Overview

Economic development in Washington State is facilitated by a number of agencies and

organizations that have statutory authority, and by recognized organizations which
public agencies may contract with for the purpose of economic development.

Economic development is carried out through partnerships. At the state level, the
Department of Commerce contracts with organizations that promote and coordinate
economic development. This is done through local service agreements with local
governments, small business development centers, port districts, community and
technical colleges, private industry councils, and other development organizations, for
the efficient delivery of community and economic development services in their areas.

State

The Washington State Department of Commerce is charged with community and

economic responsibilities (RCW 43.330.050).

Associate Development Organizations (ADO)

The associate development organization (ADO) is the lead agency in each county for
economic development. It is designated by the board of county commissioners or the
county council.

The ADO is defined in RCW 43.330.010 as "a local economic development nonprofit
corporation that is broadly representative of community interests." The more familiar
term is economic development council (EDC). The term economic development council
is generic, but it generally refers to associate development organizations. The ADOs
most often are named economic development councils or associations, but others are
not, such as the Economic Alliance (Okanogan County) or Enterprise Seattle (King
County). Some of the counties ADOs have designated port districts as their ADO.

 RCW 43.330.080 - Coordination of community and economic development services -

Contracts with associate development organizations - Targeted sectors
 Washington State Department of Commerce Associate Development Organizations