Building Skagit’s Tomorrow: A Blueprint for a Thriving Community

CEDS, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Skagit County, is a living document that plans for workforce and talent, infrastructure, quality of life, diversification and business support. More than just a plan, county stakeholders take action to implement strategies that realize the stated goals.

Think of CEDS not as a static legal document, but as Skagit County’s living roadmap for the future. At its heart, it’s an ongoing conversation. It brings together residents, schools, government leaders, and private industries to ask a fundamental question: How do we build a community where everyone can thrive?

To answer that question, the CEDS Steering Committee mapped out a vision focused on growth, connection, and resilience. 

Goal 1: Ensure a qualified workforce that meets employers’ needs well into the future.
Goal 2: Foster a strong and diverse economy through growth in industry strengths and emerging opportunities.
Goal 3: Provide small businesses in Skagit with tools to start, stay, grow, adapt and flourish.
Goal 4: Preserve and enhance Skagit’s natural environment, quality of life, and appeal to businesses, residents, workers and visitors.
Goal 5: Strengthen critical infrastructure to enhance resiliency, expand connectivity, and promote private investment.

The CEDS Steering Committee comprised of:

Executive Director of SCOG
Executive Director of the Port of Skagit
Executive Director of the Port of Anacortes
Chair of the Skagit County Board of Commissioners
A Mayor of the Cities of Skagit County, identified by the SCOG Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County
A Board Member from EDASC, identified annually by the EDASC Board of Directors

The Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG) has historically maintained the Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) serves as the regional coordinator of the CEDS implementation work.

View the entire Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy