- Home
- Doing Business
- Economic Development
- Why Snohomish County?
- Economic Development Initiative/Sector Areas
With the fifth largest port on the West Coast in export value, the highest percent of jobs tied to international trade comprising 60% of the workforce, and a manufacturing hub with the largest concentration of jobs in the western United States, the Trade and Business Development Sector works to advance economic growth through strategic partnerships and to encourage business expansion and investments.
Snohomish County’s aerospace industry fuels jobs for hundreds of thousands of families each year. In addition to the world headquarters for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, over 1,350 aerospace-related business establishments that design and manufacture products are located in the county. Our educational institutions and private firms are also leading the world in the advancement of new aerospace technologies. This sector focuses on the expansion, recruitment and retention of aerospace businesses and investments.
Ranking 2nd in technology-based jobs in the state, the Technology sector is working with a variety of industries to provide technologies and related production processes that will improve environmental and business performance. Our Technology Sector supports specific economic development efforts by strengthening private and public collaborative efforts across Snohomish County. View the Request for Information for the Snohomish County Smart County Initiative (PDF) or the Mircosoft Word version (DOC)
Second only to aerospace, agriculture is Snohomish County’s largest dollar volume industry. From beef to dairy, fruits to vegetables, the Agriculture and Forest Products Sector works to cultivate sustainable food and farming systems along with providing wise stewardship of our natural resources to sustain communities and family wage jobs. We support manufacturing and agriculture business expansion and recruitment projects including the forestry industry.
Focus on Farming - Connect, Innovate & Grow
One of our county’s largest direct public employers and an industry that cuts across many sectors, the Military and Defense Sector helps create the backbone for a strong economy by working with our military installations, companies, and our military friendly communities.
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation generates $2 billion annually in visitor spending, supporting over 11,000 leisure and hospitality jobs. The Tourism Industry Sector works in partnership with the Tourism Bureau, local governments, and businesses to expand opportunities for the county.
Seattle NorthCountry Profile
The Energy and Sustainability Sector collaborates with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster vibrant communities and shared prosperity for the county. This sector works to deliver cutting-edge policies for achieving the county’s environmental goals with measurable impact.
The Arts, Culture and Film Sector provides opportunity to engage in diverse and cultural experiences throughout the county by working in partnership with organizations, corporations, artists and performers. This sector promotes arts, culture and the preservation of historic resources for community revitalization.
Cultural Resources
Historic Preservation Commission
The Education, Life Science and Global Health Sector is comprised of world class research institutions, motivated and talented entrepreneurs and well-established organizations that are recognized for their breakthrough discoveries. The Education, Life Science and Global Health Sector works in partnership with companies, organizations and educational institutions to attract and retain recognized researchers to the county, increase capital investments and expand workforce training.
Executive Director, Trade and Economic Development
425-388-3952
Trade and Business Development
Neepaporn Boungjaktha
425-388-3952
Aerospace
Joshua Marcy
425-388-5100
Agriculture, Fisheries & Forest Products
Molly Beeman
425-262-2888
Technology
Lisa Hillman
425-388-3022
Military and Defense
Josh Dugan
425-388-3412
Recreation and Tourism
Tom Teigen
425-388-6617
Energy and Sustainability
Molly Beeman
425-262-2888
Arts, Culture & Film
TBD
Education, Life Sciences & Global Health
Lacey Harper
425-388-3460
Snohomish County Overview (PDF)
Economic Development (PDF)
Seattle NorthCountry Profile (PDF)