The Port of Seattle is requesting $1.9 million to continue its Economic Development Partnership Program for 2025-2026, which provides grants of $10,000–$60,000 to King County cities for local economic development projects such as small business support, tourism, and workforce development. In 2024, 27 cities participated, leveraging over $637,000 in city matching funds to generate a combined $1.4 million investment across the region. The program, active since 2016, is funded by the Port's property tax levy and requires cities to provide a 50% match to ensure shared commitment to project success.Open full document
Notes
This Commission agenda memorandum requests authorization for the Executive Director to execute contracts and implement the 2025-2026 Economic Development Partnership Program with King County cities, with funding not to exceed $1,900,000. The document reviews 2024 program outcomes, including investments across small business assistance, buy local/placemaking, business attraction, tourism, and workforce development by 27 participating cities. The program, funded by the Port property tax levy, requires a 50% match from participating cities and has operated since 2016.