What is Economic Development?
Economic development is the sustained, concerted effort of policymakers, businesses, and communities to improve the economic and social conditions of a region by increasing productivity, creating jobs, enhancing human capital, and fostering innovation, while ensuring equitable distribution of resources and long-term environmental sustainability.
The Port of Lewiston’s mission revolves around economic development, specifically the creation of living wage jobs
and improving the quality of life for residents of Nez Perce County. Direct employment associated with the Port reached over 2,200 jobs in 2024. The economic activity from the firms associated with the Port is equivalent to 11.2% of the gross regional product and 12.9% of all total compensation in Nez Perce County.