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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 ]

As State Legislative Session Begins, Mayor Harrell Highlights Key Priorities for Seattle

Seattle – Today, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell shared key legislative priorities for his administration and the people of Seattle as the Washington State Legislature begins the 2024 session. Mayor Harrell is calling for bold action on critical public safety, behavioral health, and other priority issues that impact Seattle and cities… [ Keep reading ]

Following National Search, Mayor Harrell Announces Next Leader for Seattle City Light 

New General Manager and CEO of City Light will serve as a key partner in Harrell Administration, delivering on critical goals including quality, reliable City services and meaningful climate action. Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced he has selected Dawn Lindell to serve as the next General Manager and Chief… [ Keep reading ]

The Liberty Project: New Small Business Growth Program Accepting Applications 

New initiative aims to increase revenues for businesses owned by underrepresented communities in Seattle – particularly Black-owned businesses. Seattle – Seattle small businesses can now apply for the Liberty Project — a new innovative business growth program launched by Mayor Harrell, the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the University of Washington’s Foster… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Issues Executive Order Expanding City Contracting Equity, Supporting Women and Minority Owned Small Businesses

New Executive Order builds on existing efforts that drive economic empowerment and create pathways to grow generational wealth, particularly for women and minority owned firms. Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell was joined by the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS), Women-and Minority Owned business (WMBEs) leaders, and community partners to sign a new Executive… [ Keep reading ]

Downtown Activation Plan: Mayor Harrell Signs into Law Early Legislative Priorities 

New legislative actions deliver on the seven bold goals identified in the mayor’s Downtown Activation Plan, to transform Downtown into a top destination for Seattleites and visitors year-round. Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined community leaders to celebrate and sign a slate of newly adopted legislation supporting the City’s Downtown… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Signs New Seattle Tourism Improvement Area Legislation to Draw More Visitors and Expand Economic Benefits for the Region  

STIA enhancements will capitalize on new Summit Seattle Convention Center, increase travel and tourism promotion.  Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed the new Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA) legislation into law, following Seattle City Council’s unanimous vote approving the mayor’s proposed amendment on September 19, 2023. The legislation establishes… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Bruce Harrell Announces New COVID Testing Site and Expanded Options

Testing site at SPU opens Wednesday; new rapid PCR tests available in three locations later this month Seattle – As the Omicron surge in COVID cases continues, today Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced new and improved testing options for Seattleites opening this month. “As the Omicron variant continues to surge in our community and around the country so… [ Keep reading ]