Hi all,

As I wrap up my first month as Acting Director of the Office of Economic Development, I want to thank you for the warm welcome and your kind support. The progress we’re seeing Downtown is the result of years of hard work, steady leadership, and a shared belief that Seattle’s heart belongs to everyone who lives, works, or spends time here. I’m grateful to step into this role at a moment when so many partners have already built strong momentum.

From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to pushing forward on recovery, our Downtown community has shown resilience and creativity that is inspirational. Organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Alliance for Pioneer Square, Belltown United, Friends of Waterfront Park, Pike Place Market, property owners, and the many more who have stepped up – your leadership has shaped the progress we see today. Your willingness to collaborate, innovate, and stay committed to a safer, more vibrant Downtown is the foundation we’re building on.

Already, I’ve had the chance to reconnect with many of you who may have known me from my previous roles either with Ventures, or at the Small Business Administration. What stands out is how deeply you care about this place. You’ve been doing the work: activating public spaces, supporting small businesses, welcoming visitors, and helping bring energy back to our streets.

So, as we send this edition of Good News Downtown, I want you to know that I’m committed to continuing to support this work. As someone with deep roots in Downtown – having run my own small business at the Pike Place Market, walking along Pine and Pike after closing my shop, or early in the morning before opening and enjoying our community – I want you to know how excited I am to continue this journey with you. There is real progress to celebrate, and it’s important that we acknowledge it. But I also believe, sincerely, that the best is yet to come.

Thank you for everything you’ve done, and everything we’ll do together next.

Warmly,
Beto Yarce
Acting Director, Seattle Office of Economic Development

Weekly digest

Credit: SDOT

🛍️🚶 Pike Place Market is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with a few temporary changes this summer! Starting this month, temporary barriers including concrete planters, mobile barricades, and fixed posts will be installed to ensure a safe and accessible experience for shoppers, visitors, and businesses. These improvements will be in place through the World Cup and the rest of the summer, keeping the Market accessible while supporting local businesses: New rendering shows what Pike Place Market could look like by FIFA Men’s World Cup – SDOT Blog.

🚌🌃 Sound Transit launched its pilot Night Bus service last week. This new overnight route will operate between SEA Airport and Downtown Seattle stations. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, with the first departure about 15 minutes after the last train: Spring service change in effect beginning March 28 – Sound Transit.

✈️🌍 Seattle’s visitor numbers rebounded to pre-pandemic highs, a testament to the city’s status as a top tourist destination. Downtown neighborhoods, from Pioneer Square to South Lake Union, buzz with dining, arts, and entertainment, supported by investments in public spaces, events, and transit. With a growing residential population and thriving visitor sector, Downtown continues to blend economic momentum, culture, and daily life: Downtown Seattle visitors rebound to 2019 levels, but workers lag behind – The Seattle Times.

Credit: Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times

⚽🏆 Seattle saw a glimpse of soccer history this weekend as the 18-karat gold FIFA World Cup trophy arrived as part of the Coca-Cola Trophy Tour. Fans lined up to see the iconic award up close ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will bring World Cup matches to Seattle for the first time: FIFA Men’s World Cup trophy makes stop in Seattle – The Seattle Times.

Looking ahead

🔊✨ Use sound medicine to get rest, release emotions, and gather in a safe space this Thursday, April 9 at Sound Medicine for Liberation and Healing. The series by ARTS at King Street Station is hosted by local artist Tory Trujillo to support collective healing, grounding, and restoration.

Credit: Seattle Center

🌸🎌 The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival returns to Seattle Center April 10 – 12, celebrating more than 50 years of cultural exchange with Japan. This free event will feature taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, martial arts, cultural arts, workshops, family activities, and Japanese food, plus a sumo tournament on Saturday.

💐🩷 Join RMC Florals, a Seattle Restored participant, for a beautiful Pre-Mother’s Day Flower Workshop on Saturday, April 18 from 12 – 2 p.m. This special experience allows you to celebrate love, connection, and the beauty of motherhood by creating your own heartfelt floral arrangement. Spots are limited so reserve your spot today by sending RMC Florals a message on Instagram.