Public input sought on long-term plan for economic development in Tumwater

The City of Tumwater is seeking input from the public as part of an effort to update the Economic Development Element of its Comprehensive Plan.

Tumwater residents, workers, business owners and stakeholders are invited to take an online survey as a means of providing feedback.

The survey features 13 questions, which should take about 10 minutes to complete, according to a news release from the city. The link to the survey remains open until 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. 

A draft of the Economic Development Element was prepared as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update.

At a meeting on Dec. 26, 2025, the Tumwater City Council adopted the Comprehensive Plan update, but did not adopt the Economic Development Element. 

"The Economic Development Element describes the goals and strategies the (city) will implement and serves as a guidepost for future (city) initiatives," said the city in the news release.

"The proposed update includes nine goals addressing local business and employment growth, redevelopment of the former (brewery) sites, affordability, and more. The (city) wants to know what matters most to the community as it updates economic development plan

The goal is for the council to adopt the Economic Development Element by mid-December, based on previous discussions at meetings. 

Tumwater is required to produce the Economic Development Element under the state Growth Management Act.