Dear SODO Business Owners – Governor Jay Inslee issued new statewide restrictions on social gatherings and businesses in response to the surge of COVID-19 across Washington state. Seattle was the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, and while we have one of the lowest rates of cases of any major city, we are not immune to the virus surging in our communities.The SODO BIA is working with the City of Seattle and other agencies to assist …

  Story: Jim Meyers     By now, you may have heard that there is a pandemic shaking the world to its foundations. As you are also likely aware, we humans are an incredibly adaptive and resilient lot. While the medical world pours its resources into finding a vaccine and improving outcomes for those infected with this new disease, it’s not surprising that the rest of us are forging ahead, seeking  tirelessly and …

Dear SODO Stakeholders,Over the past two weeks we have been working closely with other Seattle BIAs to ensure small businesses voices are heard during this difficult time and period of uncertainty. We are asking Mayor Durkan and City Councilmembers and to sign on to the ‘Seattle Small Business Pledge” to redefine the expectations on behalf of our small business community. The pledge lists basic needs and safety measures to ensure clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant business …

Dear SODO Businesses,As we continue to navigate this difficult time we will continue to share resources, news, and services that you may find helpful. We understand the concern and impacts of the COVID-19 on our SODO community and are here to help and support in any way we can. We will also continue to share other information that impacts our neighbrhood!Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for any issues you may …

Dear SODO Stakeholders,We need your help! Small businesses have been hit the hardest in the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic crisis and will struggle for years to come. During this historic period, we are recognizing this moment of shifting ideology and policies, and the fight for racial and social justice. As we reckon with generations of systemic racism, particularly towards Black and Brown people, we are left with redefining what public safety – both …

SPAC is a forum that focuses on relationships and building bridges between the South Precinct and the community that they serve; to create a cohesive community voice which has a platform for advocacy and ability to work on precinct-wide public safetyAUGUST VIRTUAL SPAC MEETINGSouth Precinct Advisory Council (SPAC*) August 13th, 20205:30pm-6:30pmRegistration RequiredTonight, Thursday, August 13th, we will be joined by A/Cpt. Aagard for a precinct and violent crimes update. Also, representatives from the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) will be …

Navigation Team Funding Cuts Under Consideration by CouncilWe need your help! On Monday, Aug. 10, the Seattle City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would cut all funding for the Human Services Department’s homeless Navigation Team. This would eliminate dedicated city funding that supports coordinated outreach to, clean up of and sanitation services for tent encampments across Seattle. The Council has no plan for how these services would be carried out in the future. This decision …

Dear SODO Businesses,As we continue to navigate this difficult time we will continue to share resources, news, and services that you may find helpful. We understand the concern and impacts of the COVID-19 on our SODO community and are here to help and support in any way we can. We will also continue to share other information that impacts our neighbrhood!Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for any issues you may …

Seattle Police Department Funding Cuts Under Consideration by CouncilLast week we shared information about the current proposal Seattle City Council is considering for a 50 percent cut to the Seattle Police Department (SPD) for the remainder of 2020.The SODO BIA , along with the Manufacturing Industrial Council, Georgetown Community Council and 15 other organizations from across the city came together and submitted a letter to City Council members to articulate some key concerns about the budget cuts, …

 Dear SODO Businesses,As budget deliberations continue at City Council, the SODO BIA is continuing to engage with the broader community in an effort to help shape good policy.Earlier this week, the SODO BIA , along with the Manufacturing Industrial Council, Georgetown Community Council and 15 other organizations from across the city came together and submitted a letter to City Councilmembers to articulate some key concerns about the budget cuts, process, engagement and timeline.In the letter, …