The City of Black Diamond, Washington is located in one of the fastest-growing areas of the Puget Sound with abundant opportunities for commercial development.

The southeast King County region that includes Black Diamond, Covington and Maple Valley has expanded considerably over the past 10 years. Black Diamond is planning to grow from 4,000 citizens to nearly 20,000 citizens and add 1.5 million square feet of commercial development over the next 15 years. As part of the major expansion of the city, YarrowBay Group out of Kirkland, Washington, has proposed two major master planned developments totaling up to 6,000 new residential units. In all, the three cities of Black Diamond, Maple Valley and Covington project growth of 59,000 residents in the next 20 years.

There is significant retail leakage out of Black Diamond. By 2017, analysis indicates an additional $316 million of retail spending could be captured within the city’s primary market area (The Sullivan Group, 2008).

The city enjoys high household incomes and low unemployment, but the workforce travels an average of 38 minutes to work and back each day (2000 U.S. Census).

A transportation network includes SR 18, SR 167, SR 516, SR 169 with nearby access to I-90 and I-5. The city is located just 33 miles from Seattle, 30 miles from Tacoma, 28 miles from Bellevue and approximately 22 miles from Sea-Tac Airport.

This low-crime city has a high quality of life. Lake Sawyer, many creeks and nearby Mt. Rainier provide ample recreational opportunities.

Significant growth area in King County

Millions of dollars in unmet retail in primary market area

Ample water and sewer capacity

No state or local income tax

No local business and occupation tax

Easy access to Green River Community College, Highline Community College, DeVry University, University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University

Near Highway 18, Highway 167, I-90 and I-5

Near Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, McChord AFB and other major employment areas

Home to fourth largest recreational lake in King County

High household income

Low crime rates

If you would like to be added to a contact list please submit your request to:

Andy Williamson, MDRT & Economic Development Director
(360) 851-4448
awilliamson@ci.blackdiamond.wa.us

City Wide Business Survey (Hard copy for printing)- Posted 5-5-14 (NEW)

Small Business Administration CapLines Program through SBA

Sound Shake - Facilitating Earthquake Preparedness: A Workplace Guide

Major Businesses:
Anesthesia Supply Company
Enumclaw School District
City of Black Diamond
Palmer Coking Coal Co.

City issued Business licenses (2007)= 305
In city/based business licenses=  108
Total Employees (2006)= 463

View Growth Report

2008 Business Survey Results