An Introduction to PLAN WashingtonPLAN Washington is a goal-based framework to create economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all residents by the year 2025. This is the first annual edition. More importantly, PLAN Washington is a process of learning, collaborating, innovating, activating, and getting results. It’s all about achieving our goals... The plan focuses on six key topic areas: economic development, education, environment, governance, health, and transportation. Some topics will be saved for later, such as non-transportation infrastructure and social services. Year 2025 goals are supported by strategies and carefully vetted metrics. The target year is far enough away to allow time to meet the goals but soon enough to compel concentrated action.Key to success: a broad range of stakeholders, each doing what each does best, with bold leadership. Visit PLAN Washington online to dive into our Metrics Explorer, receive real-time updates, and share your views. Above all, get involved.Washington Business AllianceWBA_d9750450-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1bPLAN Washington is an initiative of the statewide and non-partisan Washington Business Alliance. It reflects over two years of engagement with diverse business, government, and community stakeholders, and research into best practices by issue committees. Washington StateSuccessful enterprises confront challenges by charting a vision, setting goals, implementing smart strategies, and delivering results. Washington State can be most successful by applying this approach to its most pressing economic, social, and environmental problems.Economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all residents of the State of Washington_d9750612-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1bTo chart a vision, set goals, implement smart strategies, and deliver results for the State of Washington_d9750748-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1bBusinessesBusinesses are integral to community, and have a compelling economic interest in stewardship of natural and human assets.StewardshipInvestment ValueGovernment funds are scarce, and should focus on investments with greatest value.DataTransparent and meaningful data are essential for effective governance and democratic accountability.TransparencyGovernanceAccountabilityChallengesChallenges are linked across topic boundaries and actors -- solutions must be too.SolutionsEconomic DevelopmentGuide policy and investments by a long-term strategic plan_d97507e8-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1Government BusinessLaborTribesPostsecondary Educational InstitutionsCentral Puget Sound’s economy has bounced back from the recession, but that’s not the case statewide. Washington’s economic success depends on its capacity to create knowledge and transform it into successful products and services across industries and geography. Economic growth produces greater tax revenues and reduces demand for social service as quality of life improves. The state needs to focus on building a business environment which smartly applies regulation, returns top value for tax dollars, and maximizes its competitive advantages. Government, business, labor, tribes, and postsecondary educational institutions are all critical partners.GrowthDrive Growth through a Competitive Business Environment_d9750964-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1Washington ranks 21st of 50 states in overall business competitiveness, and currently has the 14th highest effective business tax rate in the nation. Two key determinants of a business environment are taxation and regulation. Washington tax breaks intended to attract and retain companies mitigate the high costs for those that can get them, but spread the burden to others. Determining the appropriate level of business taxes and costs is a complex calculation which should include personal taxes, and the value returned for dollars spent. Too much emphasis can be placed on single components such as worker’s compensation premiums, business and occupation taxes, or an increased minimum wage. More important is the combined impact of all business taxes, fees, and regulations.IndustriesReview the standing of Washington’s primary and emerging industries, with a focus on effective tax rates and other major determinants of competitiveness._d9750a22-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.1Regulation & PermittingApply lean principles to permitting and regulatory decisions._d9750aea-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.2This can simultaneously lower compliance costs, reduce delays, and help achieve intended results.Digital InfrastructureDevelop comprehensive and user-friendly digital infrastructure to improve navigation through licensing, permitting, and fee collection. _d9750b94-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.3Tracking & ReportingRequire governments to track and report how long it takes applicants to move through the permitting process. _d9750c7a-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.3.1Performance DataMake this performance data fully transparent_d9750d56-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.3.1.1Best PracticesReview best practices from better-performing states_d9750e00-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.3.1.2Service ImprovementsMake needed service improvements without sacrificing the broader public interest_d9750eb4-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b1.1.3.1.3Manufacturing & Product DevelopmentGrow Manufacturing and New Product Development _d9750f5e-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2Manufacturing jobs are high paying, in demand, and often don’t require a four-year college education. Since the end of the recession, manufacturing has far outpaced other Washington industry sectors in new job creation. More than other major sectors, manufacturing also generates cascading economic benefits. Washington is a manufacturing powerhouse and can build upon its already-strong assets. The state has a growing cluster of medical device production supported by major institutions such as the Gates Foundation, University of Washington, Path, and the Global Health Alliance. Washington is also a leader in advanced materials, composites, 3D printing, robotics, and flexible cells. Expanding food processing will pay off for eastern and rural Washington.R&D Funding, Partnerships & IPMaintain robust R&D funding at public research universities, engage in federal lab partnerships, and maximize the realized value of intellectual property._d9751008-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.1Public Research UniversitiesInnovation Partnership ZonesProvide state operational funding for the state’s 18 Innovation Partnership Zones, which knit together efforts of economic development stakeholders._d97510c6-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.2Tax Increment FinancingDevelop a means to provide a less restricted approach to tax increment financing in Washington._d975117a-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.3TIF is a proven economic development tool used in most other states.ReshoringOrganize manufacturers to work collaboratively with labor and other stakeholders to “reshore” or bring back manufacturing from foreign sites to Washington State._d9751242-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.4Manufacturers LaborSupply ChainsWiden and strengthen supply chains that span the state._d975130a-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.4.1Tax Holiday & CrowdfundingProvide a three-year Business and Occupation Tax holiday on new products made in Washington, and establish rules and investor protections for startup crowdfunding._d97513c8-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b2.5InvestorsTourism, Investment & TradeMake Washington a Magnet for Tourism, Investment, and International Trade_d975147c-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3Companies that export can grow sales faster, hire more employees, and pay higher wages. Export-related jobs in the U.S. pay wages nine percent to 23 percent higher than others and offer 11 percent to 40 percent higher benefits.18 Strong trade relationships reward Washington companies with sales protected from fluctuations in the local economy. Washington has a built-in economic advantage through tourism and international trade. Its abundant natural resources and location as a strategic gateway to the Pacific provide the state a foothold that should be leveraged to maximum benefit. The average state tourism marketing campaign generates a return of more than $8 in local and state tax revenue for every dollar spent. Challenges to continued health of Washington’s export markets include closure of the state’s tourism office, pirated goods, U.S. immigration and visa laws, the offshoring of manufacturing, and failure to make critical investments in freight mobility projects.Intellectual Property RightsAdvocate for strict enforcement of intellectual property rights overseas, particularly for the growing digital products and services industry._d975154e-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.1Business PromotionSynchronize the state’s disparate international business promotion efforts._d975160c-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.2Council & PlanBuild a private, international trade promotion council and accompanying marketing plan._d97516d4-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.2.1Deep Water PortsUnderscore improving the competitive position of the state’s deep water ports, and imports as well as exports. _d97517b0-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.2.2Trade MissionsIncrease and improve trade missions. _d975188c-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.2.3Immigration & Visa ReformSupport workers in Washington firms and students studying in Washington colleges by advocating for comprehensive immigration and visa reform at the national level. _d9752368-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.3Workers in Washington Firms Students at Washington CollegesTalentEntice the best talent in the world to live and work in Washington, filling critical workforce shortages in industries like software and agriculture._d9752369-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.4Export VouchersProvide funding for the Export Voucher program to help small and medium-sized businesses develop opportunities in foreign markets._d975236a-ea0a-11e3-8ab6-2bef45211e1b3.5Small BusinessesMedium-Sized Businesses2014-06-01http://www.planwashington.org/plan-washingtonOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net