =sea> opportunities with the Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Seattle, the Port of Tacoma, the Economic Development or Council of Seattle-King County, the State Office of Community, Trade and Economic Development, and local educational insti- , tutions. i Tacoma dgeivoo 'Puyallup 41, KE1. GOAL 3 At the 2003 City Council Strategic Invest in neighborhood livability Planning Retreat, the Council de- termineddevelopment an emphasis on develop- p ing strong neighborhoods should neighborhood centers be elevated to a City-wide strategic goal. This policy reflects a strength- ACTION STRATEGIES ened commitment to neighborhood involvement and broadened com- Neighborhood Improvement Program munications between neighborhoods and the City. A. Initiate a neighborhood sponsored matching grant pilot program by 2006 to create community improvement proj- age neighborhood residents, groups TheCityhasanopportunitytoencour- ects and to foster neighborhood identity and connected- and organizations to propose a broad ness. array of neighborhood-initiated and Midway Area Redevelopment community-oriented improvements. Organizing or planning projects have B. Encourage redevelopment of the Midway Landfill site and encouraged connections between neighbors, fostered civic involvement, the Midway Drive-In theater site. increased neighborhood safety and community ownership in other cities, C. Implement recommendations in the University of Washing- such as Renton and Seattle, who fund ton graduate student Midway Subarea Plan, including: such programs. • Preparation of a marketing and demographic profile for the neighborhood by 2004. A Citys livability is greatly deter- • Establishment of a business association through a mined by the quality and character new organization or partnership with the Des Moines of its neighborhoods. The City has Chamber of Commerce by 2005. an opportunity, through redevelop- . Creation of distinct architectural gateways at key entry ment of some key parcels, to create interesting new commercial and resi- points into the Midway neighborhood by 2006. dential development in neighborhoods throughout the City. By encouraging Other Key Neighborhood Locations quality development of key neighbor- hood commercial and residential D. Support the redevelopment of key business district parcels areas, the City can help to sponsor on the East Hill. vibrant neighborhood centers to serve as a focus for neighborhood services, parks and civic facilities essential for E. Sell the City's Reservoir Property to aquality home-builder daily life of area residents. to create a new neighborhood and close on the property by 2005. "We consider it a privilege to work in this City. Gary Young-Senior Vice President Polygon Northwest Company 18 ..- k W T. Reservoir Property/Impoundment Site. In 1983 the City of Kent purchased approximately 156 acres of property in unincorporated King County for a mu- nicipal water impoundment reservoir. In 2002, the City purchased additional water rights from the Tacoma P5 Pipeline project which resolves supply concerns that previously justified the reservoir project. Consequently, the City will be selling the property which is located within Auburn''3 Potential Annexation Area. Reservoir Property- Impoundment Site 99 16 Kent Valley- I u trial/lUlar�ula tur r g »f Benson Core North Park East Midway Downtown Hill Scenic West Hill Hill Lake Lake Fenwick Meridian Midway Neighborhood. Located along Pacific Highway South and directly west of Interstate 5 at the west- emmost part of Kent, the Midway neighborhood has experience little redevelopment activity in recentyears. Recent and planned improvements to Pacific Highway by the City of Kent and the potential for redevelopment on large parcels of property represent key opportunities to revitalize this neighborhood and to build a sense of community. 19 A key element to the successful implementa- tion of this Plan is communicating Kent's story to future businesses and residents who make Kent home and to visitors who enjoy Kent's destination recreation and sports facilities. Kent's story is one of accomplishment. Kent is receptive and responsive to business and citizen needs — as demonstrated throughout this Plan and Kent's continued commitment to quality of life and fostering an environment for business success: • Kent has room to grow. Communicating the City's advantages to the development community include its key location in the Seattle-Tacoma region for business devel- opment and expansion with demographics to support business investment. The abil- ity to provide fast, efficient and depend- able permits is a significant competitive advantage. • High quality,full service City. Kent's com- mitment to its citizens is reflected in the City's current facilities, Kent Station, and continuous strategic investments in parks, recreation, human services, public safety and transportation to ensure residents' quality of life. Kent wants to continue to attract tourists, conferences, sporting events and other recreational opportuni- ties. Bicycle trails link Kent's • Destination Kent. Kent is an international many park areas community with recreation choices that include the States busiest 18-hole golf course, one of the Northwests largest ice arenas and bicycle trails that link Kent's many park areas. AML City-owned Riverbend Golf Course 20 GOAL 4 Promote the City's image in the region through creating destination activities, marketing and business-friendly City services ACTION STRATEGIES Tourism, Culture and Destinations A. Work with the Sounders professional soccer team to locate a soccer stadium and soccer field com- plex within Kent at the Midway Landfill site or on a City-owned property with easy freeway access by 2008. 001,1 B. Issue annual or semi-annual request for propos- � `off �� als for non-profit organizations to use lodging tax .` mow_ dollars to promote hotel stays beginning in 2005 or earlier if resources allow. C. Partner with the Kent Lodging Association to at- tract soccer, golf and softball tournaments with a regional draw that increase hotel stays. D. Pursue the feasibility of promoting Kent as a loca- tion for filmmaking. Dragon Boat Festival at Cornucopia Days .. ...... __._.............. .... .. .... Soccer is a key foundation to Kent's 21 Parks and Recreation Program KENT ------------------------------------------------------- Destination Activities, Marketing& Business-Friendly City Services Marketing Program E. Develop an overall community and economic development marketing plan and a media and real estate broker outreach "I am always impressed when I strategy for the City by 2005 to improve the City's image come back to Kent the quality of in the Region and to attract new investment, develop- life that I observe around und this com- ment and residents. Consider marketing efforts targeted munity, the way that you support your families, your children and at people who work but do not live in Kent. your school district." F. Produce specific marketing pieces for Kent by 2004 Mike Heinisch - Director including a community profile and brochures on Kent's Valley Family& Youth Services park and recreation facilities and Kent's investment in transportation corridors. G. Promote Kent, through marketing materials by 2004, as an International Community that welcomes and promotes diversity and ties to the global marketplace. X 4 Kent has many park areas 22 KilT Destination Activities, Marketing& Business-Friendly City Services Business-Friendly City Services H. Continue to improve and monitor the permitting and in- spection process for development: • Establish a protocol for consistency between develop- ment inspections and plans examiners by 2004. Real Estate Database. In 2002, • Explore the feasibility of developing an on-line permit- the City of Kent invested in an up- ting system and allow on-line completion of permit to-date,private sector-maintained application forms by 2005. real estate database that includes all industrial, office and commer- I. Develop and promote a one-stop business license process cial properties for lease or sale in at the City for city and state business licenses by 2004. Kent. The database is used by the City for business attraction and retention activities. J. Institute a City transportation mitigation fee program by 2005 to provide predictability to the development com- munity. K. Enhance the City's image by redesigning the City of Kent website. L. Improve the City's Economic Development website by 2005 by adding more graphics, pictures and improving navigation. Monitor hits to the website before and after the improvements. Permit Center. In 2001, the City of Kent opened { ' a state-of-the-art permit center that combines building and planning services, fire prevention and public works engineering. As a result of improved coordination, on-time issuance of permit requiring t plan review increased from 49%in time in January 2001 to 97% in October 2002. "Over the last three to four years we have seen a marked improvement as to the efficiency and timelines that permits have been processed. We believe the new promptness and quality of service is directly related to the moneys expended by the City to add staff and improve services." Bruce Anderson - Kent Property Owner and Developer KENT t,, 1 . :1. _ .' For more information, please contact: Nathan Torgelson Economic Development Manager Telephone: (253) 856-5703 Fax: (253) 856-6700 ntorgelson@ci.kent.wa.us 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, Washington 98032-5703 http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/ 24 ECONOMIC 0 DEVELOPMENT 40 KENT STRATEGIC PLAN WA = HINGTON 2003 -2008 Positioning Kent as the Premier Location for Business and Community Vitality DRAFT August 2003 Seattle M Snoqualmle Pass OSkI Areas OLake, app—50 miles 6,Washington Bellevue Q Acknowledgements 1-5 Renton N e„ Pupt A special thank you to the Kent Chamber Sound Regional Map N Sale '0""c Valley of Commerce who facilitated a 17-month Intematlonal Airport t Medical Center economic development strategic planning Sea-Tac 16� process with the greater Kent community. a This process served as the foundation for Des Moores the City's Economic Development Plan. v�,�„ LMa"na s'6 KENT W.—No — Thank you to the Kent Downtown Partner- Island If o plex 1 Center ship, the Kent School District, Green River Lake O Meridian Community College, Highline Community Lake - 18 Salt Water Fe College and Renton Technical College - ®statePark� _ 167 all were key partners in the community ®Dash Point Federal Way _ ©Emerald State Park Dawns Seattle dialogue. _ a?�International ay © Auburnt_ .Regional e ; Medical Mt.Rainier Centers5 a Center > 164 ® miles e, a 1-5 Aubum TaCOttla s = " City of Kent Jim White, Mayor City Council Tim Clark Connie Epperly Leona Orr On the cover - Images of Kent: Julie Peterson Sounder commuter train, Riverbend Bruce White Golf Complex, CenterPoint Corporate Judy Woods Park, and view of Mount Rainier Rico Yingling Photos courtesy of Sound Transit, Mike Martin, Chief CenterPoint Corporate Park and the Administrative Officer City of Kent. 2 ' KENT PLAN PURPOSE AND PROCESS "A strong local economy is one of the primary goals in the City's Strategic Plan. Our City under- stands that a prosperous economy This five-year Plan sets forth an ambitous yet achievable enhances the vitality and livability of our community." strategic economic development agenda for the City of Kent and its business and community partners. Mayor Jim white City of Kent The Plan is keyed to two of the City's overall 2002-03 Strategic Plan goals — a Strong Economy and a Vibrant Downtown. The Economic Development Plan's purpose is to articulate a set of measurable strategies and imple- menting actions to facilitate continued economic growth and new opportunities for the City's business districts and neighborhoods, and to clearly define the roles and respon- sibilities of the City's economic development partners in achieving successful outcomes. The Plan will serve as a workplan for the City's economic development team, pro- viding focus and direction for future resource allocation and decision making. The City's 2002-03 Strategic Goals 1. Vibrant Downtown 2. Safe Community Economic Development 3. Effective Transportation System Strategic Plan 4. Strong Local Economy 5. Valued Government Services 3 -" KENT Plan Purpose & Process Business & Community Partners Chamber of Commerce-Facilitated Economic Development Strategy Teams Provide Significant Input to this Plan. The City maintains a close KENT CHAMBER relationship with the Kent Chamber of Commerce—a nonprofit, OF ❖ COMMERCE membership-supported organization dedicated to promoting a better economic climate in the Kent area. In February 2002, the Chamber, in partnership with the City of Kent, the Kent School District, Kent Downtown Partnership, Green River and Highline Community Colleges and Renton Technical College, and many community volunteers began a strategic planning effort for Kent's economy. Local businesses and civic volunteers met to discuss Kent's competitive advantages and disadvantages, and develop initial economic strategies. The Kent Economic Strategic Planning Group divided into four subgroups: "Workforce of the Future," "Downtown Kent Economic Summit Center of Excellence," "International City," and "Prosperous Manufacturing and Wholesale." Each group identified gaps, made short-term and long-term recommendations(Attachment A) and identified community leads for each recommendation. Photo Insert Priority short-term and long-term recommendations from each group are included in the Plan. On August 4, 2003, at the Kent Economic Summit, the subgroups' recommendations were confirmed by community representatives. 18-hole City-owned Boeing Airspace Plant golf course at Riverbend Recent Milestones comes to Kent opens;currently in Kent's History 1986 busiest in State 1989 Kent incorporated 1964 1989 in 1890 with 763 Great Wall Mall opens- Kherson, Ukraine(for- residents. Grows to 80,103 sq.ft. of retail merly USSR) becomes space and home to 39 ethnic Kent's first sister city businesses by March 2003 4 KENT Plan Purpose & Process Kent Downtown Partnership Plays a Key Role. The City of Kent helps fund the Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) efforts to revitalize downtown. The KDP,formed in 1992 to work on downtown business retention, development and recruitment, was a key participant in the Kent Chamber's Downtown Center of Excellence strategy team. The recommendations crafted by this subgroup and the KDP's goals and work plan, are encompassed in this Plan's first goal — "Create a vibrant downtown to serve as a destination retail and community gathering place." DOWNTMN PART.1!£RS HIP Green River Community College in Auburn (6,360full time equivalent (FTE) students), Highline Community College in Des Moines (6,240 FTE students) and Renton Technical College in Renton (5,020 FTE students)serve the Kent area and r provide degrees and certificates in acedemic, professional and technical programs, as well as courses in continuing eduction HIGHIJNE and development education. CONINAuNin COLLEGE The Kent School District KSD is the fourth largest school RTC logo r•• i River( ) g district in the state, with more than 26,000 students and 3,165 COMM UNITY COLLEGE employees.The District boundaries encompass 73 square miles and include four high schools. KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Kent insitutes 1% for human services- now funds services of 20 Comprehensive Employment in the City local non-profits 1993 Plan 1996 surpasses 60,000 1998 1993 1995 3,372 acre Meridian 1997 Downtown Starbucks Roasting annexation adds Strategic Plan Plant opens in Kent approximately 20,000 to Kent's population 5 KENT Plan Purpose & Process Planning Context Comprehensive Plan. The City of Kent adopted its Comprehensive Plan in 1995. The Comprehensive Plan sets broad policy guidance for the City in the areas of 'V have always been impressed land use, community design, housing, human services, by the City's ability to be a leader transportation, parks, utilities, capital facilities and economic in South King County in terms of development. The Economic Development component addressing the needs of economic of the Comprehensive Plan articulates the vision for an development, housing,growth man- expanded downtown, with retail, office, residential and agement issues and public safety." entertainment uses located adjacent to transit. This Plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Dini Duclos Executive Director Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan was prepared Multi Service Center by the City to qualify for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funds, beginning in 2003. It describes an assessment of housing, human services and community development needs in Kent and outlines the City's five-year housing and homeless, economic development and employment, livable communities,and antipoverty strategies, and a one- year action plan. The Economic Development Strategic Plan is committed to promotion and implementation of the Consolidated Plan's economic development policies,which benefit low and moderate income families and individuals who live, work or want to start a business in Kent. Permit Center opens- City partnership 90% of permits are creates one of the Citywide Strategic produced on-time by largest ice arenas Plan years end 2001 2001 in the Pacific NW 1999 City completes 196th St. 2001 December Corridor Project and its City purchases Kent 2001 part of 277th St. Station property-embarks Corrior Project on public/private partnership to create destination Downtown 6 -"KENT Plan Purpose & Process Downtown Strategic Action Plan. The 1998 Downtown Strategic Action Plan built on the City's long-standing commitmentto downtown revitalization, provided downtown subarea-specific . development goals and policies, and laid the framework for the Kent Station development. As part of the Downtown Strategic Action Plan, a vision for downtown was established, market opportunities and development potential were analyzed and a development strategy was identified. _ _ - G ' Downtown Area 1/4Mile Kent Station A# • Ice Arena E •Kent Commons c • Regional Justice Center 7I1, *Kent *Museum Library•,,,'Station• Senior 167 H Center • City Hall- Park And Ride •- Police Station s16 -'Skate Park pry 3 As a designated urban center under the State of Wash- ington's Growth Management Act(GMA), Downtown Kent serves as the City's core, and includes King County's Re- gional Justice Center, City Hall and other City offices, the Police Station, King County Library, Kent Senior Center, and Kent Commons, the City's recreation center. El Grullo, Mexico Consolidated becomes Kent's May Plan November sixth sister city 2004 2002 2002 The State Office of Financial October City secures water April City starts Management announces 2002 supply for future- 2003 construction of 228th population statistics-Kent moves through 2020 St. Corridor Project from 8th to 7th largest city in State -84,210 residents 7 KENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS "The City has a sound history of fi- GOAL 1 nancial management. The Mayor, Create a Vibrant Downtown to Serve Council and the staff leadership as a Destination Retail and have earned Kent's excellent bond rating and the trust of the business Community Gathering Place community." Barb Ivanov- Executive Director Kent Chamber of Commerce GOAL 2 Strengthen and Grow the City's Major Manufacturing and Business Centers GOAL 3 Invest in Neighborhood Livability and Development of Neighborhood Centers GOAL 4 Promote the City's Image in the Region through Creation of Destination Activities, Marketing and Business-Friendly City Services s KENT GOAL 1 Create a Vibrant Downtown to Serve as a Destination Retail and Community Gathering Place ACTION STRATEGIES Quality Downtown Development The City has a longstanding vision A. Develop Kent Station as the number one destination in to create a more vital and identifi- South King County, by completing construction of 530,000 able Downtown, with retail, office, res- square feet of entertainment, educational, retail, housing idential and entertainment uses located and office uses by 2008. adjacent to transit. To further this vision, the City has made strategic investments: B. Encourage Green River Community College to attract a In 1999, the City agreed to contribute university-level program as part of its presence in the Kent $4 million to Sound Transit toward Station Project by 2008. construction of structured parking at the Commuter Rail Station. Commuter C. Encourage redevelopment and development of at least rail service connected Kent commut- two key downtown properties by 2008, which may include ers to downtown Seattle (and eventu- King County Metro's surplus Lincoln Park and Ride lot ally Tacoma) in February 2001. The property. parking structure opened in March 2002. The station will become a D. Partner with King County or a private developer for devel- major King County-Metro bus stop. opment of all or part of the Municipal Lot block, which The City purchased nearly 20 acres of includes City and privately-owned parcels, by 2008. Con- property adjacent to the station tostimu- sider public parking, residential and commercial uses on late and control redevelopment of prime the site, in addition to a municipal park/public plaza. downtown property. Tarragon Develop- ment is the lead developer for the Kent Station site. The 530,000 square foot project will include a 12-screen cinema, a branch campus of Green River Com- munity College, as well as additional retail, and housing and office uses. w Downtown Kent 9 KENT Vibrant Downtown - Retail Destination E. Encourage the development of at least 200 units of new & Community Gathering Place market rate housing downtown by 2008. Consider incen- tives for new housing construction such as: • Reduced or waived permit development fees. • Building code changes to allow four stories of wood frame construction above a concrete base. • Extending the multifamily tax exemption program to r - rental market rate housing. x I F. In partnership with the KDP, attract a conference and meeting center by 2008 that can accommodate at least 300 people. The center could include a hotel. Downtown Transportation Improvements Sounder Commuter Rail G. Make downtown Kent the transportation hub of South King County: • Ensure that Sound Transit completes the Phase II Sounder commuter rail service expansion to 18 train stops daily by 2008. • Lobby King County Metro to increase Bus Route 918 service to link Kent Valley with every new commuter "We have been in business in rail train that is added. Downtown Kent for 21 years, and we've seen a lot of positive changes. However, the change we are most Business Growth and Retention enthusiastic about is the addition and completion of Kent Station." H. Attract two new businesses to downtown annually. (KDP has lead role.) June McElheran Co-Owner I. Persuade three existing retail businesses annually to ex- Kent Business pand their evening/weekend operating hours. (KDP has lead role.) Community Dialogue - Economic Development Strategic Plan (See page 4 for background information) Downtown Subgroup Recommendations In the short-term: • Create and implement a marketing strategy and Kent downtown brand to attract desired businesses, remain open some evening hours. (KDP has lead role, with City and Chamber involvement.) 10 KENT Downtown Image, Activities and Vibrant Downtown - Retail Destination Pedestrian Experience & Community Gathering Place K. Create and implement a plan for an attractive pedestrian corridor along 2nd Avenue between Kent Station and the historic downtown, through the use of landscaping, wayfinding, street furniture and other design features (in "The downtown core of Kent is conjunction with KDP) by 2008. poised to turn the corner, and L. Provide matching grant funding to at least five downtown once again become a vibrant downtown." businesses through a pilot Facade Improvement Program funded through federal Community Development Block Bruce Anderson Grant (CDBG) dollars by 2006. Kent Property Owner and Developer M. Provide new landscaping and paint at least three build- ings in downtown that front along the Burlington Northern Railroad corridor by 2008. This corridor is Kent's front door to Amtrak and Sounder train riders. (KDP has lead role.) N. Create a signage and wayfinding concept plan for downtown (in conjunction with KDP) by 2006. 0. Support the Lion's Club efforts to return the farmers' mar- ket to a City-owned outdoor location in downtown Kent by 2004. �Iz ,a t ram' Support Kent Downtown Partnership as an - f LL Agent of Downtown Revitalization g P. Continue to contract on an annual basis and partner with the KDP to complete City design, promotion and economic development goals for Downtown. _ Q. Complete a downtown branding strategy and recruitment package and host a brokers event to unveil the brand by 2005. (KDP has lead role.) Kent Station Plan R. Create a KDP website by 2004. (KDP has lead role.) • Market downtown school success stories to Kent citizens, realtors, develop- ers, employers, prospective employers and housing buyers. (KSD has lead role, with Chamber and KDP involvement.) In the long-term: • Attract a conference center and/or hotel with meeting space to hold 300- 500 seats. (KDP has lead role, with City and Kent Lodging Association involvement.) 11 KENT GOAL 2 Strengthen and Grow the City's Major Manufacturing and Business Centers =gin, Manufacturing drives the economy in the Kent Valley. In 2002, Kent, Federal Way, Renton,Auburn and Tukwila employed more than 67,000 people in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing continues to support high-wage jobs:statewide aver- age manufacturing wages for 2001 exceeded$48,000 per year, the highest ofall major industrygroups. In King County, every manufac- turing job adds another one and a half to three jobs to the region's economy, due to large supplier and distribution networks. Kent has invested more than $87 million in three major east-west transportation corridors, to enhance the future of its manufacturing Kent is a major and industrial centers. manufacturing center Workforce training and education is a vital strategy to ensure that Kent's youngand diverse workforce has the trainingand experience needed to reach livable wage employment,and to fill skill-intensive jobs in the manufacturing sector. Many of Kent's residents com- mute outside the City for jobs; the City should consider strategies "The City is a good place to be to improve the accessibility of Kent's jobs to Kent residents. whether you are a developer or a builder or anybody." Manufacturing has long been subject to the ups and downs of regular market cycles and the pressures of an increasingly competi- Gary Volchok tive global market. Globalization and the ability of other countries CB Commerical to export deflation have caused some U.S. manufacturers to lose pricing power. In the past ten years, South King County manu- facturers have built their success on being the low-cost producers of high-quality products. Some of these firms may need outside assistance to make the strategic change to a focus on innovation. Community Dialogue - Economic Development Strategic Plan (See page 4 for background information) In the short-term: Manufacturing Center of Excellence Subgroup Recommendation • Work collaboratively with the Chamber to clearly define the needs of Kent's manufacturers and distributors. Conduct a SWOT analysis. (City and Chamber took lead roles in completing this task in 2003.) 12 40� See page 14-15 for long-term recommendations ! ENT Strong Manufacturing& Business Centers ACTION STRATEGIES Center for Advanced Manufacturing A. Partner with the Kent Chamber of Commerce and area Colleges to create a Center for Advanced Manufacturing for South King County by 2008, which would include a research institution to transfer technology to commercial applications, a public access research library and librarian, and a teaching facility to develop a skilled workforce. Residence of Employees " IL Working In Kent's ,, , mamsn E Bellevue Industrial Areas ' .., seaftle a ewcast Kent industrial employers draw _ broadly from the labor market in two counties - King and Pierce. - Sea G8 Interestingly, firm employees "� a come from Seattle, Belleveue and Tacoma. r. Note: The map shows origination of all trips destined for Kent's industrial areas. .. The darkest areas show the highest concentrations of trip origins per acre. taco'a Edgewao a 1-1 Source: Puyallup R Puget Sound Regional Council J (2000 data) Workforce of the Future Subgroup Recommendation • Build real life work problems into curriculum. Teachers should job shadow at businesses, carry back industry information and incorporate industry standards into the curriculum. (KSD has lead role with involvement of the Colleges.) International Subgroup Recommendation • Write a 215f Century Community Learning Center federal grant in order to offer adult education and after-school activities for English-language learn- ers. (KSD took lead role in completing this task in July 2003.) • Offer business assistance and training targeted to small, ethnic businesses. 13 (Highline and Green River Community Colleges have lead role.) ' I ! E !T Strong Manufacturing& Business Centers Cross Valley Corridor Investments Improve Access and Accessibility to Markets Kent has taken a lead in the Seattle-Tacoma area in addressing transportation and freight mobility challenges by investing more than $87 million and leveraging an additional$120 million in the construc- tion of three east-west transportation corridors. These corridors link Kent's manufacturing and industrial centers with Interstate 5 and the Valley Freeway (SR-167), and separate these three roadways from Kent's railroad traffic. 5"ettla-jocuffia "And the (transportation) inrorn®uonae improvements the City has made... Airpart Now it is world class." Dean Conti 6TH ST Vice President Alpha Precision Manufacturing, --� f Inc. and Member of ° {, .� - Lake the Executive Committee of the Chamber's Board t ' S 22M ST M Ket'tSteAxxe LsaY� % S 277T ST Star La#a Community Dialogue - Economic Development Strategic Plan In the long-term; Manufacturing Center of Excellence Subgroup Recommendation • Create a Kent Valley/South County Transitional Manufacturing Economic Plan and Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The Center may concen- trate on one manufacturing subsector and/or disciplines common to key subsectors, and offer: research institution to transfer technology to com- mercial applications in South County; a clearinghouse of best practices and national research; and training, curriculum and courses to develop a 14 -' KENT Strong Manufacturing& Business Retention and Attraction Business Centers B. Provide direct assistance targeted towards expansion and retention of 25 existing Kent businesses annually. Promote the long-term stability of Kent businesses by courtesy of providing assistance to those who purchase their own real CenterPoint estate. Corporate Park C. Contact or provide recruitment assistance to a minimum of 25 businesses annually. Focus on businesses that could be recruited because of Kent's locational advantages and _. competitive property and lease rates. - 5 D. Partner with Green River Community College to open a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kent by `a providing partial funding through CDBG dollars, by 2004. The SBDC shall provide technical assistance and loan preparation services to a minimum of 30 Kent businesses or residents annually. Kent is home to many of the region's employers Transportation Improvements E. Support and politically pursue freight mobility transpor- tation improvements to State highways that benefit Kent and the region, including: • Improvements to the Valley Freeway (HOV improve- ub ► ments between 15th Street SW to 15th Street NW, improvements between 277th Street and SR-516, and a wider bridge structure at SR-18). • Completion of SR-509, which will provide a continuous freight corridor between Kent, Sea-Tac International Airport and the Port of Seattle. • Completion of the SR-167 connection to 1-5 (access to Port of Tacoma). F. Pursue additional funding for the South 228th Street Exten- 196th Street Improvements sion and grade separations project and begin construction in 2004. skilled workforce with a focus on quality efficiency practices. (Chamber has lead role with City, Washington Manufacturing Services and Colleges as partners.) International Subgroup Recommendation • Kent Junior High becomes a high-achieving neighborhood middle school. May include math, science, language and/or international business options. (KSD has lead role with City, Chamber, KDP, and Colleges as partners.) 15 KENT Strong Manufacturing& Property Redevelopment Business Centers G. Complete environmental review and platting actions neces- sary for the future development of vacant parcels within the Pacific Gateway Business Park and Boeing's Space Center, and for redevelopment or occupancy of any sur- "We came here because the plused buildings within Boeing's Space Center by 2004. price of property and the infrastructure is a lot better in H. Create an inventory of brownfields property in Kent by Kent." 2005 and pursue assessment grants, cleanup grants and Doug MacLean loans and remedial action grants from the Federal Environ- President mental Protection Agency (EPA), the State Department of Vectra Fitness, Inc. Ecology (DOE) and the State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). I. Support and use tools that encourage redevelopment of key parcels in Kent, including supporting future legisla- tive efforts to amend the State Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation and adopting a City-binding site plan ordinance. Workforce Development J. Partner with the Chamber and work collaboratively with Green River Community, Highline Community and Renton Technical Colleges to develop a consortium of training Courtesy of and niches serving the aerospace, furniture, Flow International programs g p Corporation manufacturing and construction sectors. K. Work with the City's Housing and Human Services Division and the City's Human Services Commission to annually fund Economic Development and Employment strategies as outlined in the City's Consolidated Plan to benefit low- and moderate income persons and promote sustainability and upward mobility. Strategies could include: 196th Street Corridor Ribbon rZ R ' �� � ' Cutting(2001) 3 N al 16 KENT Strong Manufacturing& • Fund literacy-based, on-site basic Business Centers skills training and soft-skill training to increase employee skills at Kent businesses. Residence of all Kent Workers: • Provide child care scholarships to im- Jobs-Housing Balance prove the ability of low- and moderate income wage earners to maintain and Those who work in Kent come from all over progress in their jobs. the region. There are two jobs per housing unit in Kent. This compares to 1.8 jobs per housing unit L. Consider strategies to increase the per- for King County, 1.0 for Pierce County, and 1.4 for centage of Kent residents who find employ- the three-county region. ment within the City. Partnerships and Collaboration Bellevue mamish M. Continue to work with the Governor and Seattle the Legislatureon policiesthat impactthe ���� City's major manufacturing and business Newcatle �aqu centers. Focus on developing options for T the State's sales tax streamlining legisla- tion, to minimize revenue impacts on the City of Kent. a q N. Continue collaboration and coordination on economic development issues and a opportunities with the Kent Chamber ofEJ Commerce, the Port of Seattle, the Port of Tacoma, the Economic Development ;, � -x Council of Seattle-King County, the State ay Office of Community, Trade and Economic Development, and local educational insti- racnm ram` J tutlons. �, `dgewood% 0. Through a public relations and education ]Puyallup `7 effort, work with local elected officials, the a School District, colleges and area lead- �' s� ers to reinforce the importance of Kent's manufacturing and industrial center. Note: The map shows origination of all work-related trips destined for the City of Kent. The darkest areas show the highest concentrations of trip origins per acre. Source: Puget Sound Regional Council(2000 data), Wash- ington State Employment Security Department and Washington State Office of Financial Management 17 ! E !T GOAL 3 Invest in Neighborhood Livability A Focus on Neighborhood and Development of Livability and Quality Neighborhood Centers Business Centers Commitment to the City's ACTION STRATEGIES Neighborhoods. At the 2003 City Neighborhood Improvement Program Council Strategic Planning Retreat, the Council determined that an em- A. Initiate a neighborhood-sponsored matching grant pilot phasis on developing strong neighbor- program by 2006, to create community improvement hoods should be elevated to a Citywide projects and to foster neighborhood identity and connec- strategic goal. This policy reflects a tions. strengthened commitment to neigh- borhood involvement and broadened Midway Area Redevelopment communications between neighbor- hoods and the City. B. Encourage redevelopment of the Midway Landfill site and A New Neighborhood Improve- the Midway Drive-In theater site. ment Program will be Launched. C. Implement recommendations from the University of Wash- The City has an opportunity to encour- ington graduate student Midway Subarea Plan, includ- age neighborhood residents, groups and organizations to propose a broad ing: array of neighborhood-initiated and Preparation of a marketing and demographic profile community-oriented improvements. for the neighborhood by 2004. Organizing and planning projects • Establishment of a business association through a have encouraged connections be- new organization or partnership with the Des Moines tween neighbors, fostered civic in- Chamber of Commerce by 2005. volvement, increased neighborhood • Creation of distinct architectural gateways at key entry safety and community ownership in points into the Midway neighborhood by 2006. other cities (such as Renton and Se- attle) that fund such programs. Other Key Neighborhood Locations An Opportunity to Enhance Neighborhood Character. A City's D. Support the redevelopment of key business district parcels livability is greatly determined by the on the East Hill, quality and character of its neighbor- hoods. The City has an opportunity, E. Sell the City's Reservoir Property to a quality home-builder through redevelopmentofkeyparcels, by 2005 to create a new neighborhood. to create interesting new commercial and residential development in neighborhoods throughout the City. By encouraging quality development of key neighborhood commercial and residential areas, the City can help to "We consider it a privilege to work in sponsor vibrant neighborhood cen- this City." ters, that will serve as a focus for the neighborhood services, parks and Gary Young civic facilities essential for a high Senior Vice President quality of life. Polygon Northwest Company 18 KENT Reservoir Property/Impoundment Site. In 1983 the City of Kent purchased approximately 156 acres of property in unincorporated King County for a municipal water impoundment reservoir. In 2002, the City purchased additional water rights from the Tacoma P5 Pipeline project, which resolves the water supply concerns that previously justified the reservoir project. Consequently, the City will be selling the property, which is located within Auburn's Potential Annexation Area. Reservoir Property/ Impoundment Site is The City has Many Neighborhoods Located Outside City Limits -a Kent Valley_ I ustrial/Manufacturing Benson Core �6 North 1 Park East Midway Downtown Hill Scenic West Hill Hill Lake Lake Fenwick Meridian The Midway Neighborhood Presents an Opportunity for Revitalization. Located along Pacific Highway South and directly west of Interstate 5 at the City's western boundary, the Midway neighborhood has experienced little redevelopment activity in recent years. Recent and planned improvements to Pacific Highway by the CityofKentand the potential for redevelopmentof large parcels represent key opportunities to revitalize this neighborhood and to build a sense of community. 19 "" KENT Kent Has A Good Story to Tell A key element of the successful implementation of this Plan is communicating Kent's story to businesses considering locating in Kent,current residents and to visitors who enjoy Kent's destination recreation and sports facilities. Kent's story is one of accomplishment. Kent is receptive and responsive to business and citizen needs —as demonstrated throughout this Plan and by the City's continued commitment to maintain a high quality of life and to foster an environment for business success. Key messages: • Kent has room to grow. Kent can communicate the City's advantages to the development community, in- cluding its key location in the Seattle-Tacoma region and the demographics to support business investment. The ability to provide fast, efficient and dependable permits is also a significant competitive advantage. • A high quality, full service City. Kent's commitment to its citizens is reflected in the City's current facilities, Kent Station, and in continuous strategic investments in parks, recreation, human services, public safety and transportation. Kent intends to continue attract- ing tourists, conferences, sporting events and other recreational opportunities. • Destination Kent. Kent is an international community A 26-mile network of bicycle and with recreation choices that include the State's busi- est 18-hole golf course, one of the Northwest's largest walking trails link many of Kent's parks ice arenas and bicycle trails that link many of Kent's parks. City-owned Riverbend Golf Course is the busiest 18-hole 20 golf course in the State KENT GOAL 4 Promote the City's Image in the Region through Creation of Destination Activities, Marketing and Business-Friendly City Services ACTION STRATEGIES Tourism, Culture and Destinations A. Work with the Sounders professional soccer team to locate a soccer stadium and soccer field complex within Kent at , the Midway Landfill site or on a City-owned property with easy freeway access, by 2008. B. Issue annual or semi-annual request for proposals for non- profit organizations to use lodging tax dollars to promote hotel stays, beginning in 2005 or earlier, if resources al- low. A C. Partner with the Kent Lodging Association to attract soc- cer, golf and softball tournaments with a regional draw to increase hotel stays. D. Pursue the feasibility of promoting Kent as a location for filmmaking. Dragon Boat Festival at Cornucopia Days e Soccer is a key foundation to Kent's Parks and Recreation Program 21 � KEN>T Destination Activities, Marketing& Marketing Program Business-Friendly City Services E. Develop an overall community and economic development marketing plan and a media and real estate broker outreach "I am always impressed when 1 strategy for the City by 2005, to improve the City's image comeback to Kent... the quality of in the region and to attract new investment, development life that I observe around this com- and residents. Consider marketing efforts targeted towards munity, the way that you support people who work but do not live in Kent. your families, your children and your school district." F. Produce City marketing materials by 2004, including a community profile and brochures on Kent's park and Mike Heinisch recreation facilities and investments in transportation Director corridors. Valley Family& Youth Services G. Promote Kent through development of marketing materi- als as an International Community that welcomes and promotes diversity and is tied to the global marketplace, by 2004. rH a _ Kent has 68 parks - and 1,349 acres of parkland 22 KENT Business-Friendly City Services Destination Activities, Marketing& Business-Friendly City Services H. Continue to improve, monitor and market the permitting and inspection process for development: • Establish a protocol for consistency between develop- ment inspections and plans examiners by 2004. Real Estate Database. In 2002, • Explore the feasibility of developing an on-line permit- the City of Kent invested in an ting system and allowing on-line completion of permit up-to-date, private sector-main- application forms by 2005. tained real estate database that • Market the success of the new permit center and includes all industrial, office and improved permitting times. commercial properties for lease or sale in Kent. The database I. Develop and promote a one-stop business license process is used by the City for business for City and State business licenses by 2004. attraction and retention activities and is used as a resource for firms J. Institute a City transportation mitigation fee program by considering locating in Kent. 2005 to provide predictability for the development com- munity. K. Enhance the City's image and improve accessibility to City information and services by redesigning the City's website. L. Improve the City's Economic Development website by 2005, by adding more graphics, pictures and improving navigation. Monitor hits to the website before and after the improvements. New Permit Center. In 2001, the City of Kent i opened a state-of-the-art permit center combining building and planning services, fire prevention and _ - public works engineering. As a result of improved '~a coordination, on-time issuance of permits requiring plan review increased from 49%on-time in January 2001 to 97% in October 2002. "In the last three to four years we have seen a marked improvement as to the efficiency and timelines for processing permits. We believe the new promptness and quality of service is directly related to the monies expended by the City to add staff and improve services." Bruce Anderson Kent Property Owner and Developer 23 KENT s� KENT W A S H E N G T O N For more information, please contact: Nathan Torgelson Economic Development Manager Telephone: (253) 856-5703 Fax: (253) 856-6700 ntorgelson@ci.kent.wa.us http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/ 220 Fourth Avenue South Kent, Washington 98032-5703 Homeless and Transient Committee Goals Enforcement Goals: 1. Eliminate acts of drunkenness, vandalism, theft and littering in Kent 2. Eliminate trespassing and improper use of public facilities and business, including pedestrian interference Treatment Goals 1. Assist homeless who are actively seeking case management and homeless services 2. Ensure entities providing assistance to homeless be connected to homeless service providers 3. Create opportunities for skill development. Outcomes 1. Restore use of public facilities and businesses without intimidation 2. Return benches and tables to downtown 3. Establish freedom and safety in parks and other downtown areas 4. Create orchestrated strategy for on-going community-wide interaction 5. Define rules of acceptable behavior for participation in the community