Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) gave a presentation at Tuesday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting. Ed Raber, director of WEDG, spoke with the supervisors about all of the work the organization does for the county. WEDG has been busy in the last year, including Raber taking part in a Stronger Economies Together program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture with Henry and Jefferson Counties, assisting the City of Washington with developing a business park with space for industrial properties, and having 120 people attend the second annual realtors luncheon. The luncheon was for realtors in Johnson and Washington County.
Speaking of housing Raber said, “One of the things that has bubbled up in my board of directors and with other employers I talk with is the need to get housing back on track.” In the last eight years, Washington County has only built a third or less than what had been built prior to 2008. A housing summit will be held this winter to discuss the matter with a variety of entities.
Other things WEDG is involved in include the Creative Corridor Regional Visioning Plan, coordinating a county-wide trails and recreation plan update, and serving on the Kirkwood Advanced Manufacturing Sector Board while also working with HACAP, the Community Foundation of Washington County, United Way, the Corridor Alliance and many others.