2020 Economic Development Partnership Program Authorization Request

The Port of Seattle is requesting $965,000 to fund its 2020 Economic Development Partnership Program, which provides grants to King County cities (excluding Seattle) to support local economic development projects such as business recruitment, tourism, and planning studies. Now in its fourth year, the program provides cities $1 per capita in funding and requires a 50% match from participating cities. In 2019, 23 of 38 eligible King County cities participated, with approximately $778,000 awarded for projects ranging from business assistance to regional marketing collaborations.

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Port Of Seattle Commission agenda memorandum (Item 6m, meeting date December 10, 2019) from David McFadden, Managing Director, to Executive Director Stephen Metruck, requesting authorization to execute contract agreements for the 2020 Economic Development Partnership Program with King County cities (excluding Seattle) not to exceed $965,000. Program funded by tax levy at $1 per capita with $5,000 minimum and $65,000 maximum per city, requiring 50% match. In 2019 (program cycle 3), 23 of 38 King County cities participated, expending approximately $778,000 of $965,000 allocated; cities allocated $571,000 in monetary and in-kind matching resources. Projects span business recruitment (14 cities), business assistance and retention (11 cities), planning/feasibility studies (10 cities), tourism (9 cities), and buy local initiatives (4 cities). Program refinements proposed include longer contracting options beyond the typical 8-month period, additional technical assistance for smaller cities, and quarterly outreach roundtable events.

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