One year of progress Downtown 💜

One year ago, Mayor Harrell unveiled the Downtown Activation Plan. The goal: create a new vision for the heart of our city while making it a welcoming neighborhood for all. We’re proud to announce that 93% of the Plan’s 46 initiatives are completed or in progress. When Mayor Harrell announced the Plan alongside partners and community leaders in June 2023, he laid out seven interconnected, bold goals as the foundations for a new future for Downtown. From making Downtown safe and welcoming, to creating a unique retail experience, we’re seeing positive progress in achieving those goals. See the progress we’re making in revitalizing Downtown.

The Downtown Activation Plan in the news:

• A year into Downtown Activation Plan, reviving Seattle relies on more than return of office workers | GeekWire
• Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan is a ‘roaring success’ one year later, city leaders say | KING 5
• Seattle ticks through to-do list to revive downtown | KUOW
• Seattle City Officials Say Downtown Activation Plan Nearly Complete One Year Later | South Seattle Emerald

Mixing tech and creativity 🎶

The latest Black Tech Night focused on how technology can fuel creativity. Legendary Seattle rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot joined Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha Garrison for a fireside chat, sharing stories about his early days in Seattle.

Discussion topics ranged from the future of AI to how seeing the German electronic band Kraftwerk inspired the Grammy-winner to get into tech. He says that ultimately lead to him getting into music.

Learn about Sir Mix-a-Lot's tech journey and the next Black Tech Night.

City opportunities and resources

Capital Access Program open

Our Small Business Capital Access Program helps minority-owned businesses thrive. The program prioritizes access to affordable capital, including loans and business financing, to create a more equitable business landscape. In collaboration with community lenders, this program lowers the cost of borrowing by paying down 20% of the principal for qualifying loans. Businesses do not need to apply, eligibility is determined by your lender upon loan approval. Learn the Capital Access Program eligibility requirements.

Enjoy Good Drinks, win prizes 🥂 ✈

There’s still time to enjoy a good drink and be entered for a pair of round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines! Good Drinks is the ultimate digital passport for discovering your new favorite cocktail, mocktail, or locally produced wine and beer. There are more than 20 participating bars and restaurants Downtown. Get your passport, check in, enjoy your drink, and earn points for prizes. Check in to at least one participating venue by Saturday, August 31 to be entered in the drawing for the tickets. Get your digital passport.

Special events permit workshop 📝

Are you interested in learning about the permitting process for special events? Our Special Events Program is hosting two educational workshops on September 10 and 11.

Participants will learn about planning, permitting, and hosting an event in Seattle. You’ll also have a chance to help inform how we can prioritize equity in permit fees.

Workshop participation criteria:

• No prior experience navigating the City of Seattle’s Special Events permitting process.
• Identifies with and/or serves events with underrepresented communities (Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and/or communities with disabilities).
• Able to share perspective on the potential impact of permit fees, working with the Special Events team, and engaging with other City departments that intersect with the events process.
• Can attend ONE of two virtual workshops:
  • Tuesday, September 10, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sign up by sending your contact information to alma@almavillegasconsulting.com.