Seattle feels different, the air is a little crisper, the sun sets earlier, and the leaves are changing color. As one of the Special Events Office’s permit specialists, I’m also transitioning from the high volume of exciting summer events to a steadier rhythm of fall festivities. While I’ll miss the… [ Keep reading ]
“I think what draws people to vintage is that [they] don’t want to wear what everybody else has,” said Rialto “Rio” Estolas, owner of Throwbacks NW and Throwbacks NW Stadium Collective. “Every piece tells a story.” That appreciation grew into Throwbacks NW, which has served Seattle for 19 years and… [ Keep reading ]
Our Business Community Ownership Fund has two brand-new, cold-shell commercial spaces in Rainier Valley available to match with a business owner. If you’re interested in the spaces below, please visit our website for more details on eligibility and reach out to our program staff at OED_BCOF@seattle.gov. Available commercial spaces (9/24/26):… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Wilson’s 2027-2028 Proposed Budget focuses on providing responsible fiscal management of public funds for the people of Seattle. The mayor’s first budget begins the important, necessary work of stabilizing Seattle’s budget so that we can continue to provide essential services to the people of this city in place of… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced new support measures directed to local neighborhood grocery stores. This new support includes the commission of a retail study specifically for grocery retailers, a program to support a cohort of local grocers with industry specific technical assistance, and dedicated funds for storefront security enhancements.
Seattle’s economy has long been defined by our resilience, ingenuity, and a spirit of shared progress. Over the past decade, we have enjoyed remarkable growth by expanding job opportunities across wage tiers, fostering groundbreaking innovation, and demonstrating that Seattle can compete and lead on a global stage. But this moment… [ Keep reading ]
Looking to start a new business, grow your existing one, or plan to close? We break down what you need to know and how to do it in our updated Small Business Handbook. The comprehensive guide brings together all the tools, programs, checklists, and free resources in one easy-to-navigate space. Our goal is to help small businesses get up and running… [ Keep reading ]
We are excited to share the 2026 Tenant Improvement Program awardees! Through this program we are investing nearly $1.3 million across 43 small businesses to help them stabilize and grow with new equipment and signage. Businesses include neighborhood favorites and community spaces that provide a variety of valued services across the city. We prioritize viable businesses at high risk of displacement, including BIPOC and women-owned… [ Keep reading ]
Christmas arrived a bit early in Seattle. A crew transformed one of the floors of the iconic Smith Tower in January and turned it into a set for the upcoming romantic comedy “Christmas Pop-Up.” The film, shot entirely in Seattle and permitted through our Film Program, follows an unlucky-in-love set decorator… [ Keep reading ]
I am a big believer that the only way you can make progress is in collaboration, by building meaningful connections. I was thrilled to be nominated to attend the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School last month, where I met with leaders from across the country so that… [ Keep reading ]
