According to the statistics of 2014, the population of Clallam County is estimated at 72,715 (Vleming). It is of particular importance for the economy and further development of the region to increase its population, not only in quantity but also in ethnic diversity.
Relevant data demonstrates that the population of the county rose only to 1.8 percent (Vleming) during the four-year period whereas the populace on the county in general expanded to 5.0 percent (Vleming) over the same period. Speaking about the biggest city, Port Angeles, its rate of population growth reached only 1.1 percent after April 2010 (Vleming). These indicators show that the population of the county of Clallam increases in number far more slowly than that of the other Washington counties and the whole state. More than that, the statistical information reveals that such a steady but still extremely stagnant growth starting from the beginning of the century and to the present was possible mostly due to the inflow of the retired attracted to Clallam’s relatively dry and mild climate. For that reason, I suggest that the government of Clallam County addresses the issue in question and considers the possible ways of impacting population bursting in the next few years. It would undoubtedly help the state government to push forward Clallam’s economy providing new sources of employment and invigorating social integration.
In fact, population growth would speed up the process of industrialisation as well as agriculture intensification that have already begun in the past century but have slowed down because of the considerable exodus of young specialists. That is, bringing educated young labor force as well as experienced professionals to Clallam may contribute greatly to the sustainable development of the region’s industry including advanced composites manufacturing that, in its turn, provides material for the aerospace as well as marine industry. Moreover, the development of the composites recycling is gathering speed in the area. It is planned to build the Recycling Technology Center (Vleming) in the foreseeable future and the recycling specialists are needed to provide its full and effective functioning.
Another reason to catalyze demographic growth is that there would be an opportunity to improve the agricultural situation helping the oldest age group to migrate to rural areas of the county. In fact, this process has already started to happen. The incomers, who mostly decide to settle in Clallam County after retirement, chose to live outside Port Angeles or Sequim. The government could encourage the population of these country areas to buy farms and maintain the household by providing financial help.
Increase of culturally and ethnically diverse population is also of particular importance for the region. At present, Clallam County represents the less ethnically and culturally diverse area of the state with its residents being mostly White Americans (in the prevailing majority), Indigenous Americans as well as Alaskan Natives. Thus, the influx of more diverse population to Clallam may also help to expedite the region’s development increasing urban employment rates.
There is no denying the fact that there is a close connection between the adequate and even population growth and the long-term stable economic development. It is obvious that Clallam County does have the capacity to grow and move forward. Nonetheless, the exodus of young and experienced specialists in certain professions that are of particular relevance for the region has usually negative effect on its development. Clallam County is a good example in this case. Still, this problem can be solved if the local government develops a certain programme of action according to its budget and within a feasible time frame.
Works Cited
Vleming, Jim. “Clallam County Profile”. Employment Security Department, 2015. https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/reports-publications/regional-reports/county-profiles/Clallam-county-profile. Accessed 2 February 2017.
