SEATTLE – Councilmember Lisa Herbold (District 1, West Seattle & South Park) introduced a Seattle Legacy Business Survey yesterday, which is intended to inform efforts to help preserve the bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops that give Seattle its unique character and sense of community. Councilmember Herbold expects the survey results to inform the Mayor’s Commercial Affordability Taskforce’s efforts in determining what policies or funding support may be necessary to preserve and protect Seattle’s iconic small businesses.
“I hope you’ll take a moment to take this quick survey, so we can learn from you what businesses in your neighborhood you’ve loved and lost or fear may be in peril,” said Herbold. “With the recent pace of development, neighborhood gems like Silver Fork, Mama’s Mexican Kitchen, and Piecora’s Pizza have been lost, and aren’t likely to return.”
Councilmember Herbold is working with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Seattle, and 4 Culture to:
- Survey community members to identify Seattle’s most important business establishments;
- Identify elements that contribute to the culture, character, and history of Seattle; and,
- Establish tools to protect them.
“Seattle is known for its unique neighborhoods, each home to a thriving landscape of locally-owned businesses that occupy an essential role in the stories and rituals that define the city,” added Herbold. “I hope you’ll take a moment to let us know your perspective on which businesses give Seattle its soul.”
The Commercial Affordability Taskforce is expected to present its findings by October 1, 2016.