Press Release
Auditor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership Launches, Appoints First Executive Director

Kittitas County, WA - 07/16/2026 - The Conference of Governments (COG) has officially launched the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership (KCEDP), a new countywide organization created to strengthen the local economy and carry out the Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Conference of Governments has selected Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright to serve as the partnership's first Executive Director, who will transition into his new role effective August 1.

The KCEDP is the result of several years of collaboration among community partners and Kittitas County, Roslyn, Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, Kittitas and Ellensburg. Together, they developed the Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan and signed an Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding establishing a long-term partnership to implement the plan.
"This partnership represents years of work by local governments and community organizations that share a common goal: building a stronger economy for everyone in Kittitas County," said Bryan Elliott, Chair of the Conference of Governments. “Rather than working independently, we've created a structure that allows us to coordinate our efforts, share resources, and move important projects forward together. The KCEDP gives us the ability to turn a shared vision into real results."

The partnership will operate under the direction of the Conference of Governments, which will provide oversight and administrative support. Day-to-day work will be led by an Action Committee made up of representatives from Kittitas County, the five cities and towns, downtown associations, the Chamber of Commerce, and Central Washington University. Advisory Groups made up of business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners will provide expertise on specific projects as needed.

"This partnership recognizes that the success of one community benefits us all," said Cle Elum Mayor Matthew Lundh. "Whether we're working on housing, infrastructure, workforce development, or supporting local businesses, we can accomplish more by working together than we can alone. The KCEDP gives us the ability to coordinate our efforts while still recognizing the unique needs of each community."

"Every community in Kittitas County has its own strengths and opportunities," said Kittitas Mayor Richard Hink. "The KCEDP gives us a way to work together on countywide priorities while making sure each city has a voice at the table. Having a full-time Executive Director focused on building partnerships, pursuing funding opportunities, and keeping projects moving will help turn good ideas into action."

The KCEDP's mission is to strengthen Kittitas County's economy by bringing together public and private partners to support business growth, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic opportunity. Its work will be guided by five core values: Collaboration, Economic Resilience, Balanced Growth, Community Investment, and Legacy Preservation.

With its leadership in place and partner organizations working together under a shared framework, the KCEDP is ready to focus on implementing the Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan and advancing projects that strengthen communities throughout Kittitas County.
 

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Bryan Elliott, Chair of the Conference of Governments at bryan.elliott@co.kittitas.wa.us

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