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The Shores Insider
February, 2022

Presented by the Ocean Shores Branch of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
A Localized Voice for Business in Ocean Shores
Shores Business News

Record Economic Growth 
Ocean Shores continues to grow. The City had a record number of permits issued in 2021, including 239 single family homes built, 57 million dollars in construction value was added to the City and the building department processed 2644 total permits. The assessed value of the City of Ocean Shores was also up by over $889 million or 95% from 2016 to 2022 and the City expects new construction to be at approximately $78 million in 2022. These numbers will place Ocean Shores as the highest valued city in Grays Harbor. 

Additional Statistics: 
  • 24% over where we were on sales tax at this time last year 
  • Real estate excise tax is up 35% 
 
Tourism Boom Continues 
The Ocean Shores visitor count log counts the estimated number of visitors at the city’s entrances. In 2021, an estimated 5,353,165 visitors passed through the gates of Ocean Shores, a record number and 7% higher than in 2020. Additionally, 29% over in our hotel/motel tax revenue bringing $1,496,673 in Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax. 
 
Public Works Projects 
  • Erosion Study Analysis: The City recently solicited bids from consulting firms with expertise in coastal engineering to conduct a coastal erosion analysis for the southern portion of Ocean Shores. The analysis aims to build off of previous work to develop long-term predictions and better understand the consequences of erosion, as well as to identify and select mitigation alternatives for erosion. The firm of Mott McDonald LLC won the bid which will be brought to council for confirmation. 
  • Tsunami Tower: The City of Ocean Shores hopes to contract with the firm of Degenkolb to complete preliminary structural engineering design for a tsunami evacuation tower planned to be located near Ocean Shores Elementary School. Conceptual design for a purpose-built 800-person evacuation tower with safe refuge elevation at 50 feet above grade.  
  • Truck signs on Dolphin Avenue: Eight (8) truck route diversions signs have been placed along Dolphin Avenue at the request of local residents by the Ocean Shores Street Department to mitigate traffic on that street. 
 
Free Tax Preparation Service 
The Ocean Shores Public Library will be hosting free basic individual income tax preparation services from AARP. These are free, in-person consultations by appointment from February 1 to April 14th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To make an appointment please call: (253) 448-3605.
Stay Informed by:
Shores Spotlight
"Our mission is to provide career connected learning experiences to all youth throughout Grays Harbor and surrounding communities that support credential attainment and livable wage employment." 
 
Grays Harbor Youth Works (GHYW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was created as an internship program by community leaders, educators, local high school students, and Dr. Doreen Cato. The program first started in 2013 in four different high schools. GHYW was designed to give high school students an opportunity to learn and experience a career field of their interest before pursing secondary education. This provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed in the workforce.  
The GHYW program is operated by an Executive Director, Program Assistant, and a Board of Directors and is funded by grants, contracts, and fundraising. GHYW provides support services, and, for example, an intern can complete 30 hours and earn $150.00 scholarship, twice in a school year.   
 
GHYW has interns from all 13 school districts in Grays Harbor County. Currently, GHYW is working with Rayonier and four high schools to provide a learning experience in Careers in Natural Resources. Additionally, GHYW is starting WAqua Youth Works for students age 10 and up to experience in STEM-UROV with the Westport Aquarium.  
 
Due to covid, GHYW faced many challenges, but survived largely due to their online Social Media Marketing Internship.  
 
Thank you to Grays Harbor Youth Works for helping to bridge the gap from high school to real life!
All Ocean Shores events found here.
How to Submit Your Own Grays Harbor Event to the Calendar
Head to our community calendar, click the " + " button located to the right above the calendar or click here.

Please make sure to fill in as many fields as possible and add the keywords "Ocean Shores" to your event description!

*If you would like to feature a photo in your event, please email it to knorvell@graysharbor.org after submission.
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
(360) 532-7888
506 Duffy St.
Aberdeen, WA 98537
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