Introducing Seattle’s new hub for AI innovation and collaboration

Seattle is the best place in the country to collaborate on AI! Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the opening of AI House, the nation’s first “AI Town Hall,” located at Pier 70 on the Waterfront. AI House will bring together top talent, thought leaders, and AI innovators to shape the future of AI technology and research – right here in Seattle.

This exciting project is a public-private partnership between our office, the Washington Department of Commerce, AI2 Incubator, and Ada Developers Academy. AI House offers co-working spaces, event venues, and a community designed to support AI-focused startups. By connecting with local businesses, it aims to drive real-world AI innovation while reinforcing Seattle’s position as a global leader in AI innovation and economic growth.

Learn more about AI House.

Increasing vibrancy in our neighborhoods

Cherry blossoms blooming in the University District 🌸

The annual U District Cherry Blossom Festival honoring the historic cherry blossoms on the University of Washington campus is here! Over 80 U District businesses are offering unique menu options, including cherry and blossom-themed savory bites and sweet treats.

🌸 The festival is brought to you by the U District Partnership, one of our 11 established Business Improvement Areas that we partner with to improve vibrancy and livability in Seattle neighborhoods.

Join us in welcoming spring while exploring the promotions from local businesses in the neighborhood!

📆 Until Sunday, April 6, 2025.

View participating businesses at the U District Cherry Blossom Festival.

City and State opportunities and resources

Seeking Commercial Space Consultants

We’re expanding the consultant roster for the Commercial Space Consultant Program and Tenant Improvement Program! We’re looking for consultants in the following fields: Commercial Space Planning and Design (Architect), Business Advocacy, Commercial Construction Management, and many more. Consultants provide up to 10 hours of free one-on-one-counseling for business owners taking the next steps to move their projects forward and grow. 📆 Deadline to apply: Monday, April 14, 2025. 📝 Read more about the Commercial Space Consultant application.

Virtual immigration regulations training

We’re partnering with the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to host a virtual Know Your Rights training for business owners and employers. The training is designed to inform attendees about how to ensure compliance with existing immigration regulations and how to protect employees.

• We’ll cover various topics such as Form I-9s audits, Social Security’s No Match Letters, and more.
• A session for questions will follow the presentation.
• RSVP is required to attend this training.

📆 Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 2 – 4 p.m.

📝 Register for the Know Your Rights Training for Business Owners and Employers.

Annual fair for small businesses to grow and connect

Join us at our partner’s Seattle Good Business Network’s annual fair for small business owners! Good Business Connections features a vendor fair with more than 30 small business service providers, speed coaching, mini classes to run your business better, networking opportunities, and more.

📆 Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

📝 Register for free and learn more about Good Business Connections.

Permit applications open 🎶🅿️

The new Music Venue Zone permit applications are live! Venues can now get dedicated parking and loading spaces, making it easier for bands and crews to keep the show rolling.

We worked with the Seattle Department of Transportation and the Seattle Music Commission to develop a new curbside designation for live music venues, responding to feedback about the unique parking and loading needs of performers.

Learn about the program and start your permit application.  

Become a Seattle Film Commissioner!

🎞️ The Seattle Film Commission is seeking qualified film professionals to fill three open positions. 🎞️ The Film Commission holds monthly public meetings and priority committee meetings. Film Commissioners also participate in events, workshops, and discussions throughout the year. This is a volunteer role for two years. Open positions available: Position 2: film industry labor unions. Position 5: film schools, film programs, or film educators. Position 8: film festivals or film content distribution companies. 📆 Applications will be accepted until Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 📝 Apply to be a Seattle Film Commissioner.