Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

I want to lead this month by acknowledging that our current macroeconomic climate is challenging and uncertain. The perpetually shifting landscape around immigration, tariffs, federal funding, and the lending environment make doing business more difficult – especially in a region where our economy is so trade-driven and has historically successfully attracted federal funds for research and infrastructure projects. This is a tough time and anyone who says they know what will happen next is wrong.

But there is bright news – Downtown continues to see foot traffic increase and we’re on the cusp of our summer season, which means the people who work, live, and visit Downtown are spending more time walking, shopping, and experiencing all that our city core has to offer. Hotel stays are up month-to-month, and more attractions are coming online all the time. Festivals, sporting events, outdoor concerts, and community celebrations are not just experiences that spread joy – they boost our economy.

Both of these things can be true: uncertainty is making business decisions more difficult, and the Downtown business ecosystem is resilient, and thriving despite these challenges. I hope to see you out and about in Downtown this summer, and as always, if you have Good News Downtown that you would like to share, please send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

– Markham

Weekly digest

Lululemon is expanding their Seattle headquarters. 🏢 Their office space on Second Avenue and Seneca Street will double in size, growing to 46,000 square feet: Lululemon doubles its office space in downtown Seattle – Puget Sound Business Journal.

Credit: NW Asian Weekly

Seattle’s Asian American community gathered to honor Asian American veterans and fallen heroes. The Nisei Veterans Committee and NVC Foundation held the 80th Anniversary Memorial Day Service at Lake View Cemetery in Capitol Hill, followed by a ceremony in the Chinatown-International District at Hing Hay Park. The day concluded with a community dinner at Joyale’s Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown.

Credit: SeattleFWC26

⚽ Be part of Seattle soccer history! Seattle is looking to break the Guinness World Record for the largest soccer lesson in preparation for the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup. Join Seattle Sounders FC, Reign FC, and the Seattle FIFA World Cup organizing committee on Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m.: Seattle Takes on the World (Record) – SoundersFC.com.

Looking ahead

Credit: John Caplinger / Seattle Pride

🏳️‍🌈🌈 Celebrate Pride all month Downtown, then join the biggest parade of the year on Sunday, June 29. Over a quarter of a million people will watch or march to celebrate joy, justice, and belonging. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Westlake Park and ends under the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Visit Seattle Pride for more details.

🎶 Get out of the office (or your kitchen) over lunch and enjoy live music in Pioneer Park this summer. Buskers perform Tuesday through Friday from 12 – 2 p.m. You can also check buskers out at Occidental Square on Thursday, June 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.!

🍔 Enjoy lunch in the heart of the city: Stop by Westlake Park and try one of the many food trucks that open up shop Mondays through Fridays, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Westlake Food Truck Schedule.

If you live, work, or just love Pioneer Square, the Alliance for Pioneer Square’s Summer Community Networking event is for you! Join them at FRIDA on Tuesday, June 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to meet and network with fellow neighbors and lovers of Pioneer Square: Summer Community Networking Event – Alliance for Pioneer Square.

Credit: Seafair

Big news for a Seattle tradition: The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade is back and this year, it’s lighting up the city’s new Waterfront. 🎆 The “Light Up the Night” 🎆 themed parade will feature more than 100 floats, marching bands, and performers. The fun starts on Saturday, July 26: Seafair Torchlight Parade tickets available now.