Draft summaries of the findings from the community and economic development focus group held in Fall 2008.

Mason County’s communities and its economy have been changing quickly over the last few decades. Traditionally a resource based economy, Mason County has survived in large part on forestry and shellfish harvest since its creation in 1888.  Though the business of forestry has changed, and the industry employs far fewer people than it did when logging was less mechanized, 44% of the County remains in private working forest land, and forestry remains a significant and valuable economic driver.  In addition to forestry, shellfish harvest has historically also been a significant resource. 

Because of the changes over the last few decades in the forest industry and other economic drivers, and the expected population growth and demographic changes, Mason County has a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.  Preparations and planning efforts can begin now to anticipate new economic opportunities and smart land use decisions.  Mason County has the opportunity to play to its strengths, embracing its cultural and natural heritage while encouraging new industries and diversifying its economy. 

In 100 years, what is our vision for our communities and our economy in Mason County?

• Mason County will have a high quality of life for all residents that will attract professionals to new industries and provide opportunities for future generations.
• Mason County will have a reputation as a quality place to live, visit and do business.
• Mason County will remain a resource based economy with an emphasis on both forestry and aquaculture.  Mason County’s cultural heritage embedded in its resource lands will be appreciated and embraced. 
• Mason County will have diversified both within the forest products industry and outside of it with new industries in order to strengthen the economy. 
• Mason County will be a center for green jobs, and overall will be a sustainable “hub” in Washington State.
• Mason County will have commercial development in appropriate places to encourage industry in proximity to infrastructure, as well as residential development in appropriate places to encourage quality of life.
• Mason County will have the infrastructure available for young companies to thrive, and be an encouraging atmosphere for small, family owned businesses. 
• Mason County will have the work force to support new industry, and the appropriate work force training.

Why can’t we get there?

• Mason County has a poor image both with residents and non-residents. 
• Mason County suffers from a low wage job base, creating a high percentage (43%) of resident out-commuting which results in a lack of local “ownership” and pride, and also reduces local retail profits. 
• The lack of career opportunities forces local children to leave the county for school or to find jobs. 
• Mason County has a great need for infrastructure improvements, such as roads, sewers and public water systems. 
• One size fits all land use regulations don’t always apply to Mason County.  An uncertain regulatory environment makes it difficult to plan for and invest in the future. 

What can we do about it?

• Mason County needs to sell itself as a great place to live, visit and do business.  Mason County needs positive brand advertising.
• Mason County needs to strengthen and diversify its economy.   It can do this by promoting and encouraging resource based industries, determining targeted industries that the community is interested in attracting to Mason County and determining assets that other counties do not have and finding ways to cultivate those specific assets.
• Mason County needs to encouraging small, family owned businesses in urban centers by financially incentivizing these businesses.
• Mason County should encourage new green energy creation, and the push for new green jobs.  Other new sectors of business should be encouraged, such as movies and media, aerospace and the arts.  Mason County should encourage new businesses that do not require transportation of goods or supplies. 
• Mason County should achieve flexibility in land use regulations, particularly establishing regulations that are more applicable to the particular needs of Mason County. 
• Industrial and commercial growth will be concentrated in the largest, most appropriate Urban Growth Areas.  In order for that concentration to be successful, the infrastructure must be improved.
• Mason County needs to think big about achieving sustainable energy from our forests.  This might include converting forest biomass to fuel through cogeneration.  This will strengthen the forest products industry, as well as move toward energy independence and the decrease of energy prices in Mason County.