WHAT DOES IT take to strengthen the economy of a region and transform the livelihoods of those who live there?
With the help of a large investment from a federal grant, local community players on the North Olympic Peninsula have been working together to answer this question.
Several months after receiving the Recompete grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, exciting programs are now in motion to invest in the economic livelihood of Clallam and Jefferson County residents.
From education to industry innovation to small business support, funding is already fueling projects aimed at long-term growth and resilience.
The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC) brings together numerous local governments, tribes, educational institutions, ports, nonprofit organizations and more with one shared goal: to connect residents to good local jobs and invest in projects that will have a lasting positive impact on the region’s economy.
The NOPRC seeks to address our region’s challenges and leverage our strengths by exploring the following questions: What barriers are preventing people from entering the workforce? What educational opportunities are needed to close the gap between industry needs and skilled workers? What high-wage jobs can be created that leverage our geographical and industrial advantages?
In response, strategic projects emerged to create or bolster initiatives in education, support services, industry expansion, small business loans, and investment in remote and rural regions.
So, what has been unfolding since the grant was awarded?
Across the coalition, a lot of work and collaboration has been under way to lay groundwork and set up systems to ensure success. Some programs are in place now, and others are coming soon.
Support services
Olympic Connect, the resource hub through Olympic Community of Health, is available now as a one-stop-shop to connect individuals with services such as childcare and transportation to help them get back in the workforce. Residents of Clallam and Jefferson County can call 360-301-8252 or register online through www.olympicconnect.org.
Loans for small businesses and entrepreneurs are available now from Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Capital. Through Recompete, these loans are available to both tribal and non-tribal members.
Workforce development
Peninsula College has purchased equipment for its new mobile classrooms, which will bring industry-specific educational opportunities to remote areas of the region, with an expected start date of January 2026.
Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building has invested Recompete funds into additional staff, equipment and student support.
EDC Team Jefferson is running a business advisor training program and working with local employers to address workforce needs.
Industry expansion
The Port of Port Angeles is in the process of purchasing its first barge, and the Composite Recycling Technology Center is in the process of acquiring an additional thermal modification unit.
With the assistance of the Clallam Economic Development Council, the city of Forks has signed a lease at the Forks Industrial Park with Riverside Forest Products, which will bring an estimated 40-50 new high-wage jobs to the West End.
These projects, among others, will soon increase capacity and provide jobs in the maritime, forest products, manufacturing and construction industries.
These are just a few examples of the many exciting projects that are unfolding through Recompete initiatives.
For more information and updates, visit the new Recompete website, www.recompetewa.org, and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Carolyn Edge is the Recompete communications and media coordinator. She can be reached by email at carolyn.edge@recompetewa.org.