Business and Community Services

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. 

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. 

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

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   

Kittitas Community Event

Date: January 21, 2026

Time: 9AM-11AM

Location: Yakima Room, Hotel Windrow, Ellensburg. 

Address: 502 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

More information on agenda and panelists to come!

Upper Kittitas County Community Event

Date: February 3, 2026

Time: 9AM-11AM

Location: UKC Senior Center, Cle Elum, WA

Address: 719 E 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922

More information on agenda and panelists to come!

Kittitas Elementary School Cafeteria

505 N Pierce Street, Kittitas, WA 98934

5:30-7:30PM

On March 16, we will hold our second 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