TagEconomic Development Partnership Program(12)

The Port of Seattle is requesting Commission authorization for up to $1,900,000 to fund its 2025-2026 Economic Development City Partnership Program, which provides grants to King County cities based on a per capita formula ranging from $10,000 to $60,000 per city. Started in 2016, the non-competitive program requires cities to contribute a 50% match and develop economic development projects aligned with Port business interests. In recent years, the program has focused on small business relief, tourism support, and buy-local campaigns.

The Port of Seattle Commission held a Regular Meeting on April 8, 2025, covering airport facility projects including dining and retail renovations and a new shared-use lounge (Club SEA) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as well as fire suppression system upgrades in the Satellite Transit System tunnels. The agenda also included approval of an Economic Development Partnership Program with King County cities and routine administrative items such as meeting minutes and travel approvals. No noise policy items were listed on this meeting's agenda.

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.

The City of Des Moines received Port Economic Development Partnership Grants that were used to support the redevelopment planning of the Des Moines Marina, covering design feasibility, financial feasibility, and the issuance of a Request for Qualifications. The city matched the grant funding by at least 100%, and the grants also helped fund the EATS program, which delivered meals to seniors and veterans while supporting local restaurants. City officials expressed gratitude for the support, noting it could help catalyze future investment opportunities in the city and marina.

The Port of Seattle presented an overview of its Economic Development Partnership Grant Program, created in 2016, which provides King County cities per capita funding (capped at $60,000, with a $5,000 minimum for smaller cities) to support local economic development projects tied to the Port's Century Agenda and business interests. Cities are required to provide a 50% local match, either monetary or in-kind, to qualify for the grants. The forum also covered the Business Navigator Initiative and Tourism Recovery efforts aimed at supporting regional businesses and communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Port of Seattle evaluation document for the Economic Development Partnership Program, focusing on primary retail trade areas in Renton, Washington and City of Des Moines. Prepared by Community Attributes Inc. with analysis of economic development initiatives.

The Port of Seattle Commission considered authorizing up to $960,000 for its 2019 Economic Development Partnership Program, which provides grant funding to King County cities based on a $1-per-capita formula (minimum $5,000, maximum $65,000) to support local economic development projects. Eligible activities include small business development, business recruitment, workforce development, tourism, and downtown revitalization, with cities required to provide a 50% funding match. The program, funded through the Port's property tax levy, has been running since 2016 and previously awarded about $950,000 to 30 King County cities during the 2017–2018 cycle.