To local government officials, the Duwamish is the best place to grow new jobs for King County and the region. It's already an established manufacturing zone, so there are few homeowners to complain. It's long been developed, so the jobs don't require cutting down trees or paving over farmland. It has its own airport at Boeing Field, a deep-water port, two railroads, and freeways. Our challenge is to maximize the opportunities there.
Some analysts say each manufacturing job creates three other jobs to support it.
We may be able to turn the economy around and expand our support of vital social service programs. The industries themselves are wary. And it's real high-powered stuff. The aerospace giant built its next new plant in Pierce County instead. Other companies want zoning that will protect industrial land uses from intrusion by housing and retailers.