Results Will Help Inform Strategies for Regional Economy Recovery and Maximizing State and Federal Aid
SEATTLE, WA – The City of Seattle, Greater Seattle Partners, and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce announced today they are distributing an Economic Impact Survey (www.greater-seattle.com/economic-impact-survey) to further capture the effects of COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, on businesses and non-profits in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. The Economic Impact Survey will identify early local and regional effects of COVID-19, inform strategies for regional economic recovery and development, and maximizing and allocating badly-needed federal and state recovery aid.
For businesses and non-profits interested in completing the survey, go to, www.greater-seattle.com/economic-impact-survey
Initial quantitative data and qualitative information shows that small businesses, non-profit organizations, arts, and workers in the Seattle region are experiencing significant negative financial impacts due to the COVID-19. Local businesses and non-profits have reported 50 – 90 percent revenue losses, laid off employees, reduced hours, temporary or permanent closures, xenophobia, and major declines in foot traffic as tens of thousands of people are being asked to work from home and practice social distancing. Industries that are most impacted include retail, restaurants and hospitality, transportation and logistics, as well as arts, large festivals and cultural events.
“We hope that employers and non-profits of every size will complete the survey. From small businesses to large employers, we need your stories to help inform our recovery strategy and maximize both state and federal aid that is so critical,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Whether it is making the hard decisions to work remotely, reduce hours, lay off employees, postpone events, or temporarily close, your voices tell Seattle’s story in reacting to these unprecedented times, and will shape how our city recovers. The more information and stories we have, the faster we can receive aid and begin our economic recovery.”
“The Survey results will be critical to maximize state and federal support and direct local resources to save jobs and get back to business as soon as possible,” said Greater Seattle Partners CEO Brian P. McGowan. “We urge all businesses and non-profits organizations in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to share their economic impacts so we can quickly and effectively request emergency funding.”
"This is a transformational moment for our society and economy. As the virus spreads, so too will the economic impact," said Markham McIntyre, EVP of the Chamber. "To design a solution to meet the problem, we need to understand how deeply the outbreak is impacting our regional economy, especially the most vulnerable businesses and workers. Please fill out the survey and share your stories."
“We need to understand the economic impact of our regional economy during this unprecedented time,” said Office of Economic Development Director Bobby Lee. “By measuring the economic impact of COVID-19, we will better understand our short and long-term solutions. This will also give us the data and information we need to build a come-back economy where everyone is included.”
"We know our arts and cultural sector is hurting and we are doing everything we can to help them through this crisis," said Randy Engstrom, Director Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. "We rise and fall together, which is why it’s so important that we are all counted and included in this regional economic recovery effort."
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The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is an executive office of City of Seattle municipal government. OED creates a vibrant economy, benefiting the whole city by promoting access to economic opportunities for all of Seattle’s diverse communities. For more information about OED’s programs, visit our website at www.seattle.gov/oed or email our office at oed@seattle.gov.
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) manages the city's public art program, cultural partnerships grant programs, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, and The Creative Advantage initiative in the effort to foster a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences. In alignment with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative, we work to eliminate institutional racism in our programs, policies and practices. The Office is supported by the 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.
Greater Seattle Partners work to attract and support businesses that create and sustain jobs across all income levels throughout the region.
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most diverse network of influential business leaders in the Puget Sound region. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization of 2,600 businesses representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000 people. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.
