Bill Analysis — SSB 6289, Statewide Economic Development Strategic Plan (House Program Research, 2/24/26)

Summary

This is a bill analysis of SSB 6289 by the House of Representatives Office of Program Research for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, Washington State, with a hearing date of 2/24/26. The brief description is creating a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; the sponsor is the Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development. The brief summary says the bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop the plan by June 30, 2027, and update it every two years, with content including economic challenges, opportunities, metrics to measure outcomes, and an implementation plan.

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Washington State                    BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research   ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
                                       SSB 6289
Brief Description: Creating a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic
     plan.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development (originally
    sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Cortes, Wilson, C., Hasegawa, Lovick, Nobles,
    Shewmake and Valdez).


                               Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
          • Requires the Department of Commerce to develop a Statewide Economic
            Development and Competitiveness Strategic Plan (Plan) by June 30,
            2027, and update it every two years.
          • Specifies Plan content, including economic challenges, opportunities,
            and profile; updates on programs addressing business needs; metrics to
            measure outcomes; and an implementation plan.


Hearing Date: 2/24/26

Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).

Background:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is responsible for promoting community and
economic development and assisting the state's businesses to maintain and increase their
economic competitiveness. To meet these responsibilities, Commerce is required to provide
advisory assistance to the Governor, other state agencies, and the Legislature on community and
economic development issues; cooperate with the Governor and the Legislature in developing




     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Bill Analysis                             -1-                                        SSB 6289
and implementing strategic plans for community and economic development efforts; and hold
public meetings.

Summary of Bill:

Commerce is required to develop a Statewide Economic Development and Competitiveness
Strategic Plan (Plan) by June 30, 2027. At a minimum, the Plan is required to include:
    • goals and strategies for state-supported economic development activities, using economic
      and industry data;
    • an economic profile, considering demographics, workforce characteristics, industry
      landscape, and regional and tribal economics, infrastructure, and assets;
    • economic challenges and opportunities;
    • updates on the Small Business Resiliency Program and other programs addressing
      business needs;
    • equity and community wealth building efforts;
    • metrics to measure outcomes; and
    • an implementation plan.

The Plan must be submitted to the Legislature and updated every two years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.




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