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The 2013 Mayor's Award for Achievement in Film goes to: Paul Matthaeus, Founder, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer Emeritus Digital Kitchen®

Mayor Mike McGinn announced the 2013 recipient of the 8th Annual Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film: Paul Matthaeus, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Creative Officer Emeritus of Digital Kitchen®.

"Paul's impressive filmmaking and commercial film career, his championship of Seattle as a thriving commercial film production city, and his commitment to the local filmmaking industry make him an obvious honoree this year," said Mayor McGinn. "I congratulate him on his work and thank him for being a leader in our local film industry."

The Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film recognizes an individual or entity for exceptional work that has significantly contributed to the growth, advancement and reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city. Read the full press release here.

May 15, 2013

Mayor recognizes The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co. for its creativity, growth and community commitment as part of In Good Company program

Mayor Mike McGinn recognized Belltown-based The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company for their growth, creativity, and commitment to their local community on the 4th anniversary of the founding of their business.

“Small business owners are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs and supporting our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “It’s inspiring to see the commitment that Yellow Leaf Cupcake owners Tony and Michael have to their Belltown neighborhood and local community, and the passion they bring to work every day.”

A part of the Seattle Jobs Plan, the In Good Company program is an ongoing showcase of businesses that spotlights one locally-owned business every month for being unconventional, transformative, and exemplary. There are a lot of incredible businesses in Seattle, and if your business is recognized here, you know that you're in good company.

Watch the Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company business profile on the Seattle Channel and read the full press release here.

May 15, 2013

Summer fun is coming! City promotes resources to participate, volunteer and navigate summer events

It seems no city celebrates the return of sunshine and long days like Seattle. This year’s summer calendar of events proves the point with seemingly every day full of activities for people from all walks of life. So, whether you’re interested in music, sports, visiting the waterfront for a Ferris wheel ride or a boat tour, arts or nakedness, there is probably an event taking place just around the corner that will make you think summer will last forever.

These gatherings encourage and support the interaction of neighbors, friends, families and strangers, increase the vibrancy of our neighborhoods, and provide positive economic impact.

“Seattle in the summertime is a special place, and Seattleites love to get out and enjoy our beautiful surroundings and kick back, whether running a marathon, seeing a sporting event or taking in some local music,” says Chris Swenson, Chair of the Seattle Special Events Committee. “All of these special events are what help make Seattle the place it is, and highlight our unique neighborhoods and our community.”

Here are three important resources to get you plugged in to all the activity and to know what’s going on this summer and where:

May 14, 2013

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - Funding Available for Small Business Lending with the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development

The City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has designated $310,000 to be allocated for expanding its small business lending activities. OED will select a community-based lending partner through this RFQ to provide small business loans ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 on behalf of the City.  For complete Request for Qualifications (RFQ), click here.
Electronic submission of your response must arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. (PST) on Friday, May 31, 2013.

May 10, 2013

Mayor launches Startup Seattle Initiative to support local technology startup community growth
City will hire startup business liaison, connect high school students with local technology opportunities and develop innovation hubs

Leaders of Seattle’s startup community and the city of Seattle have teamed up to launch Startup Seattle, an initiative to support the growth of the Seattle technology startup community and establish Seattle as an internationally recognized home for emerging technology companies. Today, Mayor Mike McGinn hosted a press conference to announce the group’s action plan at the downtown Seattle headquarters of Zillow, one of Seattle’s most successful startups in recent years.

"Startup companies are an important part of Seattle’s innovative local economy," said McGinn. "That’s why we are working hard to support startup businesses that could turn in to the next Microsoft or Amazon. I thank all of our partners in this work to help support our local economy, which is growing faster than the rest of the region, state and country."

"Economic recovery doesn’t happen all on its own and this initiative is consistent with Council’s economic recovery resolution calling for actions that make it easier to do business in Seattle," said Councilmember Richard Conlin.

During the next year, the City plans to hire a startup business sector liaison, re-launch the resource website startupseattle.com, form partnerships with local organizations such as Code.org, Startup Weekend and Student RnD to increase access and connect high school students with local technology opportunities, and develop a marketing campaign to help attract talent to Seattle from across the country. In addition, the City will continue to support “innovation hubs” that make neighborhoods more attractive to early-stage technology companies and initiate a market assessment of real-estate needs for startups that will be used to guide new transit-oriented development in the University District.

To learn more about StartupSeattle, visit startupseattle.com

Read the full press release here.

May 9, 2013

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission
Members will propose strategies for an innovative, sustainable and equitable economy

Mayor Mike McGinn and Council President Sally J. Clark officially announced the formation of the Economic Development Commission (the Commission) to examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

"Since I launched the Seattle Jobs Plan in 2010, we've been hearing from the people of Seattle who are building our recovery that they need responsive city government, a supportive regulatory environment, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workers," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I'm looking forward to working with the Commission and the insights and ideas that they will bring to continue to build an innovative economy that is sustainable, that enhances our quality of life, and that helps more people share in our prosperity."

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

"We live in an amazing place with a startling number of innovators and great talent, and we can't take any of it for granted," said Sally J. Clark, Council President and chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations. "This Commission will help us focus the City's role in supporting innovation and talent for shared prosperity."

Read the full joint Mayor, Council press release.

Learn more about the Economic Development Commission. 

March 11, 2013

Mayor recognizes Pacific Fishermen for resiliency, design innovation, environmental stewardship as part of In Good Company program

Mayor Mike McGinn recognized Seattle-based Pacific Fishermen for its resiliency, design innovation, and environmental stewardship, all accomplished while simultaneously preserving Seattle's maritime legacy and representing Seattle's rich heritage.

"In order for Seattle's economy to continue to grow, we need to nurture different types of businesses across a diverse array of industry sectors. Pacific Fishermen is an example of a company that is dedicated to maintaining the heritage of its industry and its owners," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "Implementing innovative new designs to protect and enhance the environment not only creates a sustainable future for the industry, but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship."

A part of the Seattle Jobs Plan, the In Good Company program is an ongoing showcase of businesses that spotlights one locally-owned business every month for being unconventional, transformative, and exemplary. There are a lot of incredible businesses in Seattle, and if your business is recognized here, you know that you're in good company.

OED has a longstanding relationship with Pacific Fisherman, including helping them secure stimulus funds for their environmentally sustainable sandblast and paint booth. Click here to watch Mayor Mike McGinn celebrate the project’s unveiling in 2009.

Watch the Pacific Fisherman business profile on the Seattle Channel and read the full press release here.

March 8, 2013

Mayor announces $1.6 million investment in neighborhood business districts

Today Mayor Mike McGinn joined neighborhood business district leaders and local business owners at Maya's Mexican Restaurant in Seattle's Rainier Beach business district to announce a $1.6 million investment in 17 neighborhood business districts as part of the Seattle Jobs Plan.

"Seattle's neighborhoods are one of the reasons we attract talented people and growing companies," said Mayor McGinn. "That's why investing in our dynamic neighborhood business districts is critical to our overall economic vitality."

Small businesses employ 72 percent of Seattle's workforce and contribute 35 percent of the city's business tax revenues, totaling $55.4 million. Our local neighborhood business districts serve as the location and incubators for many of the city's small businesses. The Seattle Jobs Plan specifically targets investment in Seattle's neighborhood business districts.

"The Only in Seattle program is a great complement to the city's neighborhood planning efforts that have happened throughout the years," said Council President Sally Clark. "These investments help the major players in neighborhood business districts execute concrete steps towards a common vision."

The Office of Economic Development (OED)'s Only in Seattle Initiative (OIS) is a partnership with Impact Capital, which supports investments in neighborhood business districts, and focuses on strategies to create healthy business districts.

Read the Mayor's full press release for more information.

February 7, 2013

Seattle music legend Quincy Jones lends his voice to Sea-Tac Airport

Your next trip to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport just got upgraded with the sweet, warm voice of legendary Seattle musician Quincy Jones. In Quincy's unique soulful style, he will be welcoming travelers to Seattle, telling them about the local music playing overhead, giving security advice, and even talking about the Airport's progressive environmental stewardship programs. Jones is the latest local artist to participate in The Sea-Tac Airport City of Music program, a cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, Seattle Music Commission, and PlayNetwork. The program enhances the experience of millions of travelers each year by combining overhead music from a diverse variety of Northwest artists, curated videos on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and a multi-channel web radio player available through the free Wi-Fi network. In addition to his announcements, you can also hear music from Quincy Jones on the airport playlist, which has grown to 400 songs from 150 Northwest artists.

Read the Port of Seattle's press release for more information.

January 23, 2013