Yakima, Washington

Yakima is a city in central Washington and the county seat of Yakima County, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 71,845. Yakima is situated in the Yakima Valley, which is noted for being one of the best apple-producing areas in the world, as well as a prime location for the production of hops. The name originates from the Yakama Native American tribe. The Yakama Indian Reservation is located to the south and southeast of the city of Yakima.

Economy

Yakima's growth in the 20th century was fueled primarily by agriculture. The Yakima Valley produces many fruit crops, including apples, peaches, pears, cherries and melons. Many vegetables are also produced, including peppers, corn and beans. Many of the city's residents have come to the Valley out of economic necessity and to participate in the picking, processing, marketing and support services for the agricultural economy. While jobs in agriculture have decreased, the population growth has continued, increasing unemployment, crime, and poverty. Social services have not kept pace with demand, forcing down quality of life for the city's poorest residents. While city officials have attempted to lure new businesses to Yakima, they have largely failed to do so.

Related Topics:
Apple - Peach - Pear - Cherries - Melon - Pepper - Corn - Bean - Quality of life

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The abandonment by retailers and other businesses of Yakima's downtown core is symbolic of the city's overall economic downturn. In the last five years, three major department stores and an entire shopping mall have closed for business. While several theories to "revitalize" the city's downtown have been put forth by civic leaders, none has proven effective. The retail core of the city has now shifted to the city of Union Gap, where a renovated shopping mall and other new retail businesses are flourishing.

Related Topics:
Department store - Union Gap - Shopping mall

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A bright spot in the economy of the Yakima Valley is the burgeoning wine industry. Over 40 wineries dot the Yakima Valley, covering more than 11,000 acres (45 km²). Yakima is home to several wine-related events each year which draw wine enthusiasts from all over the Pacific Northwest and the world.

Related Topics:
Wine - Pacific Northwest

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