Mayor Durkan’s New Executive Order to Align City of Seattle with Governor’s Extended ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ Order

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued an Executive Order to align the City of Seattle’s policies on facility closures and permit suspensions with Governor Inslee’s statewide ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order, which is extended until at least May 4, 2020.

The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies to align with Governor Inslee’s order:

• Closure of City facilities including public-facing counters, Seattle Public Library locations, and community centers and Seattle beaches;
• Suspension of City-permitted events, with the exception of farmers markets which will continue to be evaluated for a potential re-opening;
• Suspension of enforcement of paid parking requirements on City streets and enforcement of select hourly time limits outside no-parking or special zones; and
• Continuing the Utility Discount Program’s self-certification pilot program.

The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies until May 4:

• Suspension of enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule, and suspension of booting and towing vehicles with unpaid parking tickets;
• Creation of temporary restaurant loading zones, and temporary parking zones for hospital and human services staff; and
• Flexible payment plans and shutoff policies for City utilities.

Policies including deferred B&O payments, rent relief for tenants of City facilities, and the moratoriums on residential, nonprofit, and small business evictions follow timelines that extend beyond May 4. For more information, read the Mayor’s press release.

Office of Economic Development Offering Technical Assistance for SBA Disaster Loans

OED provides technical assistance to businesses applying for SBA loans and understanding the federal Coronavirus Aids, Relief & Security (CARES) Act. This includes helping businesses navigate the application process and documentation. OED also offers free accounting and finance consulting services for eligible applicants who need assistance putting together the financial documents required for the application.

Businesses interested in these free services should please contact OED@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090.

Looking for additional resources on SBA loans, Payment Protection Program (PPP), or the latest update, check out OED's Bottom Line Blog,

Bottom Line Blog

Join the April 15 OED Small Business Weekly COVID-19 Resource Webinar 

The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development are holding weekly calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions.The next webinar is Wednesday, April 15, from 11:00am- 12:00pm.  

Webinar Registration

Complete the Impact Surveys for Film Businesses, Workers, and Employees

Individual cast and crew members can take this COVID-19’s Impact on Washington Film Workers Survey.  State-wide production companies or companies who service the film industry can take this COVID-19’s Impact on Washington Film Companies Survey. The information that you provide will give us powerful tools to help advocate on behalf of the film industry now and in the future. 

COVID-19 Impact on Washington Film Workers Survey

COVID-19 Impact on Washington Film Companies Survey

Unemployment Insurance for Gig Workers 

On March 27, Congress passed the  CARES Act, expanding unemployment benefits to gig workers. Whipsmart has shared this process for creative industry crew and employees:

Unemployment Insurance for Gig Workers

Washington State’s Whipsmart Resource List

Whipsmart, a new creative economy-focused nonprofit that gives creative professionals the tools they need to succeed, has assembled a resource list that provides a comprehensive list of resources for creatives that will be updated in real time by a dedicated staff member to ensure that the information is timely and relevant. 

Whipsmart Resource List

ArtZone Phones It In

"Art Zone with Nancy Guppy" has temporarily morphed into "Art Zone Phones It In," a low-tech scrappy version filmed in the social distancing comfort of Nancy's condo.

The first installment of "Art Zone Phones It In" features the talented and generous-hearted Chris Ballew singing "Roly Poly Buggy Ball," an interview with Seattle's Office of Arts & Culture Director Randy Engstrom on the important role art will play in the revitalization of Seattle, and suggestions on how to support artists and engage with art -- at a distance.

📺 Watch Art Zone Phones It In