Strategy is important.

Finding the right one takes work.

And championing a winning strategy takes vision and guts.

This is especially important for something as critical as creating a strong, sustainable and competitive local economy for our future.

The city of Issaquah’s Economic Vitality Commission, a group of citizens appointed by the mayor and serving an advisory role to the City Council, is “digging deep” to uncover our community’ unique economic positioning. Here, the commission is in the middle of a major “SWOT analysis” project for the community — identifying the unique strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Issaquah economy. The exercise is as educational as it has been extensive, taking into consideration Issaquah’ history, regional trends, existing assets, potential opportunities and more.

Why is this important? Understanding where our strengths align with our opportunities provides insight into areas we can compete effectively for high-paying jobs and the strong businesses that provide them. Identifying areas where our economic weaknesses intersect our threats provides insight into policy, strategy, resource or industry gaps that can prove economically devastating if they are not properly addressed.

The end product will be a series of insights and recommendations that city leaders can use to chart a course for future economic vitality strategies and provide a further economic development framework to the recently-adopted Central Issaquah Plan.

To engage in a thoughtful, reality-based analysis of where we sit economically and what obstacles and opportunities might be ahead is some of the most important work a community can engage in. Why? Without a strong local economy, everything else in the community suffers. Schools and kids fall behind. Arts and culture goes unfunded. Road deteriorate. Parks, recreation and environmental stewardship programs become an afterthought. Families can’t find local jobs. Quality of life suffers.

The next 30-years will find Issaquah in the middle of a major competition for high-paying jobs and strong, healthy businesses that provide them. We must be innovative, nimble and focused. The SWOT analysis and ensuing economic vitality strategies will help. Just as importantly, you asking City Council and mayoral candidates how they will champion these strategies and support a strong local economy, if elected, also will matter. I hope we can count on you to help make this case.

Matthew Bott is the CEO of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. He writes on topics relating to business, the economy and community enhancement.