Port Angeles staff detail housing, permitting and Opportunity Zone progress in economic development update

City staff delivered a comprehensive economic development update that emphasized a ‘grow‑from‑within’ approach: strengthening local businesses, shortening permit timelines, coordinating partners, and preparing for private investment.

Long Range and Special Projects Administrator Angel Torres walked the council through performance metrics: annual partner funding levels (city-supported partnerships at $142,000, $20,000, and $10,000 for three local partners), 2025 construction valuation of just over $83,000,000 with $56,000,000 in new construction, and $4,300,000 in grant funding secured for 15 capital projects. Staff also reported 529 building permits issued in 2025 (352 over‑the‑counter), with 90.6% of over‑the‑counter permits issued the same day.

Colleen McAleer, director of the Economic Development Council, highlighted Opportunity Zone (Emerald Coast) work and the McKinley site as a priority; she said the city will submit up to three applications for opportunity zone consideration and is working with prospective investors. Staff noted the city’s use of the multifamily tax exemption (MFTE) and that permit‑ready plans and fee waivers are being used to accelerate housing delivery; the city has issued four MFTE certificates and permitted 22 dwelling units so far in 2026.

Council members asked for continued monthly reporting and more detail on facade and sign grants and UBI registrations that help firms bid for government contracts. Staff committed to continuing transparent monthly reports and to bringing project recommendations for Project 935 (the multifamily pilot) at an upcoming meeting.