From:            Gill, Anthony
To:                Commission-Public-Records
Cc:                Canedo, Jesse
Subject:           [EXTERNAL] Comment on February 9 Commission Agenda
Date:              Wednesday, January 27, 2021 2:42:54 PM
Attachments:      Port letter signed.pdf

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Port Commission staff --

Please find attached a letter in support of the reauthorization of the Port of Seattle's Economic
Development Partnership program, which is set to be discussed at the Port Commission
meeting on February 9.

Thank you,



Anthony Gill (he/him)
Economic Development Specialist | City of Bellevue
(425) 452-4114 | bellevuewa.gov
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Chapter 42.56 RCW

January 22, 2021 


Jesse Canedo 
Chief Economic Development Officer 
City of Bellevue 
P.O. Box 90012 
Bellevue, WA 98009-9012 
Port of Seattle Commission 
c/o Commission Clerk 
Port of Seattle 
P.O. Box 1209 
Seattle, WA 98111 
Dear Commissioners: 
On behalf of the City of Bellevue, I wish to express enthusiastic support for the re-authorization of the
Port of Seattle's Economic Development Partnership Program. Over the past several years, this
program has enabled Eastside communities to better support local small businesses, create new
opportunities for artists and creatives, and market the region to the global business community. 
I am particularly appreciative of the program's flexibility, as it allows us to test and explore new
program ideas. For example, using this funding we have: 
Launched a five-city partnership called Startup 425 to support small businesses and
entrepreneurs on the Puget Sound's Eastside. In 2020, the partnership served more than
270 small business owners through workshops, more than 650 through one-on-one
financial advising, and 10 minority- and women-owned businesses thorough a small
business accelerator operated in partnership with Bellevue College. 
Tested placemaking activations and developed partner organizations in our downtown. In
2020, we partnered with the Bellevue Downtown Association on "Heart of Bellevue," a
campaign which included 100 meetings with small business owners, social media posts,
outdoor dining improvements, and banner signage. 
Explored new ways to support artists and creative enterprises in light of the COVID-19
pandemic. In lieu of our traditional Bellwether Arts Festival, in 2020 we leveraged new
partnerships to create a winter market, including an online Gift Guide and Artist Directory,
allowing residents to purchase locally-crafted art directly from the artist. 
Our partnership with the Port of Seattle has played a significant role in the success of our work on
the Puget Sound's Eastside. I am greatly appreciative of your continued commitment to working with
local jurisdictions to advance shared priorities. I urge the Commission to reauthorize this program 
and explore ways to expand its impact in the future. 
Cordially, 

Jesse Canedo 
Chief Economic Development Officer 
City of Bellevue 
450 110th Ave NE | Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.452.6838
bellevuewa.gov