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Posts categorized under Economic Development Archives - Office of the Mayor

Mayor Harrell Signs Downtown Design Review Exemption Legislation to Encourage More Housing, Jobs, and Economic Activity

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined business leaders and developers to sign legislation that waives new development projects in downtown neighborhoods from the full design review process to increase economic activity and vitality in the city’s center and decrease the amount of time and cost to complete projects. “The… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Statement on Minimum Wage Increase 

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the following statement after the Office of Labor Standards announced the 2025 minimum wage increase and structure: “Seattle has one of the highest minimum wages in the country – this is a good thing for workers, a good thing for our overall economy,… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Statement on Minimum Wage Discussions

Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell issued the following statement on minimum wage discussions: “Seattle is proud of our national leadership in advancing policies for living wages and worker standards in all sectors, including restaurants. As a member of the task force and City Council that helped deliver a $15 minimum wage,… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell and Council President Nelson Propose New Curbside Designation for Live Music Venues to Support Easier Parking, Loading Access

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Council President Sara Nelson announced legislation to establish a new curbside designation and permit program for live music venues to make loading and parking more accessible to musicians and supporting crews. “Seattle’s world-class music scene is a not only an essential part of… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Signs New Agreement to Support Investment Attraction and Job Creation with Korean Businesses and Start-Ups in Seattle

Seattle – On Tuesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Seattle and Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) to facilitate investment attraction and job creation with Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Seattle. “Seattle is a hub for global innovation,… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Signs Legislation to Allow Construction of Workforce Housing, Artist Workspaces in Seattle’s Georgetown Neighborhood

900 units of housing and artist workspaces to be built to create new arts-centered community Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed legislation that will allow new workforce housing and community spaces to be built in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood by increasing the height limit. The land use code amendment legislation… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Proposes Legislation to Fill Vacant Storefronts in Downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Uptown through Expanded Uses

Removal of regulatory barriers will create additional tools for the city to activate street environments, improve continuity of occupied street-level storefronts, and bolster economic revitalization.  SEATTLE – As part of his Downtown Activation Plan, Mayor Bruce Harrell has submitted new legislation to Seattle City Council aimed at filling vacant commercial spaces in existing buildings on key streets in Downtown, Belltown, Uptown, and South Lake Union. The… [ Keep reading ]

City of Seattle, Grow America and JPMorgan Chase Celebrate First-in-the-Nation Business Property Ownership Program: Business Community Ownership Fund 

BIPOC-owned design firm La Union Studio celebrates grand opening of new commercial space secured through the Business Community Ownership Fund  SEATTLE (March 19, 2024) – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell, joined the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED), Grow America, and JPMorgan Chase to celebrate the opening of the first Business… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Proposes Legislation to Support the Conversion of Existing Buildings from Commercial to Residential Uses Citywide

Building on the City’s Office-to-Residential Conversion competition, the proposed legislation would support projects that transform existing infrastructure, repurposing vacant commercial property to residential uses. SEATTLE -As part of his Downtown Activation Plan, Mayor Bruce Harrell has submitted new legislation to the City Council aimed at removing regulatory barriers for converting existing buildings from commercial to residential uses. The proposed changes… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Celebrates New Canopy Lighting at Chinatown-International District’s Hing Hay Park

New permanent canopy lights and lanterns will enhance the safety and character of treasured community gathering space Seattle – On Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined community leaders and business owners in the Chinatown-International District to celebrate the installation of new canopy and café lighting fixtures at Hing Hay Park. Supported… [ Keep reading ]