On February 3, 2011, the Downtown Seattle Association held their annual State of Downtown Economic Forum. Nearly 900 of Seattle’s community and business leaders gathered to take a critical look at 2010 while addressing what the Downtown community needs to do to foster Seattle’s success and establish itself as an economic leader.

In her State of the Downtown address, DSA President Kate Joncas highlighted the city’s successes in 2010 — including continued strong convention business, stunning success and support for Seattle’s sport teams and a thriving arts community, highlighted at year’s end by record breaking attendance at the Picasso exhibit.

Forum attendees also received a copy of the DSA’s 2011 State of Downtown Economic Report including statistics and comparative year-over-year analysis on Downtown’s economic drivers for 2010. The 20-page report — which spotlights the importance of Downtown’s economic health — is organized into four sections that represent key indicators of a healthy, vibrant urban core: living, working, shopping and playing Downtown. 

Additionally, a variety of downtown business and community leaders were asked to share their thoughts on the how downtown Seattle can build on its culture of innovation, attract young knowledge workers and establish itself as a global leader. You can check out how they responded here.

DSA’s 2011 State of Downtown Economic Forum was produced in cooperation with the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, who partners with DSA to for business retention and attraction work in Downtown.