TwispWorks: Economic and Community Development

Goal 5: A thriving, place-based economy prioritizing equity for all.

Located on the site of the old Twisp Ranger Station, TwispWorks serves as a hub of economic and community development in the Methow Valley. The 6.4-acre campus houses local businesses, artist studios, an interpretive center with exhibits displaying the history of the people and land of the valley, a native plant garden, a natural dye garden, an education station, and several public art installations. The campus also includes a newly expanded vocational tech center where local high school students can take classes in automotive and electric vehicle tech and welding. By giving more students the opportunity to take classes in the skilled trades, these improved facilities will contribute to the retention of youth talent as well as address labor shortage issues in the valley.

Several programs at TwispWorks also serve to provide economic support and marketing for small local businesses, contributing to a stronger economy in the valley. Methow Made highlights artists, producers, and makers who source 75% of their products’ value (materials, labor, etc.) from the Methow Valley by allowing them to put the “Methow Made” symbol on their products as well as featuring them in Methow Made publications. The Methow Investment Network helps to connect local entrepreneurs hoping to start or expand a local business with investors looking to put their money into community-based endeavors. Investors also offer mentorship and advising to business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Twispworks has also been involved with investigating how aspects of a circular economy could be applied to the valley. With the goal of keeping resources in the valley, circular economy research looks at how materials (including anything from lumber used for construction to clothing sold in local shops) can be repurposed and redesigned rather than becoming waste. Keeping materials local also increases the resiliency of the economy by providing more local jobs and ensuring that the valley is not less reliant on goods sourced from other areas.

To learn more about the various programs and businesses at TwispWorks, you can visit their website at https://twispworks.org/ or check out the campus, located in Twisp at 502 S. Glover Street.

Photo Credit: TwispWorks