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News from the Office of Economic Development | Vol. 1 No. 31 | October 1, 2020
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Mayor Durkan Address City Priorities and Investment in Annual Budget Address
On Tuesday, Mayor Jenny Durkan delivered her annual budget address and transmitted her 2021 Proposed Budget to the City Council.
Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in our region, the Mayor delivered her annual budget address via pre-recorded video shared online and broadcast to the Seattle Channel. In it, the Mayor visits sites around Seattle that highlight the actions our City has taken to respond to COVID-19 and showcase our plan for the future, such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the SODO COVID-19 free testing site, and Mercy Housing Gardner House. The Mayor’s budget address shares her priorities and investments in the 2021 proposed budget amidst a $300 million revenue shortfall for 2021. The Mayor’s goal with the 2021 proposed budget was to preserve City programs that center and serve historically marginalized communities and retain core City services to the extent possible. You can view the Mayor’s 2021 Proposed Budget at: www.seattle.gov/budget.
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Business and Restaurant Requirements During COVID-19
Last month, the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) sought input on a public health measure that's been in effect since mid-July. The public health measure requires businesses follow state-mandated requirements, including the use of protective face coverings, social distancing and adhering to capacity limits.
Taking public feedback into account, FAS has issued a permanent Director's Rule reinforcing public health measures requiring businesses to follow state-mandated business requirement.
For more information on the business and restaurant requirements during COVID-19, click here.
In-language resources for businesses regarding the rule:
English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Arabic, Amharic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese
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Black Business Prosperity Grant
Are you a black-owned small business effected by the impacts of COVID-19?
Are you in need of direct cash assistance?
In an effort to support and uplift minority owned businesses within King County, Urban League Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) would like to introduce the Black Business Prosperity (BBP) Grant. Our goal is to provide direct cash assistance to black small business owners.
HOW IT WORKS
Four (4) minority business owners will be selected to each receive one (1) grant of $5,000.00 in direct cash assistance
Five (5) minority business owners will be selected to each receive one (1) grant of $1,000.00 in direct cash assistance
Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm PST on Monday, October 12th, 2020
Head to www.UrbanLeague.org to apply!
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CARES Act Non-Profit Relief Funding for Youth Organizations
The Washington Department of Commerce is partnering with School’s Out Washington to disperse $9.3 million in unrestricted funds to youth programs that have stretched to support young people that are most impacted by COVID-19 and furthest from educational justice. The deadline to apply is October 6. Payments will be issued in December, 2020. More information here.
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Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will offer competitive grants for Community Based Organizations to partner with schools during the 2020–21 school year. Funds can be used for opportunities that complement teaching and learning, wraparound services to support student and family needs, and to strengthen language and disability access. Applications are due October 16. More information here.
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The Rainier Valley business organizations, comprising of MLK in the Valley, Hello Othello, and HomeSight, produced a new video promoting small businesses in southeast Seattle.
During the pandemic, the business districts supported small businesses in gathering Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and public health posters for reopening operations. In addition, they assisted small businesses in applying for small business grants and accessing Paycheck Protection Program loans with assistance from OED. In April, the business districts launched Essential SE Seattle, a small business directory for the South End directory.
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Seattle’s Ark Lodge Cinemas launches GoFundMe campaign, hoping to tap into support shown for other local indie theaters
David McRae, owner of the Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City, launched an ambitious GoFundMe for his theater, with a goal of $750,000. His hope is that it will cover not only fixed expenses during the closure (rent, utilities, insurance, etc.) but significant renovations to the theater, to increase its accessibility, safety and amenities. These improvements are intended to help the Ark Lodge remain competitive with shiny suburban multiplexes, which have accustomed their patrons to offerings like beer/wine and high-end seating. Read more.
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Take the Census by October 5
Be counted today and for the next ten years. Undercounting in the census impacts our democracy and our ability to have a full voice in policy and decision-making. Be counted to be
represented.
Counting people through the census is how funding is distributed where it’s needed for the next ten years—for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation.
Different communities need different resources. The results of the census count show what
resources our community needs. Take the 2020 Census today to ensure that our community gets the resources we need!
Visit 2020Census.gov to complete the census or call 844-330-2020.
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Inner City Capital Connections is Seeking Applicants and Nominations
Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a tuition-free executive leadership training program designed by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) to help business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment. ICCC is uniquely designed to provide three critical elements for sustainable growth. For more information, click here.
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