JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Local entrepreneurs, leaders and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison leadership met May 23 for the Business Opportunities Forum: Exploring Enhanced Use Lease, held at JBLM’s McChord Club.

Enhanced use leasing is a tool in the military’s arsenal to more effectively use underused property to benefit installations. It leverages DOD assets that are currently available but not excess to the military's needs. Rent is received in cash or in-kind services no less than the assets’ fair market value.

JBLM is seeking feasible pathways to resolve community challenges and capitalize opportunities. The installation is now looking to leverage higher headquarters’ support to initiate an economic analysis and market research to craft feasible solutions.

“Everybody is excited about trying to look for efficient and effective ways of us trying to grow and meet the requirements of our military,” said Col. Kent Park, garrison commander. “And one of the key aspects of this is leveraging and partnering with our local community and business partners and everyone else. I think it’s a win-win situation and that’s why I’m really excited.”