| Organization
The Palouse Economic Development Council (PEDC) was formed in 1985 and established as a 501(c) 3. The organization covers the four southeastern Washington counties of Asotin, Columbia, Garfield and Whitman. A Board of Directors, made up of representatives of each of the four counties, sets policy and the overall direction of the PEDC. The PEDC maintains offices in each of the four counties.
In 1991 the PEDC took on the role of Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for the four counties. The RTPO has both a Policy Board of Directors and a Technical Advisory Committee each having representation from all four counties.
Funding
There are three primary sources of investment in the organization.
The PEDC has a contractual relationship with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. As such, the PEDC is known as an Associate Development Organization (ADO) of the State of Washington. Designation is done at the county level by the county commissioners. This relationship allows the PEDC to work on key basic economic development activities for the region. These include business expansion, retention, recruitment and start-up.
The United States Department of Commerce also invests in the PEDC through the Economic Development Administration’s Planning Grant process. The four county region is designated an Economic Development District. This investment enables the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the four county region, as well as, work towards accomplishing the goals and objectives of the strategy.
The third investor is the Washington State Department of Transportation. This relationship as a Regional Transportation Planning Organization provides planning capability for various modes of transportation for the four county area. This has included a Regional Transportation Plan, participation in the development of the Washington Transportation Plan, a Road Standards Guideline Plan and a Regional Freight Study.
Role and Mission Statement
The mission of the Palouse Economic Development Council is to promote economic vitality by creating and retaining jobs through business, tourism, and community development while preserving the culture and environment of the region.
Sponsors and Investors
Washington
State Department of Community,
Trade and Economic Development
Washington State Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration
Asotin County
Columbia County
Garfield County
Whitman County
City of Pullman
Avista Utilities
Pacific Power
Port of Whitman
Port of Columbia
Port of Garfield
Port of Clarkston
Clarkston Chamber of Commerce
Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce
Dayton Chamber of Commerce
Hells Canyon Visitors Bureau
U.S. Forest Service
Whitman Hospital
Service Master
Walla Walla Community College
Summit Realty
Valley Vision
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