Legacy Business Study

In September of 2016, OED released the Mayor's Commercial Affordability Advisory Committee Recommendations Report.  The Committee created a list of recommendations intended to support small businesses in a climate of rapidly changing market forces.   

The report included a recognition that legacy businesses make important economic and cultural contributions, and recommended further study around support systems and policies for such businesses.  Consequently, at the initiative of Councilmember Herbold, City Council included funding for a study to better understand issues around legacy businesses and consider recommendations to support legacy businesses.  

Conducted in 2017, the Legacy Business study utilized focus groups, one-on-one-interviews, case studies and best practice data gathered from other municipalities to address and answer these questions.  It defined legacy businesses as "a type of small business that supports community identity and stability through its long tenure." 

For details and supporting data, please read the committee's report:

Economic Development

Markham McIntyre, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8090
Phone Alt: (206) 684-0379
Fax: (206) 684-0379
oed@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Economic Development (OED) is to help create healthy businesses, thriving neighborhoods, and community organizations to contribute to a robust economy that will benefit all Seattle residents and future generations.