Business and Community Services
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) - Kittitas-Yakima Counties
Ki-Yak CEDS Available for Public Comment!
The Draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Kittitas and Yakima counties is now available for public comments. The 30-day public review/comment period begins September 7, 2026, and ends October 7, 2026. The comments submitted in the survey below will be anonymous and submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) along with the CEDS.
The Ki-Yak CEDS is a five-year strategy serving both as a guiding vision and a “blueprint” for the economic growth of the region. The purpose of this document is not to create a list of projects to be accomplished, but to provide strategies that the community and leaders can engage and utilize when seeking state and federal grant opportunities
We are grateful to the hundreds of leaders and community members who have given their time, effort, and passion in this next step toward creating self-determined futures for our region.
To access the Kittitas-Yakima Counties CEDS 2026, click here!
Please click the link below to provide comments on the CEDS document:
Leave a Comment
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What if the future of Kittitas and Yakima counties was built on the ideas of the people who live here?
Every year, billions in federal funding go to communities ready with a plan—and last year, $34.3 billion helped small towns and rural regions grow stronger, create better jobs, and invest in their people. Right now, we’re being left out—not because we lack potential, but because we haven’t developed and shared our vision with the Economic Development Administration (EDA). That’s where you come in.
We want to hear your ideas about opportunities in Kittitas and Yakima counties. Based on these, we can build strategies to carefully steward our land, finances, and community resources. Together, we can sustain our current industries and quality of life while choosing new opportunities that keep our communities and families thriving.
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How does everyone get involved?
Together, we’re building a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which is like a strategic game plan for our local economy. It helps us understand where we are, where we want to go, and how to get there—whether that means better jobs, stronger small businesses, improved infrastructure, or thriving neighborhoods. Most importantly, it helps us compete for federal funding and attract private investment.
But a CEDS isn’t created behind closed doors—it’s built by the community. That’s why your voice matters. What opportunities do you see? What does a stronger, more resilient future look like for our region? Your input will shape strategies that reflect our communities’ values and strengths.
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What is a CEDS?
An EDA-approved CEDS typically includes:
- Summary Background – Key facts about our people, economy, and resources.
- Comprehensive Regional Analysis – A clear look at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
- Strategic Direction & Action Plan – Goals and steps to strengthen the economy.
- Evaluation Framework – How we track progress and adjust as needed.
- Economic Resilience – Planning for disruptions like disasters or industry changes.
Link to EDA site: https://www.eda.gov/grants
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What's next?
By working together, we can build a grounded, forward-thinking, and truly community-driven vision for Kittitas and Yakima counties.
Our first community event will be November 17th!
Want to learn more? Email us at: bcs@cwu.edu
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November 17th - Initial Yakima Community Event
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January 21st - Initial Kittitas Community Event
On January 21st, we held our first Kittitas County community input meeting at Hotel Windrow in Ellensburg.
Date and Time: January 21, 9AM-11AM
Location: Yakima Room, Hotel Windrow, Ellensburg
Address: 502 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926
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February 3rd - Initial Upper Kittitas County Community Event
On February 3rd, we held our second Kittitas County community input meeting at the UKC Senior Center in Cle Elum.
Date and Time: February 3rd, 9AM-11AM
Location: UKC Senior Center, Cle Elum
Address: 719 E 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
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February 26th - Kittitas County Community Event
On February 26th, we held our third Kittitas County community input meeting at the Kittitas Elementary School in Kittitas.
Date and Time: February 26th, 5:30-7:30PM
Location: Kittitas Elementary School Cafeteria, Kittitas
Address: 505 N Pierce Street, Kittitas, WA 98934
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March 16th - Heritage University Community Event
On March 16, we held our second Yakima County community input meeting at Heritage University in Toppenish.
If you want a voice in shaping the infrastructure, workforce, and growth priorities that will impact your business over the next decade and beyond, this is the room to be in. Bring your ideas, challenges, and goals — and feel free to invite colleagues or partners who should be part of the conversation.
Date and Time: March 16, 2-4 PM
Location: Heritage University
Free Registration: https://CEDSmeeting_toppenish.eventbrite.com
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April 21st - Sunnyside Community Event
On April 21st, we held our third community input meeting for Yakima County at Sunnyside Community Center in Sunnyside.
The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) in partnership with Yakima County, Central Washington University, the Port of Sunnyside, and the City of Sunnyside, hosted a community event on April 21st from 3pm-6pm, at the Sunnyside Community Center to discuss economic development throughout Yakima County and continue the process of developing a long term Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).Enjoy light refreshments and connect with community leaders, partners, and residents.Date and Time: April 21, 3-6pm
Location: Sunnyside Community Center
The project has been developed in close partnership with leaders from Yakima and Kittitas counties, incorporated and unincorporated cities, and economic development organizations across the region. Special thanks to Commissioner Amanda McKinney (Yakima Co.) and Commissioner Cory Wright (Kittitas Co.) for their partnership and leadership in driving the project forward.
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