Businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes have an interest in City Hall’s decisions, which is why it is so important that our elected officials hear from the diverse business community that they represent. On Wednesday, September 23, in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square, the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce, and the Queen Anne Chamber, the Seattle Metro Chamber hosted a town hall meeting with Seattle City Councilmember, Andrew Lewis, whose district encompasses Seattle’s downtown, Queen Anne, and Magnolia.
Tune in here to watch a recording of this conversation between Councilmember Lewis and small business owners, representatives from larger employers, and non-profit leaders around a variety of issues that District 7 employers of all sizes are facing, including: COVID-19 relief, homelessness, transportation, and public safety.
Timeline of Town Hall | Panelists & Topics
- Danah Abarr, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce | (0:00 to 03:21)
Townhall Overview and Councilmember Lewis Introduction
- Danah Abarr, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce | (0:00 to 03:21)
- Seattle City Council Member D7, Andrew Lewis | (03:21 to 06:41)
Introduction and opening remarks
- Seattle City Council Member D7, Andrew Lewis | (03:21 to 06:41)
- Richard de Sam Lazaro, Expedia Group | (07:10 to 11:32)
Marine Transit & Transportation
- Richard de Sam Lazaro, Expedia Group | (07:10 to 11:32)
- Ali Ghambari, Cherry Street Coffee House | (12:00 to 19:17)
Collaboration with all stakeholders and suspending personal guarantees on business leases
- Ali Ghambari, Cherry Street Coffee House | (12:00 to 19:17)
- Becky Yoshitani, Hurry Curry | (19:50 to 29:04)
Downtown small businesses rely on busy commuter workforce that is now gone and working from home, other COVID-19 relief efforts for small businesses, and potential B&O tax relief.
- Becky Yoshitani, Hurry Curry | (19:50 to 29:04)
- Justin Young, Flow Fitness | (29:35 to 37:19)
Property tax relief for small businesses, incentives for landlords, direct financial COVID-19 relief options, and incentives/education for healthy lifestyles.
- Justin Young, Flow Fitness | (29:35 to 37:19)
- Shawna McMahon, Immanuel Community Services | (37:32 to 44:10)
City resources and support for community service providers, especially during this pandemic.
- Shawna McMahon, Immanuel Community Services | (37:32 to 44:10)
- Lisa Power, Lisa Power Salon | (50:38 to 1:03:39)
Homeless encampments, public safety, and City Council’s budget proposal & Mayor’s veto override decision.