Governor Ferguson creates Economic Development Council

Council will guide economic policy to ensure Washington remains a great place to do business

SEATTLE - Today Governor Bob Ferguson established a new Governor's Economic Development Council, a partnership of small businesses, labor, Tribes, educators and large employers in tech and aerospace to guide Washington's economic strategy.

Washington state's economy is the 9^th largest in the nation. Washington's economy is ranked as the 2^nd best state economy by WalletHub and first in the nation in economic productivity by the latest State of the States report. Washington is a global aerospace leader and the Puget Sound region ranks as the nation's second-best tech talent market.

To maintain that strength and further grow our economy, Governor Ferguson signed Executive Order 26-02, creating the Governor's Economic Development Council. The Council will include 26 leading Washingtonians across industries to identify practical actions that strengthen Washington's economy, expand opportunity and help more Washingtonians succeed.

This is the first such body in two decades - since Governor Christine Gregoire's Global Competitiveness Council in 2006.

"Washington is a great place to do business and raise a family," Governor Ferguson said. "We cannot take our strength for granted. I'm launching a historic convening of top leaders from around Washington state to help guide the next chapter of economic prosperity for our state."

The Council is the latest step by Governor Ferguson to take action on economic development.

• Governor Ferguson has used the Strategic Reserve Fund to create thousands of jobs across diverse sectors such as quantum computing, food processing, advanced manufacturing, forest products, clean energy, and more.
• Governor Ferguson has proposed and signed into law record investments to increase the housing supply in Washington, including through the Housing Trust Fund and reforms to building requirements.
• Governor Ferguson signed an Executive Order on his first day in office to cut down on permitting times at state agencies. Here are some examples of the results so far of that Executive Order:
  • The Department of Licensing cut processing time by almost 50 percent across its 340 licenses and permits - 46 to 25 days. All license types are being processed in 30 days or less and the agency has no backlogs.
  • The Department of Labor and Industries achieved a 75 percent reduction in processing time for new contractor registrations, going from 12 weeks to 3 weeks.
  • The Department of Financial Institutions cut processing time by over 50 percent for franchise applications, going from 17 to 8 days.

The Council is the next step in Governor Ferguson's efforts to build up Washington's economy. The Council will develop its own ideas, but to begin, it will:

• Advise the Governor and the Department of Commerce on the statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan funded in Governor Ferguson's first budget, due June 2027.
• Identify forward-looking market opportunities and strategies to increase family-wage jobs.
• Evaluate Washington's economic competitiveness relative to other states and global competitors.
• Make concrete recommendations on marketing Washington state to businesses from outside the state.
• Review our regulatory environment to address barriers to economic growth and alignment with federal, state, and local policies.
• Bring ideas that state agencies can take action on immediately.

The Council will meet quarterly and submit advisory reports to the Governor with its findings and recommendations.

Members of the Council

Members of the Council employ over a quarter of a million workers, represent over half a million union members, educate over a hundred thousand students, oversee tens of billions in port shipments, and span many parts of Washington state on both sides of the mountains.

"T-Mobile was built in Washington, continues to grow here and thousands of our employees call the state home," said Mike Katz, Chief Business & Product Officer of T-Mobile. "Thank you, Governor Ferguson, for betting that business and government can work together to build a Washington where our employees, all members of our communities and businesses continue to thrive."

"Adaptation and flexibility are vital to running a successful business - and to a thriving economic environment where all types of businesses can succeed," said Denise Moriguchi, CEO of Uwajimaya. "I'm excited to collaborate with all the leaders here to contribute to statewide economic development strategies that will help businesses like Uwajimaya innovate, expand and create jobs for Washingtonians."

"When business, labor, higher ed - everyone represented on this Council - sits at the same table, we can come up with real, workable ideas that shape our economic future," said Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary of the Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council.

"Washington's long-term economic strength will depend on the innovations and talent we cultivate today," said Washington State University President Dr. Betsy Cantwell. "WSU looks forward to working with Governor Ferguson and the Council to ensure Washington continues to lead in the sectors that define the future, including AI, advanced energy, agriculture, and beyond."

Find a link to the visual directory of Council members here.

Full list of members:

• Michael Cade - Incoming Board Chair, Washington Economic Development Association; Executive Director, Thurston County Economic Development Council
• Dr. Betsy Cantwell - President, Washington State University
• Leonard Forsman - Chairman, Suquamish Tribe
• Denny Heck - Washington State Lieutenant Governor
• Kris Johnson - President, Association of Washington Business
• Trevor Johnson - CEO, Blackwood Homes
• Dr. Robert Jones - President, University of Washington
• Mike Katz - Chief Business & Product Officer, T-Mobile
• Mary Kipp - President & CEO, Puget Sound Energy
• Heather Kurtenbach - Executive Secretary, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council
• Dr. Thomas J. Lynch, Jr. - President & Director, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
• Julianna Marler - CEO, Port of Vancouver
• West Mathison - President & CEO, Stemilt Growers
• Stephen Metruck - Executive Director, Port of Seattle
• Denise Moriguchi - President & CEO, Uwajimaya
• Stephanie Pope - President & CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
• Heather Rosentrater - President & CEO, Avista
• Michael Senske - Chairman & CEO, Pearson Packaging Systems
• April Sims - President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
• Brad Smith - Vice Chair and President, Microsoft
• Rachel Smith - President, Washington Roundtable
• Bill Sterud - Chairman, Puyallup Tribe
• Shane Tackett - President and Chief Financial Officer, Alaska Airlines
• Dr. Rebekah Woods - President, Columbia Basin College
• Monique Valenzuela - Executive Director, Ventures
• David Zapolsky - Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer, Amazon

The Department of Commerce will provide staffing and other logistical support to the Council.

Find video of today's event from TVW here. Find photos here (additional photos to be added later in the day).