Maple Valley

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Thriving on Community and Commerce

A city vibe that is contagious and a community that offers an unmatched lifestyle

People often fall in love with Maple Valley before they even realize it. Maybe it’s the energy of a bustling farmers market, the serenity of a forest trail, or the sound of kids playing soccer under stadium lights. 

“There’s a great vibe here,” says Doug McIntyre, Economic and Community Development Director. “It’s a collaborative, positive community. Many families consist of well-educated and highly skilled individuals. Housing is a little more affordable than in other parts of King County, and the schools are excellent. All of that makes Maple Valley a great place to be, and to do business.”

With a growing population and ambitious goals, Maple Valley is shaping its future through thoughtful infrastructure planning, community engagement, and strategic development. “We’re growing fast, but we’re doing it the right way,” says Mayor Sean P. Kelly. “We want to stay true to what makes Maple Valley special while making sure we have the roads, parks, and businesses to support our future.” 

Alyssa Saas, Executive Director, Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the city’s ability to balance modern ideas with timeless values. “We’re progressive and forward-thinking, but we also deeply respect traditional family values,” Saas says. “We have great events that bring people together and grow that sense of belonging. Even as we grow, we hold onto that small-town feel.”

Connecting a growing city

“The city is trying to deliver on some major infrastructure improvements,” McIntyre explains. “We’re in the first phase of a multi-phase project to widen State Route 169, a key connector for southeast King County.”

The project includes new roundabouts, medians, bike lanes, sidewalks, and as a future project, pedestrian bridge near the Legacy Site. This culturally and strategically significant property not only hosts the award-winning Maple Valley Farmers Market but also serves as a hub for community events and future public market planning. “That crossing is critical,” McIntyre says. “It connects the east and west sides of town, including an elementary school. Right now, it’s nearly impossible to cross safely.”

Environmental protection also plays a role in city planning. Stormwater upgrades and creek rehabilitation are happening alongside transportation improvements, reinforcing Maple Valley’s commitment to sustainability. New digital signage is also being installed across the city to enhance communication with residents.

Key development zones

A key example of Maple Valley’s strategic growth is Switcher’s Landing, which is bringing both retail and multifamily housing to the south end of the city. As part of the city’s long-term planning, developments like Switcher’s Landing help diversify the local economy, increase housing options, and enhance neighborhood connectivity while maintaining Maple Valley’s distinct community identity in the south end of the city. “Retail is under construction now,” McIntyre says. “The multifamily component will likely begin in 2026.”

Another primary focus is the Summit Place property. “It’s a huge parcel owned by King County,” McIntyre explains. “We just started engaging with the Council on what this could be. It’s critical to our long-term growth and job creation.”

The site is explicitly zoned to prevent dense residential development, and the city is working with the county to envision more impactful uses. “This could be a game-changer for Maple Valley as we transition from a bedroom community to a more self-sustaining economy,” he says.

Pitch and pivot

Supporting local entrepreneurship is a central focus of Maple Valley’s economic strategy. The city’s Economic Development Commission (EDC), offers programs like Pitch and Pivot, designed to help new businesses refine their strategy.

“It’s a chance for entrepreneurs to present their business plan to a panel of local leaders and get honest, constructive feedback,” Saas explains. “We’ve seen businesses change their name, shift direction, and become more sustainable because of it.”

One of the most successful examples is Batch 3, an ice cream company founded by Brett and Angela Thompson that has grown from a home-based startup into a cherished community institution. After participating in Pitch and Pivot, they refined their business strategy and deepened their community ties. They’ve become fixtures at city events, frequently seen at the farmers market and public festivals. Their recent lease to open a storefront in a locally developed mixed-use space marks a major milestone in their expansion, with plans to continue growing their presence while keeping community engagement at the core of their operations. 

“They’re beloved in the community,” Saas says. “It’s not just the product—it’s who they are as people.”

Accessible eats

McIntyre has also championed the idea of creating a food truck community to lower the barrier to entry for aspiring restaurateurs. “Retail vacancies are low, and rents are high,” he explains. “Food trucks are a more accessible way for businesses to get started.”

He’s in talks with developers to bring such a community to a gateway corner of the city at State Route 169 and Witte Road. “It’s a win-win. More social spaces, more food options, and more opportunities for small businesses,” he says.

Homegrown innovation

CAF Outdoor Cleaning is one of several homegrown success stories in Maple Valley, reflecting the community’s spirit of innovation and environmental responsibility. What began as a high school project by a local father-son team has grown into an international company with offices in Germany and Tennessee. Their cleaning products use advanced microbial technology to safely break down carbon and other contaminants, offering a sustainable solution that fits well with the city’s broader vision for responsible business growth.

“They make eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are truly unique,” McIntyre says. “They employ about 30 people here in Maple Valley, and they’re still growing.”

The city supports local businesses like CAF through its Economic Development Commission, which helps foster connections between entrepreneurs and city leadership. “That relationship-building is key,” McIntyre adds.

Engaging youth through sports

Maple Valley is home to West Coast Goalkeeping, a premier manufacturer of high-end gloves trusted by national team players around the world. With headquarters just steps from City Hall, the company reflects the city’s ability to attract niche, high-performance industries and foster specialized business growth.

Another standout is the Bigfoot Football Club, founded by Shawn Norris. More than just a sports organization, Bigfoot hosts clinics and games that unite families and offer youth a chance to develop both athletic skills and meaningful community connections. “They host clinics for younger kids and draw families from all over,” says Mayor Kelly. “I talked to someone who came from Sacramento just to see one of the games. That kind of pull is huge.”

That same community spirit thrives at Tahoma High School, the largest high school in Washington state. It is home to more than 72 student clubs and serves as a hub of youth engagement. “With about 32 percent of our population under 18, we invest in programs and partnerships that keep them engaged,” Mayor Kelly adds.

Celebrating together

Community life in Maple Valley is vibrant year-round. From the annual fishing derby to the summer concert series and the wildly popular Gnometown Holidays, there is always something happening. “We had over 10,000 people at the July 3rd celebration this year,” Mayor Kelly says. “And our police department staffs 19 events annually. The community shows up, even if it’s quiet an hour before, they appear right when it starts.”

The city has also been nationally recognized as one of the safest in Washington, including for its senior population. “That means a lot to us,” Mayor Kelly adds. “We do a community survey every three years to make sure we’re staying aligned with residents’ needs.”

Vision in action

Looking ahead, the city has a clear focus on three key zones: Summit Place for jobs, downtown for placemaking, and Legacy for public gathering.

“Downtown will be walkable, with coffee shops, restaurants, and housing,” McIntyre says. “People want a place where they can stay local instead of driving to Renton or Issaquah.”

Legacy is envisioned to host a permanent public market, building off the success of the farmers market and possibly the food truck community. A regional trail runs through the area, allowing commuters and families alike to bike and walk with ease.

“We want to make sure infrastructure supports this growth,” McIntyre adds. “It’s not there yet, but we’re investing in it.”

Partnerships make it possible

Maple Valley’s progress is built on strong partnerships. “No city can do it alone,” says Mayor Kelly. “We work with Black Diamond, Covington, King County, our state representatives, and community organizations like the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.”

State Representative Lisa Callan, co-chair of the state capital projects committee, has been instrumental in securing transportation funding. Through the Chamber’s SEAL initiative, more than $1 billion has been invested in Highway 18 and 990. “That’s economic development,” Mayor Kelly notes. “It’s about building roads to move commerce.”

McIntyre recalls a conversation with Shawn Norris of Bigfoot Football Club: “He told me he could have gone to Kent or Auburn, but he chose Maple Valley because of the opportunities and the community. He wanted to invest where he knew it would make a difference.”

Saas agrees. “What makes Maple Valley unique is how quickly the community rallies to support a need. Whether it’s a business, nonprofit, or family, people show up.”

At A Glance: 

Who: Maple Valley, Washington

What: A growing, family-friendly city in King County known for its scenic natural surroundings, strong community spirit, thriving local businesses, and strategic economic development.

Where: Southeast King County, Washington, between the Cascade foothills and the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Website: https://www.maplevalleywa.gov/