Community Outreach: Seattle
Seattle Creates Port Economic Development Partnership Program
The Port of Seattle Commission has approved the creation of a "Port Economic Development Partnership" program that will make available $962,435 to 38 cities to advance local economic development throughout the region. The grants will range from $5,000 to $65,000 for eligible projects based on population, and require cities to match 50 percent of the port’s money.
"The Port of Seattle Commission is committed to driving economic development across all communities in King County," said Commission President John Creighton. "By investing in our communities, we can advance our Century Agenda goal to grow more middle class jobs throughout the region."
"The Port of Seattle is looking to step up and fill a critical gap where other funding sources aren’t available," said Commissioner Stephanie Bowman. "This program can support such initiatives as business recruitment, small business development, tourism, property development, and industry retention and expansion."
The port says the development fund will help advance regional economic growth through focused partnerships, and will be made to cities to pursue programs and projects that stimulate business development, job creation and community revitalization. Each participating city may in turn contract with local nonprofits such as chambers of commerce and visitors’ bureaus to carry out specific initiatives.
Annual grant funding would be provided on a $1 per capita formula with a maximum of $65,000 while ensuring each city receives at least $5,000. There will be three workshops in July to help cities further understand the use of the funds, best practices, and ways to maximize its uses.