Storefront Repair Fund issues 800th and final check

Our office issued the 800th and final Storefront Repair Fund grant, surpassing a total investment of $1.6 million in small businesses for storefront damage repair and recovery. The last $2,000 grant was awarded to Casa Del Mariachi a beloved vegetarian restaurant in the Pinehurst neighborhood of North Seattle known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Launched in response to a significant rise in vandalism and property damage affecting small businesses across Seattle, we designed the SRF to provide immediate financial relief to business owners facing unexpected repair costs. This program protected the physical and financial well-being of businesses that are essential to our local economy and community fabric. By addressing these needs, the SRF helped businesses maintain their operations, reduce financial strain, and ensure public safety.

Our outreach efforts spanned across 20 large neighborhoods in Seattle, with a special focus on areas significantly impacted by property crime, such as Downtown, where almost one-third of our grants were awarded.

We worked closely with local organizations, including the SODO BIA, Alliance for Pioneer Square, and Seattle Chinatown/ID PDA, to allocate $250,000 to support their localized storefront repair programs. These partnerships leverage the experience of these associations in deploying Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funding in collaboration with our office.

Looking ahead, we are actively exploring alternative revenue sources to continue the program. Our goal is to maintain and expand the support we provide to small businesses citywide, ensuring their resilience and recovery from storefront damage and public safety issues. We remain committed to fostering strong community partnerships and implementing creative solutions to address the evolving needs of our local business landscape.

List of Storefront Repair Fund awardees.