ARLINGTON – City leaders want to create an Arlington Innovation Center – or makerspace – with cutting-edge tools and resources to foster innovation, and they’re inviting community and business members to take a survey to help develop it.

The city, NW Innovation Research Center, Everett Community College, Sno-Isle Libraries and Washington State Department of Commerce are drafting plans for the center. The center would serve businesses, strengthen the pipeline of advanced manufacturing workforces, provide education for youth, and provide resources for entrepreneurs to develop their innovations.

Two information sessions have generated ideas from manufacturing businesses, small-business owners, entrepreneurs and education representatives.The survey seeks answers for projected size of space needed, who will use the space, what type of equipment is needed, and what type of programs the center will support.Survey results will help city leaders pursue funding and carry out plans for the makerspace.

A makerspace is a community workspace where people can access the latest manufacturing and design tools, resources and workshops in order to make, invent or repair anything they put their mind to doing. Large businesses would also be able to test-build new products. A key component is the users themselves, bringing their knowledge, experience and creativity to collaborate with others.

To complete the survey, visit arlingtonwa.seamlessdocs.com/f/InnovationCenter. Deadline is July 21.