Appointed by former Mayor Bruce Harrell, Markham McIntyre became the Director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development in 2022. Over four years, he and the department helped shape Seattle’s economy through pandemic recovery, with a focus on creating an economy that is better for everyone. McIntyre brought with him a perpetually positive attitude and a deeply-held belief that economic development is a team sport – engaging with countless small business owners, industry leaders, neighborhood partners, and organizations across the region that support Seattle’s economic growth.
Looking back on what he learned in his tenure as director, McIntyre shared, “The broadest and deepest impact happens with system change. It’s hard work that takes time but is worth it in the end. Going after sugar rush wins isn’t a sustainable strategy, and doesn’t create durable, positive impact.” Under his leadership, our office advanced proactive, strategic systems change with the goal of elevating outcomes for more people, more of the time.
“I am honored to have served as the director of the Office of Economic Development for the past four years. I am proud of the team of smart, talented, and dedicated people we assembled and the meaningful work we did to shape the future of Seattle’s economy,” said McIntyre. “We pioneered community wealth building programs to close the racial wealth gap, led the Downtown Activation Plan, opened AI and climate tech incubators, solved neighborhood business challenges, and so much more.”
McIntyre shared he is most proud of the work the department accomplished around closing the racial wealth gap, in alignment with the Future of Seattle Economy framework codified by resolution by City Council. Under his leadership, we launched or grew several programs to support this goal.
- Business Community Ownership Fund: A first-in-the-nation investment model that addresses the rising cost of commercial rent in Seattle, which often affects neighborhoods and businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people. The fund secures stable affordable rents for business owners, leading to ownership of retail property by the business.
- Small Business Capital Access Program: Provides financial assistance in the form of principal paydowns on eligible loans and other financing options. This program creates more opportunities for business owners, especially those that haven’t had equitable access to financial services.
- Seattle Restored: Projects that benefit Seattle neighborhoods by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes, through vacant storefront activations while encouraging the public to support local pop-up businesses – particularly businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups.
“OED is poised to develop the policies, programs, and partnerships that will make our economy more competitive, diverse, and resilient. I look forward to seeing what this office does next,” said McIntyre.
Alicia Teel is serving as interim director for our office until Beto Yarce begins as the Acting Director on March 4.