Climate Resilience & Environmental Economic Campus (CREEC) Study
The Washington Department of Commerce has contracted with the Greater Federal Way Chamber to assess the economic viability of creating an environmentally focused campus featuring STEM education and workforce development opportunities in the climate resiliency space.
House Representative Kristine Reeves (District 30), in consultation with the state capital budget team and economic development staff, have identified four properties of regional significance to explore in South King County.
This study seeks to understand the public/private partnership opportunities around this potential economic development project in our South King County area.
To learn more information on this study please see the topic sections below: CLIMATE RESILIENCY, ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIES, EDUCATED WORKFORCE, PROPERTY OPTIONS, SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES, and ECONOMIC RESOURCES.
Download the full Greater Federal Way Chamber report on the CREEC Study HERE
Climate Resiliency
As the growth hub in the north/south corridor of South King County, greater Federal Way is uniquely positioned with necessary talent to enhance an innovation economy that augments existing industries while supporting the ideation of new technologies.
Environmental Economies
Environmental economic development looks to balance business growth across industries while supporting environmental protection and development.
Educated Workforce
Inclusive environmental education aligns with STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs. Â Climate-impacted industries have a need for more STEM educated employees, especially within the fields of natural resources and climate resiliency.
Property Options
The study was commissioned to assess four South King County properties of regional significance as potential locations for an environmental campus with the purpose of workforce and economic development.
The four sites are Dash Point Park, U.S. General Services Administration, Woodbridge Corporate Park, and Camp Kilworth.
Sector Opportunity
As a resiliency hub, the greater Federal Way region is well positioned for the development of green/clean technologies with a focus on natural resources. Reviewing the Industry Priority and Workforce Assessment, the 2004 Sector Data Report, and Regional Economic Development Strategies, the following growth trends for South King County include: healthcare, logistics, construction, maritime, aerospace, and software/information technology.
With Light Rail and growing maritime and aerospace industries in South King County, the area is positioned to develop equitable opportunities to support, expand, and attract new possibilities for workforce and job creation in these and other sectors.
Economic Resources
In addition to its economic development studies and assessments, the Greater Federal Way Chamber’s dashboards for WA Focus Industries and Key Federal Way Sectors measure the economic impact of each segment by the state, King and Pierce Counties, and the City. Economic Dashboards measure the Labor Force and Skill Set, Quality of Life, and Occupational Diversity. The Business Recovery Dashboards report on 10 key indicators of economic growth.
