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 “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 86 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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