Ensure that land use and economic development are compatible with the natural resource base on which they depend. Preserve the recreational, natural, and cultural amenities of Washington County. Support farming as a valuable economic sector of the county. Promote new development that occurs in village and town centers and enhances social, cultural, and historic character. Nearly 50 percent of the commercial land area in the county is in two of the nine towns, Westerly and North Kingstown.
Coastal tourism is the major industry of the region, and inland tourism is growing.
Many towns want to diversify their economies beyond tourism by promoting light industrial and commercial development, with emphasis on high-tech jobs. Create education, employment, and training opportunities that attract and keep a skilled labor force. Promote residential and commercial development that is compatible with its surroundings. Create economies that are compatible with existing resources. There are more residents year-round as seasonal summer cottages are now being winterized, but renters are still being displaced as rental prices skyrocket in the summer.