Small Business Grants to Focus on Restaurants and Bars; Worker Grants to Focus on Hospitality Industry 

Seattle (December 14, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, City Council President M. Lorena González, and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda today celebrated the City Council’s unanimous vote to provide a new $5 million relief package to support small businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to recent statewide restrictions needed to slow the surge of COVID-19, the $5 million will be directed toward small businesses and workers in the hospitality industry. $2.5 million will go to restaurants and bars, and $2.5 million will go to hospitality workers. Recent data indicates that over 600 restaurants and bars have permanently shut down in Seattle since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“In response to skyrocketing cases in our region and state, Governor Inslee rightly implemented statewide restrictions to curb indoor gathering and slow the spread of COVID-19. But there’s no denying these restrictions have impacted our small businesses and workers, who have been reeling from the pandemic for almost a year now,” said Mayor Durkan. “These emergency grants are intended to provide a lifeline to small businesses and workers most recently impacted. While these grants are a necessary aid, ultimately, real relief must come from the federal government. Congress must act immediately to finally pass an overdue COVID-19 relief package. Every day they fail to act, more small businesses close their doors for good, and more workers lose their jobs.”

“The City of Seattle is taking swift action to address the ongoing needs of small businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 economy and related restrictions. An additional $2.5 million to small restaurants and bars will support the ability of our main street businesses to keep their doors open and workers employed. Another $2.5 million in direct cash assistance to hospitality industry workers means thousands of families can remain housed and fed. The hospitality, restaurant and bar industry has been hardest hit by the COVID economy. These year-end investments will provide much needed relief ahead of a tough winter,” said Seattle City Council President M. Lorena González (Position 9, Citywide).

“As we near the end of 2020 and see hope on the horizon with a vaccine roll out, we must remember this crisis and its economic impacts are far from over. This additional $5 million effort is another step in keeping our small businesses open and workers stabilized, and is an investment in a faster economic recovery. We need Congress to act with urgency this week to expand COVID relief, extend unemployment insurance enhancements and prevent evictions. In the meantime, the City of Seattle again is stepping up to support hospitality industry workers and our small businesses, but much more is needed,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide).

The $2.5 million in new grants for small businesses will target restaurants and bars that have been financially impacted by COVID-19. The City will not open applications for small business grants; instead, it will identify eligible grantees from the current pool of Small Business Stabilization Fund (SBSF) applicants. The most recent round of SBSF grants closed on November 30, and an initial analysis by the City’s Office of Economic Development shows that approximately 1,100 restaurant or bar owners applied for grants. All eligible applicants will receive grants to support continuing operations including outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Restaurants and bars who receive grants through this new relief package will remain eligible for an SBSF grant as well.

An additional $2.5 million in grants will go to cash assistance to hospitality industry workers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for a grant, workers would need to demonstrate that they have been financially impacted by the pandemic, whether that’s through a layoff or reduction in hours. The City’s Human Services Department will contract with a third-party agency to conduct the application process and distribute the grants. The City intends to provide these grants in early 2021.

To date, the City has invested $8.6 million in small businesses through its emergency Small Business Stabilization Fund. Applications for the most recent round of funding closed on November 30. The City also has a number of relief programs for working people, including emergency grocery vouchers, rental assistance, and support for immigrants and refugees. The City’s Disaster Relief Fund for immigrants recently distributed $7.94 million to 3,730 applicants.

Residents and businesses can find a list of existing COVID-19 relief resources and policies on this website.

The Seattle Fire Department and Police Department have responded to seven intentionally set fires in the Central District vicinity beginning on Dec. 4. Most of the fires have been set to vehicles or debris. The Seattle Fire Department’s fire investigators continue to work closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to share information regarding the ongoing investigations.

In light of these recent fires, SFD and SPD ask the public to immediately call 911 if you see someone setting an illegal fire, and to take steps to reduce the chance of a fire occurring at your home or business.

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES/BUILDINGS

OUTSIDE

• Secure business and garage areas by locking doors and windows
• Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter or anything that can burn
  from around buildings
• Do not allow dumpsters to become overfilled. Locate dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles
• Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area.
• Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility
• Install motion-sensor exterior lights

Additional tips for construction sites:

• Secure security fencing at construction sites
• Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the job site when you are not using them
• Remove trash and debris from the job site
• Try not to store excess materials on the job site
• Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working on the property

INSIDE

• Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes
• Develop and practice a fire response plan
• Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts

General information on new fires that occur in the Central District and neighboring areas will be posted to The Seattle Fire Department blog on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Further details regarding recent fires are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. Note: fires that occur the same day as an update may not be included immediately, as final reports by fire investigators are typically released the following day.

• Dec. 4: 150 Blk. of 12th Ave. – vehicle fire
• Dec. 6: 150 Blk. of 12th Ave. – vehicle fire
• Dec. 6: 900 Blk. of Hiawatha Pl. S. – motorcycle fire
• Dec. 8: 1400 Blk. of S. Jackson St. – storage shed fire
• Dec. 8: 16th Ave. S. and S. Main St. – motorcycle cover fire
• Dec. 8: 19th Ave. S. and S. Jackson St.: debris fire
• Dec. 8: 1100 Blk. of 21st Ave. S.: two debris fires next to building under construction

Applications available for up to $20,000 in emergency funding.

👇Español (Spanish), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese), 한국인 (Korean), 简体中文👇
👇(Chinese), and ไทย (Thai) 👇

Gov. Jay Inslee announced an additional $70 million for business grants. $50 million of this is for Washington State Department of Commerce’s Round 3 of the Working Washington Small Business grants. The remainder will go towards funding qualified businesses that applied in earlier rounds of the resiliency grant program.

Small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019, businesses in sectors most impacted by recent public health measures, and sectors that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and music and event venues.

Priority will be given to applications received by December 11.

The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering technical support to small businesses who are applying. For assistance, email oed@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090. In-language assistance available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Amharic, and Somali. 

Commerce has also partnered with community organizations to provide culturally and linguistically relevant assistance. Click here for a list of partnering organizations. 

For more information and to apply, click here.

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OED’s Only in Seattle Team hosted a webinar with neighborhood business district partners to support small businesses who applying for the Working Washington Small Business Grant.

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Ronda 3: Subvenciones para pequeñas empresas en funcionamiento en Washington

Las solicitudes de hasta $ 20,000 en fondos de emergencia se abren a principios de esta semana

El gobernador Jay Inslee anunció $ 70 millones adicionales para subvenciones comerciales. $ 50 millones de esto son para la Ronda 3 de las subvenciones Working Washington Small Business. El resto se destinará a nanciar empresas calicadas que solicitaron en rondas anteriores de nuestro programa de subvenciones de resiliencia.

Pequeñas empresas con ingresos anuales de $ 5 millones o menos en 2019 Y empresas de los sectores que se ven más afectados por las recientes medidas de salud pública o sectores que han experimentado impactos acumulativos signicativos. Los ejemplos incluyen restaurantes de servicio completo, gimnasios, boleras y lugares para eventos y música.

Se dará prioridad a las solicitudes recibidas antes del 11 de diciembre de 2020.

Si necesita ayuda para llenar la solicitud o si tiene preguntas, envíe un mensaje por correo electrónico a oed@seattle.gov llame a la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico al (206) 684-8090. 

Para obtener más información y postularse, haga clic aquí.

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Vòng 3: Làm việc với Washington Small Business Grants

Các đơn xin tài trợ khẩn cấp lên đến 20.000 đô la sẽ mở vào đầu tuần này

Thống đốc Jay Inslee đã công bố thêm 70 triệu đô la cho các khoản tài trợ kinh doanh. 50 triệu đô la trong số này dành cho Vòng 3 của các khoản tài trợ dành cho Doanh nghiệp Nhỏ của Washington. Phần còn lại sẽ tài trợ cho các doanh nghiệp đủ điều kiện đã đăng ký trong các vòng trước của chương trình tài trợ khả năng phục hồi của chúng tôi.

Các doanh nghiệp nhỏ có doanh thu hàng năm từ 5 triệu đô la trở xuống trong năm 2019 VÀ các doanh nghiệp trong các lĩnh vực bị ảnh hưởng nhiều nhất bởi các biện pháp y tế công cộng gần đây hoặc các lĩnh vực đã chịu tác động tích lũy, đáng kể. Ví dụ bao gồm các nhà hàng đủ dịch vụ, trung tâm thể dục, sân chơi bowling và các địa điểm tổ chức sự kiện và âm nhạc.

Ưu tiên sẽ được ưu tiên cho các ứng dụng nhận được trước ngày 11 tháng 12 năm 2020.

Nếu quý vị cần hỗ trợ hoặc có thắc mắc, hãy liên lạc với Văn Phòng Phát Triển Kinh Tế theo số 206-684-8090 hoặc gửi email đến oed@seattle.gov.  Để biết thêm thông tin và đăng ký, bấm vào đây

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라운드 3 : 워싱톤 소기업 보조금

최대 $ 20,000의 비상 자금 지원이 이번 주 초에 열립니다

Jay Inslee 주지사는 사업 보조금으로 7 천만 달러를 추가로 발표했습니다. 이 중 5 천만 달 러는 워킹 워싱턴 소기업 보조금의 3 라운드입니다. 나머지는 복원력 보조금 프로그램의 이전 라운드에 적용한 적격 기업에 자금을 지원하는 데 사용됩니다.

2019 년 연간 매출이 500 만 달러 이하인 중소기업 및 최근 공중 보건 조치의 영향을 가장 많이받은 부문 또는 상당한 누적 영향을 경험 한 부 문의 기업. 예를 들어 풀 서비스 레스토랑, 피트니스 센터, 볼링장, 음악 및 이벤트 장소가 있습니다.

2020 년 12 월 11 일까지 접수 된 지원서가 우선권이 주어집니다.

에서 확인할 수 있습니다. 도움이 필요하거나 질문 사항이 있으시면 206-684-8090 또는 oed@seattle.gov 로 Seattle Office of Economic Development 에 문의하시기 바랍니다. 

자세한 정보 및 신청을 원하시면 여기를 클릭하십시오.

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第三轮：华盛顿小企业资助计划

高达20,000美元的紧急资金申请将于本周初开放

州长杰伊·因斯利（Jay Inslee）宣布再增加7,000万美元的商业赠款。其中的5,000万美元 用于“华盛顿小企业”赠款的第3轮。其余的将用于资助在早期回弹性补助计划中申请的合格 企业。

小企业年收入$ 500万或2019少 和 企业在最近期经历过显著，累积影响的公共卫生措施或部门影响的部门。例如，提供全 方位服务的餐厅，健身中心，保龄球馆以及音乐和活动场所。

优先权将优先于2020年12月11日之前收到的申请。

如需要帮助，请致电 206-684-8090 或发电子邮件 oed@seattle.gov 与 Seattle Office of Economic development 联系。

 有關更多信息併申請，請單擊此處。

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รอบที่ 3: การทำงานใน Washington Small Business Grants

แอปพลิเคชันสำหรับเงินทุนฉุกเฉินสูงถึง 20,000 ดอลลาร์จะเปิดให้บริการในช่วงต้นสัปดาห์นี้

Gov. Jay Inslee ประกาศเพิ่มอีก 70 ล้านดอลลาร์สำหรับเงินช่วยเหลือทางธุรกิจ 50 ล้านดอลลาร์สำหรับเงินช่วยเหลือสำหรับ Working Washington Small Business รอบที่ 3 ส่วนที่เหลือจะนำไปสู่การระดมทุนให้กับธุรกิจที่มีคุณสมบัติเหมาะสมซึ่งสมัครในรอบก่อนหน้าของโครงการให้ความช่วยเหลือด้านความยืดหยุ่นของเรา

ธุรกิจขนาดเล็กที่มีรายได้ต่อปี 5 ล้านดอลลาร์หรือน้อยกว่าในปี 2562 และธุรกิจในภาคส่วน ที่ได้รับผลกระทบมากที่สุดจากมาตรการด้านสาธารณสุขหรือภาคส่วนล่าสุดที่ประสบผลกระ ทบสะสมอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ตัวอย่างเช่นร้านอาหารที่ให้บริการเต็มรูปแบบศูนย์ออกกำลังกาย ลานโบว์ลิ่งและสถานที่แสดงดนตรีและกิจกรรมต่างๆ

ลำดับความสำคัญจะมอบให้กับใบสมัครที่ได้รับภายในวันที่ 11 ธันวาคม 2020

หากคุณต้องการความช่วยเหลือหรือมีคำถามติดต่อ Seattle Office of Economic Development ที่ 206-684-8090 หรือ oed@seattle.govสำหรับข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและสมัครคลิกที่นี่

On November 15, Governor Jay Inslee issued new statewide restrictions on social gatherings and businesses in response to the surge of COVID-19 across Washington state. Seattle was the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in America. Unlike the other Washington, every step of the way our local officials, residents, and businesses have understood how dangerous and deadly COVID-19 is to our communities. Following the advice of experts, scientists, and public health officials, our collective actions have led to lowest cases and hospitalizations in the nation of every major American city. We must continue to listen to doctors, healthcare workers, and public health officials who are warning about rising cases and hospitalizations.

While Seattle has one of the lowest rates of cases of any major city, we are not immune to the virus surging in the nation, state, and region. Seattle’s cases and hospitalizations are skyrocketing.

During the first two weeks of November, Seattle had 1,550 residents diagnosed with the virus, which is nearly 20% of our total cases since March 2020.

The Seattle case count per 100,000 residents is more than five times higher than what it was at the end of the summer, rising from 40.8 cases per 100,000 residents to over 232 cases per 100,000 residents. Cases severe enough to require hospitalizations are four times higher than at the end of the summer, increasing from 1.3 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents to 6.1. The number of residents from Seattle currently in the hospital with COVID-19 has increased quickly over the past week and is the highest since April 2020. The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks.

Members of the public can track the current level of COVID-19 in Seattle and King County on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s data dashboard. The dashboard is updated daily.

Governor Inslee and public health officials are rightfully raising alarm bells for surging cases and hospitalizations. Because of the latest hospitalizations and cases, Governor Inslee has imposed new statewide restrictions that will last until at least December 14, 2020. Please visit the state’s website for a full list of restrictions.

We know that people are hurting right now. This pandemic has led to worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the City of Seattle has worked quickly to launch COVID-19 relief programs including rent relief, expanding shelter for people experiencing homelessness, grocery vouchers for working families, direct cash assistance for immigrants and refugees, and financial assistance to small businesses. Residents and businesses can find a list of existing COVID-19 relief resources and policies on this website. Seattle will work with the state on the new $50 million fund for small businesses and workers.

As we head into the holiday season, our instinct is to come together and celebrate with our loved ones. But the reality is that out of public health necessity, this year’s holiday celebrations will look and feel different. It will be difficult, but we are at a crucial point in the pandemic when our actions will shape our ability to return to normal life in the months to come. Everyone who lives and works in Seattle must mask up, avoid gatherings especially all indoor social gatherings, and follow all public health guidance. It’s up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our friends, families, colleagues, and community.

Office of Economic Development to Provide In-Language Assistance and Host Informational Webinars to Help Small Business Owners and Economic Opportunity Non-Profits Apply

Seattle (November 9, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced that the City will now accept applications for $4 million in new Small Business Stabilization Fund grants provided by the Office of Economic Development (OED). Launching the expanded Small Business Stabilization Fund was one of Mayor Durkan’s first COVID-19 relief actions, and to date, OED has provided 469 small businesses with $10,000 grants through this fund. The Small Business Stabilization Fund application will accept applications from Monday, November 9 until Monday November 30, 2020.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Seattle; they provide people with good-paying jobs and contribute to the cultural and civic life of our City,” said Mayor Durkan. “The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn have impacted so many small businesses, and too many neighborhood favorites have had to close their doors for good. The Small Business Stabilization Fund is a critical way for the City to invest directly in small business owners during this unprecedented time. I’m deeply grateful to the team at OED who works tirelessly to get these funds out the door and into business owners’ hands. Ultimately, we need the federal government to pass another COVID-19 relief package to provide much needed assistance for our small business, workers, and cities.”

“When OED received more than 9,000 applications in March when the Stabilization Fund was launched, we knew our COVID relief package, funded through JumpStart Seattle, must include more support for small business. By expanding this vital program, we’re ensuring our small businesses not only survive this pandemic – keeping their doors open, jobs intact, and health insurance for their employees accessible – but Seattle’s economy remains resilient in the long term,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide).

The newest round of the Small Business Stabilization Fund is funded by the joint COVID-19 relief bill that the Mayor and City Council passed in August. In the joint legislation, the Mayor and City Council allocated $5.5 million for Small Business Stabilization Fund grants and committed to spend $2.5 million in 2020, and another $3 million in 2021. After accounting for administrative costs, OED will be able to provide small businesses and economic opportunity non-profits $2.37 million for grants in 2020 and roughly $1.6 million for grants in 2021. Additionally, the City is committing $1.25 million in 2021 to work with community-based organizations to help improve our prioritization of grants to the most vulnerable and traditionally underserved businesses.

To be eligible for a grant, a small business or non-profit must have 25 or fewer employees, be located within Seattle city limits, and have an annual net revenue at or below $2 million. Non-profits must explicitly provide economic opportunity supports through education programs and/or job training. In an attempt to prioritize funding to businesses that are more likely to have experienced the greatest economic impacts, OED will ensure that at least two-thirds of grant recipients will be selected from applications from businesses with five or fewer employees and from areas that are identified as high risk of displacement or highly disadvantaged. Those areas are determined by several socioeconomic factors to identify areas of the city that have been historically underserved and more likely to be disproportionally impacted by economic shocks. This fund also aims to better support creative industry small businesses and workers and will specifically allocate 10 percent of all grants—or 24 grants—to creative industry small businesses. All businesses and non-profit organizations that receive a grant must commit to not reducing wages and benefits provided prior to the COVID-19 emergency. For more information on all eligibility requirements, visit OED’s website.

“Ventures focuses our resources and expertise on historically underserved business owners, in particular, low income, people of color, and immigrants and refugees. The small business owners we serve have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis and are struggling to stay afloat. The City’s Small Business Stabilization Fund provides business owners a lifeline to keep their doors open. We’re grateful for the support and will make sure all our clients are aware of this important resource,” said Beto Yarce, Executive Director of Ventures Nonprofit.

To assist small business owners in preparing the information necessary to apply for a grant, OED will host two webinars during the application period. The webinars will take place:

1. Thursday, November 12, 12-1 p.m.
2. Wednesday, November 18, 12-1 p.m.

Interested community members can register for an SBSF information session here. In addition, OED staff are available to provide in-language assistance to small business owners. To request in-language assistance, a business owner can email oed@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090 and leave a voice mail with the following information: 

1. Your name 
2. Phone number 
3. The language you need in English  
4. What support you need 

“COVID-19 and its economic impacts have lasted longer than many of us originally anticipated. Our small businesses have been resilient, innovative, and flexible as they have navigated the initial shut down, phased re-opening, and changing consumer habits,” said OED Director Bobby Lee. “Our small businesses have been extraordinarily courageous, but they still need support, especially our BIPOC, immigrant and refugee and micro-businesses—many of whom were already facing hardships before COVID-19. This grant can help our small businesses meet payroll, pay rent, or prepare in creative ways to stay open during the fall and winter months.”

To date, OED has provided 469 small businesses impacted by COVID-19 with $10,000 grants. For more information on the grants provided so far, visit OED’s interactive dashboard.

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Seattle (November 2, 2020) – For the last month, the Seattle Mayor’s Office has been closely coordinating with the Governor, County Executive, and City departments for a safe and secure Election Day. The City’s goal is to protect residents’ sacred right to vote and ensure their vote is counted. As of the afternoon morning of November 2, the Seattle Police Department and partner law enforcement agencies do not have any intelligence to indicate that there are any specific threats for Election Day or the days following. In addition, the City’s partners at King County Elections have not reported any concerns or known security threats or issues at any ballot drop boxes. As such, the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, and other law enforcement agencies have been planning for contingency purposes only in order to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios.

“Voting is one of our greatest rights and duties as Americans, and Election Day is an opportunity for us to shape the future of our communities. We’re in the midst of a global public health crisis and an election cycle that has perpetuated fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for so many of us, both here in Seattle and across our country. Today and every day, it’s important to remember that Seattle and King County have a long history of leading the country in safe and secure elections. We will ensure every vote will be counted in the coming days, and we are prepared,” said Mayor Durkan. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic with surging cases in King County, which why we launched Rock to Block to encourage individuals to stay in their neighborhoods for a safe Election Night. And finally, if you haven’t already, please vote!”

To date, nearly 80 percent of Seattle residents have voted. Residents can return their ballot to a ballot drop box (no stamp required) and must do so by 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. Read more about returning your ballot. 

The City asks residents to please sign up for Alert Seattle, which is an important way to get emergency alerts and notifications from the City. 

Below please find an update on City departments’ preparations for Election Day and potentially the days following:

Department of Neighborhoods: The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) has been reaching out to community and neighborhood groups to ensure they have the information and resources they need to have a successful and safe Election Day. DON will be on standby to assist with any response and communication as needs arise throughout the week.

Finance and Administrative Services: The Department of Finance and Administrative Services has proactively ensured vendors and staff will be on standby over the coming days in case they are needed to board up windows, repair or replace broken windows and remove graffiti on City-owned properties.

Office of Economic Development: The Office of Economic Development (OED) has reached out to small business owners to provide proactive information on how to prepare and secure their employees and customers as well as their property to mitigate the impact of broken windows and graffiti, should that occur. OED, in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), is also reminding property owners to be mindful of their dumpsters and carts should demonstrations occur, as those need to be put away to mitigate the impact of arson.

Office of Emergency Management: The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been coordinating with City departments, regional emergency management agencies, and Washington state to ensure Election Day – and potentially the days and weeks following – proceeds as smoothly as possible. At this time, OEM and City departments will be on standby should the need arise and are prepared for real-time coordination of any response with internal and external partners throughout the week of the election and beyond if needed.

Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs: OIRA would like to remind our immigrant and refugee friends and neighbors to re-familiarize yourselves with your constitutionally guaranteed rights. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has translated Know Your Rights information here. Lastly, OIRA reminds all Seattle area immigrants that the application period for the Seattle COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants ends on Thursday, November 5, 11:59 p.m.

Seattle Department of Transportation: SDOT recently announced “Rock the Block” Stay Healthy Blocks“Rock the Block” Stay Healthy Blocks to give people the opportunity to open up their street to people walking and rolling on Election Day to get outside and be with neighbors while maintaining a safe social distance after they vote. Rock the Block is for Tuesday, November 3, 2020 only and requires an online registration. If residents would like to extend their block closure, they can request a free permit that allows for additional dates up to November 30, 2020. In addition, SDOT’s Department Operations Center and Incident Management Team will be activated Election Day, to respond to mobility impacts and any hazards in the right of way. The Incident Management Team provides an enhanced level of readiness and response for the department and is prepared to stay activated if conditions warrant.

Seattle Fire Department: Businesses that have taken preparations by boarding up their storefront windows are asked to ensure that addresses and standpipe connections (for fire hoses) are visible so first responders can quickly respond to the location should an emergency occur. SFD has upstaffed resources for Election Day to ensure firefighters and paramedics are ready to respond to fire, medical and rescue emergencies across the City once a scene is deemed secure.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Department: Seattle Parks and Recreation has special attention to its child care and teen hub sites, and will provide support to youth on this important day. Crews will ensure that parks that historically have seen protests will be free of objects that could be thrown or vandalized. Seattle Parks and Recreation shower sites will be closing at 5:30 p.m. to allow staff and community to get home.

Seattle Police Department: The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has restricted time off for Election Day and the week following the election. In addition, department personnel have received additional demonstration management training leading up to Election Day. Should demonstrations occur, the SPD is prepared to staff them appropriately as the need arises.

City Will Provide Free Tent and Heating Permits to Help Businesses Maintain Outdoor Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic

SEATTLE (October 21, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) temporary street use permits are extended through October 31, 2021. These free permits allow small businesses to expand their operations outside to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining in compliance with local and statewide public health guidance and requirements. This extension impacts free sidewalk café and curb space permits as well as free street closure permits. In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead.

“The COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic devastation has caused so many of our small businesses to face the potential of closing their doors forever,” said Mayor Durkan. “For many of our small businesses, the ability to operate outside – even at a limited capacity – provides a much-needed lifeline during these challenging times. At the City, we’re committed to helping our small businesses safely and feasibly reopen and sustain operations even as it gets rainy and cold. That’s why we’re extending our free street use permits for over a year, and reducing barriers to access so small businesses can stay open outside in a way that’s safe and comfortable for their customers.”

“This is an important step – we need to continue using our rights-of-way to promote and sustain economic activity amidst this pandemic. Businesses need predictability to weather the winter using Street Cafés, and these permits provide that ability. I thank the Mayor’s team for creating these new guidelines quickly. Café Streets should be a permanent feature in Seattle. Today’s extension is another step in that direction – to test what works and what doesn’t work for businesses, neighborhoods, and people over the next year,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6, Northwest Seattle). “Even before COVID-19 I wanted to see places like Ballard Avenue and streets throughout Seattle pedestrianized so that we can utilize and enjoy the public space we already have in our neighborhoods. Café Streets and Street Cafés have important economic value in our neighborhoods and city. We will get through this pandemic together and Café Streets are one way we thrive during this time.”

To date, SDOT has issued 151 free street use permits, including 11 blocks that have been opened for small businesses in neighborhoods across Seattle.

The free sidewalk café and curb space permits allow restaurants, retail stores, vending trucks and carts to operate in the sidewalk or curb space while the free street closure permits allow businesses to operate in one or more blocks in front of their business. As part of the permitting process for a street closure, applicants need to notify and demonstrate support from neighboring businesses and residents of proposed open streets for businesses. While typical permit costs are waived, applicants are responsible for any expenses related to the street closure proposal – such as barricades, temporary no parking signs, and tables and chairs. Applicants will be required to adhere to all relevant state and local public health guidance. For more information, including how to schedule an applicant coaching session, please visit SDOT’s website or e-mail publicspace@seattle.gov.

“Extending street permits for dining until next fall will help us by accommodating more diners through the winter months and into next spring and summer. The Mayor has continued to listen to small business owners and implement much needed changes to help Seattle restaurants keep employees and customers safe, and financially survive the pandemic,” said Linda Morton, President, Seattle Restaurant Alliance.

“The street eatery permits have been a huge help in staying afloat for us and fellow restauranteurs,” said Charlie Anthe & Rumi Ohnui, owners of Moshi Moshi in Ballard. “Even with colder weather arriving, knowing that these permits will be available to us without interruption relieves a lot of anxiety about planning, and gives us the ability to adapt to customer seating preferences through the next year.”

“This is great news, now we can really put our energy and resources into making our outside dining space a true extension of our interior dining room. I am so excited to be able to treat our guests to the safety and peace of mind that comes with dining in the open air while enjoying the classic mamnoon experience,” said Jen Kligerman, General Manager, mamnoon on Capitol Hill.

“Being able to dine at an outdoor café or browse merchandise displays on the sidewalk is great for residents and businesses alike“ said Marci Carpenter of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington. “These programs can only be successful, however, if businesses provide a safe, straightforward pathway for all pedestrians to continue to access sidewalks.“

In addition, the Seattle Fire Department will immediately begin issuing free, 90-day tent permits to help small businesses continue their operations outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. All free tent permits must align with SFD regulations, including complying with the fire code.

In addition, SFD will also issue free heating permits to businesses operating outdoors due to COVID-19, effective immediately and continuing through October 31, 2021. Permittees who already paid for a heating permit since July 1, 2020 will be refunded. Outdoor dining equipment can now remain outside 24/7, however the City recommends that a business owner bring their equipment inside during a severe weather event (propane must remain outside).

Refunds may take up to six-eight weeks to be issued by the City. Interested applicants can review this flyer and contact permits@seattle.gov for more information or questions about a refund.

SDOT has also created winter weather guidelines for all equipment a small business owner may need to operate outside during the coming months. Business owners can review this flyer with more information.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve reimagined how to use the public right-of-way to create opportunities and tools to support our City’s small businesses,” said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Sam Zimbabwe. “We got an overwhelmingly positive response from both residents and businesses for our temporary street café and retail permit options. By extending the duration of the permits and publishing winter weather guidance for permit holders, we’re providing certainty for our small businesses so they can rely on these tools year round.” 

The City continues to develop creative new policies to help small business owners operate outside in a way that’s comfortable, safe, and healthy for their customers. The City will have more information on new initiatives in the coming weeks.