Economic Growth & Jobs in Mason County
With unemployment at 6.2% and government accounting for one-third of all jobs, Mason County needs leadership that fosters private-sector growth and creates real opportunities for working families.
The Economic Landscape
Mason County's economy needs diversification to build long-term resilience.
Mason County's economy tells a story of both resilience and vulnerability. With an unemployment rate of 6.2% — nearly a full percentage point above the Washington state average of 5.3% — too many residents struggle to find stable, family-wage employment. The average annual wage of $57,899, while sufficient for some, falls short for families facing $432,400 median home prices and rising costs across the board.
The structure of the local economy presents its own challenges. Government employment accounts for approximately one-third of all jobs in the county, creating significant dependence on public-sector budgets. The Squaxin Island Tribe, with over 1,100 employees, stands as the largest private employer — a vital economic partner whose contributions to the community extend far beyond direct employment. Beyond these anchors, Mason County's private sector is dominated by small businesses that face their own challenges: limited workforce availability, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory complexity.
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the local economy's challenges is the childcare shortage, which has been identified as the number one barrier to workforce participation in Mason County. Parents who want to work cannot find affordable, available childcare, limiting the labor pool that employers need to grow. This single issue ripples through the entire economy, suppressing workforce participation, limiting business expansion, and reducing household incomes.
6.2%
Local unemployment rate
1/3
Jobs in government sector
#1
Childcare: top workforce barrier
$57,899
Average annual wage
Challenges Facing Mason County
Economic Concentration Risk
With government employment comprising roughly one-third of all jobs and a handful of large employers dominating private-sector payrolls, Mason County's economy lacks the diversification needed to weather economic downturns. Budget cuts at the state or federal level, or a downturn affecting a major employer, could have outsized impacts on the entire community. Building a more diverse private-sector economy is essential for long-term stability.
Childcare Desert
The shortage of affordable, quality childcare is the number one barrier to workforce participation in Mason County. This isn't just a family issue — it's a fundamental economic development challenge. When parents can't find childcare, employers can't find workers, businesses can't grow, and the entire economy suffers. Addressing the childcare gap is one of the highest-impact economic development investments the county can make.
Workforce Development Gaps
Mason County needs a skilled workforce to attract and retain employers, but too many residents lack access to the training and education programs that would qualify them for higher- paying jobs. The gap between available skills and employer needs limits economic growth and contributes to higher unemployment. Strengthening workforce development partnerships with educational institutions, tribal programs, and industry is essential.
Infrastructure Barriers to Business Growth
Businesses need reliable broadband, adequate roads, and available commercial sites with utility connections. Gaps in any of these areas limit where businesses can locate, how they can operate, and whether they choose Mason County over neighboring communities. The county's ongoing broadband expansion and road investment are positive steps, but significant gaps remain, particularly for businesses outside the main population centers.
Karen's Approach to Economic Growth
Creating an environment where businesses thrive and families prosper.
Karen understands that government doesn't create jobs — businesses do. But government can create the conditions that help businesses succeed: reliable infrastructure, reasonable regulations, a skilled workforce, and a community where employees want to live. As a financial advisor, Karen has worked with business owners and entrepreneurs throughout her career, giving her firsthand insight into what they need to grow.
Tackle the Childcare Crisis
Karen will work to address the childcare shortage as a top economic development priority. She supports exploring public- private partnerships, incentives for childcare providers, and streamlined regulations that make it easier to open and operate childcare facilities while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Support Small Business Growth
Karen will work to streamline county permitting processes, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and partner with the Mason County EDC to support small business development. She supports making it easier, not harder, for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Mason County.
Strengthen Workforce Development
Karen supports expanding partnerships between the county, educational institutions, tribal programs, and employers to create pathways to family-wage careers. She will work to support apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and continuing education that align with the skills employers actually need.
Invest in Economic Infrastructure
Karen will work to ensure broadband expansion, road improvements, and utility development support economic growth, not just current needs. She supports strategic infrastructure investment that opens new areas for business development and makes Mason County competitive with neighboring communities.
Partner with Tribal Nations
Karen recognizes the vital economic role of the Squaxin Island Tribe and other tribal nations in Mason County. With over 1,100 employees, the Squaxin Island Tribe is the county's largest private employer. Karen will work to strengthen government-to-government relationships and explore partnership opportunities that benefit the entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about economic development in Mason County.
Related Issues
Economic growth depends on progress across multiple fronts.
Grow Opportunity in Mason County
Karen Sullivan will work to create an environment where businesses can grow, families can prosper, and every resident of District 3 has access to economic opportunity.