Is the Navy’s Sea-Based X-Band Radar Headed to Everett?

The Navy is considering parking its 25-story radar ship at Everett Naval Station. Not everyone thinks that is a good idea, according to a recent Herald article.  Read the Herald article. Community concerns relate to potential health hazards and possible electromagnetic interference with local communication systems. Is the project good for the local economy? Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson says: “There’s not a lot of economic value to the community,” he said. “My understanding is they bring contractors from out of the area.”

This situation points up three important issues:

1. Communities and the Defense Department don’t always agree on things. Everett and Snohomish County see the Naval Station as an important economic development asset. The Navy thus far has been pleased with Everett as a home.

2. Having the facts is essential in deciding how to handle a project of this nature. What real impacts would the radar ship have on the community? What are the Navy’s future plans for Everett? How does the decision to either station or not station the ship at Everett influence future developments at the naval station?

3. A project of this nature speaks to how a community assesses the costs and benefits of development projects. Every project has both benefits and costs.

Create Change, Starting With You

I like the concept expressed by 11-year old Josh Barajas from Snohomish in his recent opinion article in the Herald.  Read Josh’s article here.

The concept is that we should create change in the world starting with ourselves. This is Gandhi’s idea: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It is also what my father taught me as a young boy: “Walk your talk in life.”

The idea resonates with me as I think about Project Concentrus. I believe it would be helpful to the process to meet with some young people (Josh’s age and into high school) from across the County. Your thoughts?

Economic Development Often Is About Interjurisdictional Tax Revenue Competition

Competition for tax revenues by units of government is a reality of economic development. This is especially the case in tough economic times. Click here to read a recent Herald article about the Cities of Edmonds and Lynnwood are working to secure a larger share of local vehicle sales taxes, which typically the state government has had the biggest call on.

“The Legislature has robbed cities of their gas tax monies to help fill out their budget but gave us an opportunity to impose taxes through the license fee or (create) an additional sales tax,” Lynnwood City Council President Ted Hikel said.

While cities battle with their state governments and other cities for tax revenues, some governmental units have been worked to head off this zero-sum game practice and work instead on tax-base sharing within counties and regions. Click here to read about regional tax base sharing in areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

As Snohomish County leaders move from the more traditional zero-sum model of economic development to the newer positive-sum model of economic vitality, tax-base sharing and other innovative strategies should be given some thought.