Rural Economic Strategies Review, Analysis, and Evaluation

King County

Buyer is seeking proposals from organizations specializing in rural economy and economic planning to update a rural economic strategy created in 2014. The consultant will review economic trends, policies, and related topics such as farmworker housing and tourism data. The project includes providing analyses, reporting, recommendations, and community engagement support. The work will be completed over four phases spanning from 2026 to 2028.

• 7/9/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 6/30/2027 - Initial draft technical findings report
• 10/31/2027 - Complete draft technical findings report
• 4/30/2028 - Final technical findings report
• 6/28/2028 - Transmit recommended strategy to County Council

• Review rural and natural resource economic changes since 2014
• Summarize relevant policy changes from 2024 Comprehensive Plan
• Evaluate farmworker housing needs against current code
• Assess tourism development along Washington Scenic Highways
• Evaluate support strategies for unique local rural businesses
• Create engagement materials for community participation
• Facilitate public meetings both virtually and in-person
• Analyze economic trends in rural and resource lands
• Develop recommendations for rural economic strategy updates
• Produce technical findings reports throughout project phases