A program touted by progressive Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has revealed a plan to revive its faltering downtown by offering abandoned shops free rent, with women – and Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color-owned businesses seemingly
being given priority.
The Seattle Restored program is offering local entrepreneurs six months of free rent and a $2,500 stipend to open pop-ups around the liberal city, with the downtown retail core being prioritized.
Applications will be partly reviewed by a community advisory panel made up of 'individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring valuable perspectives to the decision–making process,' per the program's website.
One of the questions interested applicants will be asked is: 'Is the business Woman and/or Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) owned, and/or does the project serve women/BIPOC communities?'
High-scoring businesses will be virtually interviewed by program staff, who also helped review their applications alongside the advisory panel, with questions provided ahead of time.
Wilson touted the Seattle Restored initiative in her State of the City address in February, saying that it 'continues to grow, partnering with property owners to transform vacant commercial spaces into pop–up shops.'
The program belongs to Seattle's Office of Economic Development, which operates under Wilson's executive authority.
Downtown Seattle has seen several businesses shutter this year, with brands like Nike, Starbucks and Vans all closing downtown locations.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson previously touted the Seattle Restored program, which is now offering local entrepreneurs six months of free rent and a $2,500 stipend to open pop–ups
Downtown Seattle has already seen multiple businesses close this year, with entrepreneurs expressing concerns over public safety and homelessness in the blue city
These departures go back years. In September 2023, Target blamed theft and organized retail crime for the closure of two stores in Seattle, The Associated Press reported.
Local businesses, especially in the restaurant industry, have also left downtown despite Seattle's attempts to revitalize the area.
Popular pizzeria Tutta Bella permanently closed last month, while tiki bar Navy Strength had its final service on Halloween night.
The Seattle Restored program is currently looking to fill in locations in Belltown, the Chinatown International District and Pioneer Square, as well as the aforementioned downtown.
Applicants for the program will also be evaluated and scored on social impact and economic growth, readiness and experience managing brick-and-mortar locations.
The 'ideal candidate' should feel 'comfortable operating in Downtown Seattle neighborhoods,' per the program's website.
Businesses are asked to commit to being open at least 32 hours per week for the duration of their pop-up.
Wilson has faced criticism as mayor for her handling of Seattle's crime, including shootings over the summer, and taxes
Seattle already has a program that offers grants of up to $5,000 to help local entrepreneurs recover from the unforeseen costs of vandalism and property damage.
The program was announced in October 2022 under former Democratic mayor Bruce Harrell.
The program's reimbursement limit increased by $2,000 under Wilson's administration.
A one-time grant of up to $10,000 to reimburse the costs of improving security measures at stores is also available.
An October 26 survey from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Seattle Association found that 56 percent of respondents thought the city's business climate had worsened in the past year.
On top of that, 61 percent said that their outlook for Seattle's next 12 months was pessimistic.
Local businesses said that public safety, taxes and fees, homelessness and labor costs were their biggest challenges today.
Local businesses said homelessness was one of the biggest challenges they were encountering nowadays in Seattle
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce also previously found that 65 percent of respondents said Seattle was 'losing the positive momentum' on public safety and quality of life observed during this summer's World Cup.
Right now, just 24 percent of locals are confident that Seattle has an 'effective plan' to improve public safety and only about 15 percent believe the city can reduce homeless encampments.
Wilson has also been blasted for her handling of Seattle's crime, including shootings over the summer, as well as taxes.
In July, Wilson was criticized for how she managed a deadly shooting at a food festival that killed three people and injured five.
A press conference over the shooting was delayed for several hours with several suspects still at large, which Wilson initially blamed on the city's police department.
She requested the resignation of Chief Shon Barnes for the response to the shooting and then paid him a $700,000 taxpayer-funded severance package.
Wilson has also been questioned for her support of Washington state's new millionaires' tax.
The 9.9 percent tax on people who make more than $1 million in annual income will come into effect in January 2028.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Wilson's office and Seattle's Office of Economic Development for comment.
Source link
