Economic Opportunity & Jobs

Supporting Local Businesses in the Duwamish Valley

Local Business updates

The Office of Economic Development (OED) supported 3 local businesses in Georgetown and South Park with over $250,000 of financial investments. These organizations received support from the Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund grant, and the financial support will carry over into 2023. Georgetown Merchants Association received $100,00 to focus on recovery projects and positive neighborhood activity to repair damage from graffiti and vandalism, lease parking spaces from WSDOT, and provide shared outdoor seating and covered areas. Cultivate South Park received $100,000 to activate and beautify public spaces, promote El Mercadito, install holiday lighting and decorations, and produce several community events. Only In South Park received $125,000 to promote digital equity through presence on a district website, support websites for businesses and marketing consultation, publicize South Park as a destination, and implement a small business mini grant program. 

COVID-19 Emergency Recovery & Support for Small Businesses

The Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) worked with Vision 7 Advertising to provide technical support and COVID-19 recovery to small businesses in the South Park and Georgetown. As of December 2022, 17 businesses had received technical support and 50 businesses received a $500 Mini Grant to support them in their recovery efforts.

Next milestone:  In 2023, OSE plans to continue working with Vision 7 Advertising to support small businesses in the Duwamish Valley.

NEW: Climate Justice and Green Jobs

Green Jobs program

In December 2022, Mayor Harrell issued the One Seattle Transportation and Climate Justice Executive Order which directs City departments to collaborate on prioritizing and expanding actions that equitably reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the transportation sector. As part of this Order, OED, OSE, SCL, and other City departments will partner to develop clean energy workforce development strategies and investment recommendations for the Mayor’s Office. These proposed strategies will be delivered to the Mayor’s Office in the middle of 2023.