We are a diverse group representing employers, workers, educators and major institutions brought together in April, 2013, by the Seattle Mayor and City Council to think deeply about Seattle’s long term economic health. We have been honored by this call to serve, and are pleased to share read more...what we have learned and the actions we are taking to build on Seattle’s remarkable economic assets and address our chronic challenges. We hope you will join us in realizing the economy we envision for Seattle. Perhaps our most important discovery was the recognition that we are blessed with a diverse and creative economy that draws its resiliency from the independent and pioneering spirit of the people who live here. Relative to other places, we are a city and a people unbound by conventions that aspire to make things and solve critical problems that benefit others. This spirit is bolstered by our natural setting and the strength of our built institutions. The environment around us inspires our imaginations and our perch on the Pacific Ocean opens our eyes to Asia and the world beyond. Our public and private institutions of education and research are on the cutting edge of human discovery. Our economic health is enhanced by strong social, cultural, and artistic expression. Even with these assets, we recognize that Seattle still experiences all the problems and inequities that challenge every other community. Our prosperity evades too many people who grow up here. Our political systems are often stalemated and incapable of imagining and executing solutions to our most challenging problems. Drawing upon Seattle’s assets and with an eye toward its challenges, we are shifting our focus from deliberation and analysis, to leadership and action. This Executive Summary shares the attributes of the economy we envision for Seattle, offers a framework for making decisions on how to invest scarce resources to achieve this vision, and identifies three major initiatives, with eight individual action areas, that the Commission itself will undertake to bring about the prosperous, equitable, and sustainable economy we all desire. We take our responsibility to help Seattle chart its economic future seriously. We hope you take the time to review our work, offer your own feedback, and join in to help us advance our work. Only together will we achieve the economy we envision. Seattle Economic Development Commissioners April 2014

Four “foundational areas” serve as a framework which city government, industry, labor, and educational partners should continually use to evaluate existing conditions and invest resources in supporting Seattle’s economic development over the next 10 years.

The main responsibility of the Economic Development Commission is to help the people who run the City of Seattle partner more effectively with those who lead and represent the businesses, workers, and major institutions that together comprise the economy. This partnership has resulted in a vision for Seattle in 2024.