Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB)

Meetings

The Economic Development Advisory Board meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Meetings are held in a hybrid format: in-person at the Monroe City Hall Council Chambers (806 W. Main Street) and virtually via Zoom meeting platform. Please note, public comment will only be accepted in-person. 

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available upon adoption.
For Agendas and Minutes since January 1, 2021, please visit the City's new Agenda Center.
For Agendas and Minutes prior to January 1, 2021, please visit the Agendas & Minutes Archive.

Purpose

In December 2024, the City Council adopted the 2024-2044 City of Monroe Comprehensive Plan which included an Economic Development Element. This Element five high-level economic development goals: 

  • Support the vitality and viability of commercial and industrial districts throughout Monroe.
  • Provide and support a great place to open and grow business.
  • Sustain, grow and promote Monroe's position as an outdoors, adventure, events destination, and as "basecamp" to mountain and river adventures and home to diverse attractions and events.
  • Through regulations and incentives, promote efficient, creative and new forms of continued commercial and industrial growth and development.
  • Provide a full-service, well connected, amenity-rich community that attracts and retains a wide range of residents and employees of local businesses.

The purpose of EDAB is to provide a forum for the coordination of information among entities identified as having economic development roles; recommending priorities and establishing a means to monitor progress on goals; and providing such other advice and guidance with furthering Monroe’s economic development strategy.

History

The Economic Development Advisory Board was first established by the City Council on a provisional basis in 2018, with a formal extension on 9/25/2018 by Resolution No. 019/2018 that included a sunset clause as of December 31, 2022. The City Council extended the term of the Economic Development Advisory Board on July 26, 2022, until December 31, 2026, by Resolution No. 2022-013. 

Organization

The EDAB consists of seven (7) voting members, representing a cross-section of the business community with a balance of business type, location, and size. The initial terms of appointment are staggered, and the Mayor and City Administrator serve as ex-officio members. 

All proceedings will comply with RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act.

Membership

Members of the EDAB shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members may be removed by the Mayor as well, with the Council’s approval. Terms of appointment are for four years.

The following are the current Advisory Board Members:

Position NumberBoard MembersTerm Expires
Position 1John Whims:
Whims Insurance &Financial Services		December 31, 2028
Position 2Janelle Drews (Chair Pro-Tem):
Rustic Restorations		December 31, 2028
Position 3Karl Niemela:
TC Precision		December 31, 2029
Position 4Sally Petty: 
American Family/Sally Petty Insurance Agency		December 31, 2029
Position 5VACANTDecember 31, 2026
Position 6Anjum Tareen
Garden in Situ - Bed Time		December 31, 2026
Position 7Katy Woods (Chair): 
Coastal Community Bank		December 31, 2026


Board Responsibilities

The EDAB is an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council. Members of the EDAB have the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Providing a communication link between the City and the business community
  • Advising the City on implementation of the Economic Development Work Program
  • Advising the City from a business perspective on a range of policy issues such as capital planning, zoning amendments, and land use policy plans

All decisions or actions, based on recommendations by the EDAB, related to work program, policy, and/or budgetary issues, are made to the Mayor and Council. 

Board Vacancies

There are currently no open positions on the Economic Development Advisory Board. But positions may open at any time, so if you are interested in applying for a future position, please fill out an application and submit it to the City Clerk's office at cityclerk@monroewa.gov.