Zahilay Proposal for Economic Revitalization Using the Arts Passes Key Committee

November 20, 2024

On Wednesday, the King County Regional Policy Committee approved a key amendment from Councilmember Girmay Zahilay to the Doors Open implementation plan. This amendment outlines a bold vision to use the new levy’s resources to revitalize commercial centers across King County, transforming them into vibrant, inclusive cultural hubs. By harnessing the power of arts and culture, the amendment aims to address post-pandemic challenges such as reduced economic activity, vacant storefronts, low foot traffic, and rising crime. 

“Many of our commercial centers have been in economic decline for years—struggling with empty storefronts, rising crime, and a general sense of despair,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “This proposal taps into the power of our arts and culture organizations to restore and activate these spaces. By doing so, we can boost local economies, reduce crime, attract more foot traffic, and foster a sense of safety and belonging. This is a meaningful step toward building a stronger, more connected future for our county.” 

As the Doors Open Arts and Culture levy moves toward final passage, the amendment will enhance the grant-making process. Arts and culture organizations seeking funding will receive additional points if they demonstrate how their projects can contribute to the revitalization of local commercial centers, foster collaboration, and align with shared goals for economic recovery. The overarching aim is to promote collective efforts that attract new investments, boosting foot traffic, reducing crime, and enhancing the beauty and appeal of neighborhoods. 

“Arts and culture are the beating heart of our region, and the reason millions of visitors travel here each year,” said Michael Woody, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Visit Seattle. “This amendment focused on economic revitalization seizes on a crucial opportunity to enrich our communities, acknowledging arts and culture programs’ power to provide jobs, fill vacant spaces, increase pedestrian traffic, and help our region thrive. It is a pristine example of the creativity, innovation, and inclusivity King County is known for. We celebrate the future art, work, and vibrancy the Doors Open program will bring to our great home, and we look forward to sharing its results with visitors." 

The amendment would also include recommendations for how the Doors Open program can be used to: 

• Build coalitions: Unite cultural organizations and leaders to pool resources and create shared plans for revitalizing commercial centers, using 4Culture’s established support systems.
• Encourage collaboration: Use Building for Equity and Launch grants to foster partnerships between cultural organizations and expand access for King County residents.
• Support cultural workers: Strengthen efforts to recruit and retain cultural workers through the Countywide Initiatives grant program.
• Promote arts and culture: Highlight arts and culture as key drivers of economic growth in commercial centers.
• Activate spaces: Transform public spaces, retail areas, and vacant properties into venues for arts and culture to boost the vibrancy and economy of commercial centers.

This amendment will shape future Doors Open grant criteria and awards, guiding 4Culture’s collaboration with cultural organizations to foster a dynamic and effective partnership across sectors. It aims to create lasting impact in King County by expanding access to arts, science, and heritage resources, stimulating the local economy, and revitalizing the vibrancy and character of both cultural and commercial centers. 

The revised implementation plan is set to be presented to the full council for a final vote on Tuesday, November 26. 
 
ADDITIONAL QUOTES: 

Josh LaBelle, Executive Director of the Seattle Theatre Group: “Many organizations, especially within the arts, have struggled to recover economically since the pandemic. By uplifting the arts and drawing out our potential to revitalize the economy, we can help rebuild our communities and promote a sense of belonging, beauty, and resilience throughout King County. Today’s vote is an investment in not just our arts organizations, but into our economy, our culture, and our communities.” 
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Press Contact:
David Shurtleff
Communications Director, King County Council
Cell: 206-954-2368
David.Shurtleff@kingcounty.gov