Raw .srt transcript file as collected from the source layer.
1 00:00:00,934 --> 00:00:07,875 ♪♪ 2 00:00:07,875 --> 00:00:14,815 ♪♪ 3 00:00:14,815 --> 00:00:16,483 -It's all about arts and culture, 4 00:00:16,483 --> 00:00:19,953 everything we do is about activation and expression 5 00:00:19,953 --> 00:00:21,822 and SDOT director Adiam Emery. 6 00:00:21,822 --> 00:00:23,090 Thank you for being here as well 7 00:00:23,090 --> 00:00:25,292 and your great transportation leadership, 8 00:00:25,292 --> 00:00:28,161 which is gotten some attention, some good attention lately. 9 00:00:28,161 --> 00:00:30,163 I also want to thank Lincoln Property 10 00:00:30,163 --> 00:00:34,301 for hosting us here today at the state of the art 225th building. 11 00:00:34,301 --> 00:00:36,770 This is amazing, isn't it? 12 00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:38,972 I'm talking about the weather by the way. 13 00:00:38,972 --> 00:00:41,008 This site is amazing, 14 00:00:41,008 --> 00:00:43,544 the architectural statements that are made, the feel of it 15 00:00:43,544 --> 00:00:44,978 and most importantly 16 00:00:44,978 --> 00:00:46,847 what we're trying to do to activate this area. 17 00:00:46,847 --> 00:00:51,685 And support the growing life sciences and biotechnology 18 00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:53,620 hub here in South Lake Union. 19 00:00:53,620 --> 00:00:55,722 We know that this is an incredible industry, 20 00:00:55,722 --> 00:01:01,495 one we do not take for advantage -- for -- take, 21 00:01:01,495 --> 00:01:03,263 What's the word I'm trying to find? 22 00:01:03,263 --> 00:01:07,835 For granted. It's been a long week so far. 23 00:01:07,835 --> 00:01:11,672 Creating over 25,000 jobs in the sector here in King County, 24 00:01:11,672 --> 00:01:15,275 Washington and just do amazing work for global health 25 00:01:15,275 --> 00:01:17,077 and regional health and the kinds of things 26 00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:19,012 they're working on. 27 00:01:19,012 --> 00:01:22,449 You know we get criticized from the other Washington 28 00:01:22,449 --> 00:01:27,287 for some of our commitments to things like equity and gender 29 00:01:27,287 --> 00:01:30,257 fairness, and climate change. 30 00:01:30,257 --> 00:01:35,629 We get attacked for our belief in science and how we are, 31 00:01:35,629 --> 00:01:40,400 we believe in the benefits of research grants at a time 32 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:43,871 where we have to fight for this kind of commitment. 33 00:01:43,871 --> 00:01:46,707 And I have leaders around me that will talk more about that, 34 00:01:46,707 --> 00:01:49,776 but the fact is, is housing, jobs, 35 00:01:49,776 --> 00:01:52,079 and a diversity of small businesses 36 00:01:52,079 --> 00:01:54,781 are critical to our economic vitality. 37 00:01:54,781 --> 00:01:58,819 Critical to us being vibrant here in downtown 38 00:01:58,819 --> 00:02:00,888 and a little north of downtown. 39 00:02:00,888 --> 00:02:02,689 Downtown runs on people. 40 00:02:02,689 --> 00:02:05,325 On small businesses, on ideas. 41 00:02:05,325 --> 00:02:08,028 And our downtown activation plan, 42 00:02:08,028 --> 00:02:10,597 that I'm very proud of the planning 43 00:02:10,597 --> 00:02:12,466 that we did, 44 00:02:12,466 --> 00:02:14,368 but most importantly the implementation as well. 45 00:02:14,368 --> 00:02:16,603 And I want to thank our Office of Economic Development 46 00:02:16,603 --> 00:02:18,505 and that regard as well. 47 00:02:18,505 --> 00:02:21,341 We are making progress again to make downtown safe, 48 00:02:21,341 --> 00:02:26,880 thriving, vibrant, and critical neighborhood for residents, 49 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:28,582 workers and visitors alike. 50 00:02:28,582 --> 00:02:30,450 So, the first piece of legislation 51 00:02:30,450 --> 00:02:32,219 we'll be signing this morning 52 00:02:32,219 --> 00:02:34,087 will help fill vacant storefronts by expanding 53 00:02:34,087 --> 00:02:36,423 ground level commercial uses. 54 00:02:36,423 --> 00:02:38,425 Which will in effect boost our economy 55 00:02:38,425 --> 00:02:40,928 and activate our streets with more people. 56 00:02:40,928 --> 00:02:44,798 In this particular facility, again in the biotech space, 57 00:02:44,798 --> 00:02:46,834 we couldn't be more excited. 58 00:02:46,834 --> 00:02:50,137 This will broaden the pull of tenants for ground floor spaces 59 00:02:50,137 --> 00:02:51,939 and allowing more entrepreneurs, 60 00:02:51,939 --> 00:02:54,107 and free thinkers and small business owners 61 00:02:54,107 --> 00:02:56,710 to call downtown Seattle home. 62 00:02:56,710 --> 00:02:59,346 And we actively recruit these types of tenants 63 00:02:59,346 --> 00:03:01,448 and we're excited about what we're seeing. 64 00:03:01,448 --> 00:03:05,252 New businesses will be allowed on ground floor areas. 65 00:03:05,252 --> 00:03:07,120 This will include medical offices, 66 00:03:07,120 --> 00:03:09,122 research and development, 67 00:03:09,122 --> 00:03:12,292 laboratories, food processing, horticultural operations, 68 00:03:12,292 --> 00:03:16,530 crafts, manufacturing, art installations and many more. 69 00:03:16,530 --> 00:03:22,569 And again I want to thank SDCI for their wisdom 70 00:03:22,569 --> 00:03:24,872 in thinking about how we can think outside of the box. 71 00:03:24,872 --> 00:03:28,175 And indeed, Chief Operating Officer Marco Lowe 72 00:03:28,175 --> 00:03:30,978 and his group for the housing work. 73 00:03:30,978 --> 00:03:36,183 The housing ideas that have come forward in this work. 74 00:03:36,183 --> 00:03:38,218 The second piece of legislation 75 00:03:38,218 --> 00:03:40,621 will extend building permits for projects previously vested 76 00:03:40,621 --> 00:03:42,489 under our old codes. 77 00:03:42,489 --> 00:03:45,292 And this will in effect allow projects to proceed 78 00:03:45,292 --> 00:03:48,962 without the time and cost of applying for new permits. 79 00:03:48,962 --> 00:03:50,697 We think this is a critical strategy, 80 00:03:50,697 --> 00:03:52,833 which by extending these permits, 81 00:03:52,833 --> 00:03:55,402 it will prevent hopefully the potential loss 82 00:03:55,402 --> 00:03:59,206 of 29,000 planned units of housing. 83 00:03:59,206 --> 00:04:02,042 Including many affordable housing units and housing 84 00:04:02,042 --> 00:04:04,044 projects planned for downtown. 85 00:04:04,044 --> 00:04:06,446 And you'll from Chris Persons later. 86 00:04:06,446 --> 00:04:08,448 And I want to thank Chris and his organization, 87 00:04:08,448 --> 00:04:12,319 Community Roots, for doing the work that they are doing. 88 00:04:12,319 --> 00:04:14,254 These affordable housing units and housing 89 00:04:14,254 --> 00:04:16,790 projects planned for downtown not only house people, 90 00:04:16,790 --> 00:04:18,625 which is the most important thing, 91 00:04:18,625 --> 00:04:22,362 they also produce about $13.4 million in sales tax 92 00:04:22,362 --> 00:04:25,966 and $75 million in MHA fees. 93 00:04:25,966 --> 00:04:27,734 So it's a win-win scenario 94 00:04:27,734 --> 00:04:29,770 when we're trying to do this kind of work. 95 00:04:29,770 --> 00:04:32,739 So we know that in a challenging economic environment right now 96 00:04:32,739 --> 00:04:35,309 and that's why I'm so pleased to see my department heads here. 97 00:04:35,309 --> 00:04:36,944 We have a One Seattle approach trying 98 00:04:36,944 --> 00:04:40,247 to look at our entire system and think, what makes sense 99 00:04:40,247 --> 00:04:43,016 as we deal with some of our fiscal challenges. 100 00:04:43,016 --> 00:04:47,087 So, I close by thanking Councilmember Mark Solomon 101 00:04:47,087 --> 00:04:50,157 for his leadership in sharing the land use committee, 102 00:04:50,157 --> 00:04:53,927 he's been focused on its expanding economic opportunities 103 00:04:53,927 --> 00:04:55,929 and creating new housing 104 00:04:55,929 --> 00:04:58,031 and supporting small businesses throughout the entire city. 105 00:04:58,031 --> 00:05:00,167 And of course he's been with the city for a while, 106 00:05:00,167 --> 00:05:03,337 making sure, in the public safety realm, 107 00:05:03,337 --> 00:05:05,239 things are going along the way, 108 00:05:05,239 --> 00:05:08,242 he wants to see them as a crime prevention specialist, 109 00:05:08,242 --> 00:05:10,010 a subject matter expert. 110 00:05:10,010 --> 00:05:11,645 And now he uses his expertise in other areas. 111 00:05:11,645 --> 00:05:14,014 And so as land use chair, 112 00:05:14,014 --> 00:05:15,849 council member Solomon has been strong work 113 00:05:15,849 --> 00:05:18,018 to get this legislation over the finish line 114 00:05:18,018 --> 00:05:20,220 and we look forward to continuing our with him. 115 00:05:20,220 --> 00:05:22,923 And I present to you Councilmember Mark Solomon. 116 00:05:22,923 --> 00:05:24,525 -Thank you, Mayor Harrell. 117 00:05:24,525 --> 00:05:26,260 [ Applause ] 118 00:05:28,428 --> 00:05:30,898 Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. 119 00:05:30,898 --> 00:05:32,866 I'm happy to be here with you 120 00:05:32,866 --> 00:05:35,702 today to celebrate this new piece of legislation. 121 00:05:35,702 --> 00:05:40,307 Which will help revitalize key areas of downtown Seattle. 122 00:05:40,307 --> 00:05:42,342 Today we're introducing new law 123 00:05:42,342 --> 00:05:44,945 that allows for more flexible uses of ground floor spaces 124 00:05:44,945 --> 00:05:47,181 in key areas of our city's court. 125 00:05:47,181 --> 00:05:49,883 And this legislation opens the door for a broader range 126 00:05:49,883 --> 00:05:53,353 of vital police defining businesses 127 00:05:53,353 --> 00:05:55,689 and creative commercial designed. 128 00:05:55,689 --> 00:05:57,558 Making it easier for entrepreneurs, 129 00:05:57,558 --> 00:06:00,227 scientific research groups and local vendors 130 00:06:00,227 --> 00:06:04,164 to bring fresh ideas to our downtown streets. 131 00:06:04,164 --> 00:06:08,735 And as we continue recovering from the impacts COVID-19, 132 00:06:08,735 --> 00:06:10,804 we know that reestablishing the character 133 00:06:10,804 --> 00:06:14,508 of our changing downtown, is imperative. 134 00:06:14,508 --> 00:06:18,612 What people want and need from our city spaces is evolving. 135 00:06:18,612 --> 00:06:21,415 And this law responds directly to that shift. 136 00:06:21,415 --> 00:06:23,217 In a powers property owners 137 00:06:23,217 --> 00:06:25,385 and small business owners with more freedom 138 00:06:25,385 --> 00:06:30,157 to shape their spaces in ways that serve the community. 139 00:06:30,157 --> 00:06:33,627 Whether that means a pop-up shop, or a small restaurant, 140 00:06:33,627 --> 00:06:35,462 or a ground floor 141 00:06:35,462 --> 00:06:37,998 which contributes to the research and development. 142 00:06:37,998 --> 00:06:41,034 That will alter how we interact with our world. 143 00:06:41,034 --> 00:06:44,838 Or even something we haven't imagined yet. 144 00:06:44,838 --> 00:06:46,907 Very critically I want to thank many stakeholders 145 00:06:46,907 --> 00:06:51,011 who helped shaped this policy and the SDCI staff 146 00:06:51,011 --> 00:06:52,813 and the Mayor's staff. 147 00:06:52,813 --> 00:06:54,748 Who worked extremely hard, 148 00:06:54,748 --> 00:06:57,017 turning stakeholder feedback in a new legislation 149 00:06:57,017 --> 00:06:58,952 to revitalize our downtown. 150 00:06:58,952 --> 00:07:01,522 I also got to give a shout out to my policy guy, 151 00:07:01,522 --> 00:07:03,524 Thaddeus Gregory. 152 00:07:03,524 --> 00:07:05,893 Who did a heavy, a lot of heavy lifting on this himself. 153 00:07:05,893 --> 00:07:08,996 I'm not going to let the fact that he worked on 154 00:07:08,996 --> 00:07:10,531 this go unnoticed. 155 00:07:10,531 --> 00:07:13,967 So, thank you. 156 00:07:13,967 --> 00:07:17,137 Together we're building a vibrant downtown. 157 00:07:17,137 --> 00:07:20,974 It's not just recovering, but finding new vibrant life. 158 00:07:20,974 --> 00:07:24,578 And paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future. 159 00:07:24,578 --> 00:07:26,213 So, thank you. 160 00:07:26,213 --> 00:07:27,681 -Thank you Councilmember Solomon. 161 00:07:27,681 --> 00:07:29,516 [ Applause ] 162 00:07:32,486 --> 00:07:35,689 And I also, Nathan I didn't see you standing there, 163 00:07:35,689 --> 00:07:37,391 I want to recognize Nathan Torgelson, 164 00:07:37,391 --> 00:07:39,426 who is the SDCI Director, 165 00:07:39,426 --> 00:07:41,929 thank you for your leadership and your groups leadership. 166 00:07:41,929 --> 00:07:43,530 Next you'll hear from SungYang, 167 00:07:43,530 --> 00:07:45,399 I think many of you know who he is, 168 00:07:45,399 --> 00:07:47,534 Chair of the Downtown Seattle Association Board 169 00:07:47,534 --> 00:07:50,404 and the Principal at Pacific Public Affairs. 170 00:07:50,404 --> 00:07:53,807 And has over two decades of experience 171 00:07:53,807 --> 00:07:57,678 managing public policy. Sung every time I introduce you, 172 00:07:57,678 --> 00:07:59,847 you just omit the part that you work for the City of Seattle, 173 00:07:59,847 --> 00:08:02,349 I don't know what your slow plan is on this here. 174 00:08:02,349 --> 00:08:04,351 As where I met you. 175 00:08:04,351 --> 00:08:06,887 A former public servant Sung has been a champion for arts 176 00:08:06,887 --> 00:08:09,389 and economic development in our downtown neighborhoods 177 00:08:09,389 --> 00:08:11,225 and thank you for your consistent 178 00:08:11,225 --> 00:08:12,392 and strong leadership. 179 00:08:12,392 --> 00:08:13,994 Sung Yang. -Thank you, Mayor. 180 00:08:13,994 --> 00:08:16,263 [ Applause ] 181 00:08:16,263 --> 00:08:18,165 Good morning, everybody. 182 00:08:18,165 --> 00:08:21,268 I do want to start by thanking Mayor Harrell 183 00:08:21,268 --> 00:08:23,103 for this legislation. 184 00:08:23,103 --> 00:08:27,541 And also for really his unwavering dedication, 185 00:08:27,541 --> 00:08:29,543 commitment and hard work. 186 00:08:29,543 --> 00:08:32,212 Nobody works harder at making downtown thrive 187 00:08:32,212 --> 00:08:35,949 than Mayor Harrell and I want to truly thank him for that. 188 00:08:35,949 --> 00:08:37,851 I also want to thank Councilmember Solomon 189 00:08:37,851 --> 00:08:39,720 for spearheading this effort at the council 190 00:08:39,720 --> 00:08:42,489 and for rallying his colleagues around its approval. 191 00:08:42,489 --> 00:08:44,224 And everyone else here in this room 192 00:08:44,224 --> 00:08:47,327 that brought us to this really historic occasion 193 00:08:47,327 --> 00:08:50,364 of the passage of these two pieces of legislation. 194 00:08:50,364 --> 00:08:52,399 Downtown's revitalization, 195 00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:55,969 continued revitalization is critical for the entire city. 196 00:08:55,969 --> 00:08:57,671 As the regions economic engine 197 00:08:57,671 --> 00:09:00,073 what happens in the core of Seattle, 198 00:09:00,073 --> 00:09:02,576 radiates far beyond its footprint. 199 00:09:02,576 --> 00:09:04,578 As you walk through the heart of downtown 200 00:09:04,578 --> 00:09:07,047 you will see foot traffic reminiscent 201 00:09:07,047 --> 00:09:09,116 of pre-pandemic times. 202 00:09:09,116 --> 00:09:13,453 And many of our public spaces full of activity and vibrancy. 203 00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:16,523 But far too many of our storefronts remain empty 204 00:09:16,523 --> 00:09:18,592 and that doesn't send a message 205 00:09:18,592 --> 00:09:21,695 that matches with the trajectory and reality 206 00:09:21,695 --> 00:09:23,764 of downtown's upper trajectory. 207 00:09:23,764 --> 00:09:27,434 This legislation will help fill vacant ground floor spaces 208 00:09:27,434 --> 00:09:29,036 in downtown neighborhoods. 209 00:09:29,036 --> 00:09:30,804 Filling gaps in our urban fabric, 210 00:09:30,804 --> 00:09:33,340 producing even more activity on our streets. 211 00:09:33,340 --> 00:09:36,977 And driving our revitalization efforts forward. 212 00:09:36,977 --> 00:09:40,214 Downtown needs to have a diversity of businesses 213 00:09:40,214 --> 00:09:43,851 to serve its diverse population of residents, 214 00:09:43,851 --> 00:09:45,786 workers and visitors. 215 00:09:45,786 --> 00:09:49,723 By allowing new business types to be located, 216 00:09:49,723 --> 00:09:52,759 here, we are also creating opportunities 217 00:09:52,759 --> 00:09:56,096 for entrepreneurs to call downtown home. 218 00:09:56,096 --> 00:09:57,898 And setting up shop, 219 00:09:57,898 --> 00:10:01,168 downtown should feel like an attainable goal. 220 00:10:01,168 --> 00:10:05,606 Here today at a new state of the art life sciences facility 221 00:10:05,606 --> 00:10:09,443 we are recognizing how our downtown is also a hub 222 00:10:09,443 --> 00:10:11,445 for research and development. 223 00:10:11,445 --> 00:10:14,081 A critical industry in our city, 224 00:10:14,081 --> 00:10:16,717 that can now expand to ground floor spaces 225 00:10:16,717 --> 00:10:19,119 under this legislation. 226 00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:23,690 Downtown has made a tremendous comeback over the last few years 227 00:10:23,690 --> 00:10:28,395 under the Mayor's activation plan, Mayor's leadership, 228 00:10:28,395 --> 00:10:30,130 the work of the council 229 00:10:30,130 --> 00:10:32,799 and of the Downtown Seattle Association. 230 00:10:32,799 --> 00:10:36,537 Data from Downtown Seattle Association downtown's 231 00:10:36,537 --> 00:10:40,307 revitalization dashboard shows that in March 232 00:10:40,307 --> 00:10:47,447 we saw a post-pandemic high of nearly 101,000 workers downtown 233 00:10:47,447 --> 00:10:49,783 on an average per day. 234 00:10:49,783 --> 00:10:52,986 In the third month of Amazon's return to five days a week 235 00:10:52,986 --> 00:10:55,622 in the office, the South Lake Union, 236 00:10:55,622 --> 00:10:57,491 in the Denny Regrade neighborhood, 237 00:10:57,491 --> 00:11:03,030 saw daily worker foot traffic of nearly 48,000. 238 00:11:03,030 --> 00:11:07,801 Numbers that are trending closer to pre-pandemic conditions. 239 00:11:07,801 --> 00:11:10,971 And in a significant, significant development, 240 00:11:10,971 --> 00:11:12,906 local visitors and these are people 241 00:11:12,906 --> 00:11:15,209 who live within 10 miles of downtown 242 00:11:15,209 --> 00:11:18,846 are coming to the center city at an increasing rate. 243 00:11:18,846 --> 00:11:20,614 In fact, 244 00:11:20,614 --> 00:11:24,618 in March 2025 the number of local visitors 245 00:11:24,618 --> 00:11:28,622 to downtown surpassed pre-pandemic levels. 246 00:11:28,622 --> 00:11:31,191 So working with the city and our partners, 247 00:11:31,191 --> 00:11:33,160 we will continue this momentum 248 00:11:33,160 --> 00:11:35,696 and we're excited to welcome new business to downtown. 249 00:11:35,696 --> 00:11:36,930 Thank you very much. 250 00:11:36,930 --> 00:11:38,198 -Thank you, Sung. 251 00:11:38,198 --> 00:11:40,067 [ Applause ] 252 00:11:40,067 --> 00:11:41,401 Thank you, Sung. 253 00:11:41,401 --> 00:11:43,237 Next you're going to hear from Alex Aigner, 254 00:11:43,237 --> 00:11:45,772 who is the Executive Vice President of Development 255 00:11:45,772 --> 00:11:47,774 at Lincoln Property Company. 256 00:11:47,774 --> 00:11:49,843 Overseeing the firms redevelopment projects 257 00:11:49,843 --> 00:11:54,548 throughout Washington and Oregon including right here at 225th. 258 00:11:54,548 --> 00:11:56,183 And Lincoln's development pipeline 259 00:11:56,183 --> 00:11:57,918 in the pacific northwest 260 00:11:57,918 --> 00:12:00,487 includes over 1,500 multi-family units. 261 00:12:00,487 --> 00:12:03,924 And more than 500,000 square feet of commercial, 262 00:12:03,924 --> 00:12:06,193 retail and life science developments. 263 00:12:06,193 --> 00:12:08,762 This is the, Lincoln's exactly the kind of company 264 00:12:08,762 --> 00:12:10,797 we recruit and we want to stay here, 265 00:12:10,797 --> 00:12:12,533 because there is such a vital, 266 00:12:12,533 --> 00:12:14,201 they play such a vital role in our success. 267 00:12:14,201 --> 00:12:15,769 Alex, please take the mic. 268 00:12:15,769 --> 00:12:18,172 -Thank you. Good morning. 269 00:12:18,172 --> 00:12:21,408 Thank you Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Solomon. 270 00:12:21,408 --> 00:12:23,544 Thank you for everyone involved at the city 271 00:12:23,544 --> 00:12:26,413 for all your hard work to push this legislation through. 272 00:12:26,413 --> 00:12:28,148 Thank you to Ian Morrison, 273 00:12:28,148 --> 00:12:31,151 our Land Use Council at McCullough Hill Leary 274 00:12:31,151 --> 00:12:33,320 for all the hard work that you've done as well. 275 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:35,322 My name is Alex Aigner, 276 00:12:35,322 --> 00:12:38,659 I am an Executive Vice President at Lincoln Property Company. 277 00:12:38,659 --> 00:12:40,260 And with our partners, 278 00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:42,729 Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, 279 00:12:42,729 --> 00:12:47,134 we developed, own and manage this life science building. 280 00:12:47,134 --> 00:12:51,071 We want to express our sincere appreciation to the Mayor 281 00:12:51,071 --> 00:12:52,973 and to Council Solomon for your leadership 282 00:12:52,973 --> 00:12:55,843 in passing this important legislation. 283 00:12:55,843 --> 00:12:59,046 By expanding the types of street level uses permitted 284 00:12:59,046 --> 00:13:00,981 in our buildings, 285 00:13:00,981 --> 00:13:03,550 you're helping unlock opportunities for innovation, 286 00:13:03,550 --> 00:13:07,588 activation and connection in key parts of our city. 287 00:13:07,588 --> 00:13:10,791 This is a kind of regulatory flexibility, 288 00:13:10,791 --> 00:13:14,828 it's exactly what we need right now to bring new life 289 00:13:14,828 --> 00:13:18,599 into our ground floor spaces. These uses attract foot traffic, 290 00:13:18,599 --> 00:13:22,703 create jobs and contribute to a more engaging 291 00:13:22,703 --> 00:13:24,938 and walkable urban experience. 292 00:13:24,938 --> 00:13:27,574 At 225th we're matching the city's 293 00:13:27,574 --> 00:13:30,310 forward thinking policy by reimagining 294 00:13:30,310 --> 00:13:32,145 how space can be used. 295 00:13:32,145 --> 00:13:33,647 So we've launched CoLabs, 296 00:13:33,647 --> 00:13:36,016 a biotech incubator designed 297 00:13:36,016 --> 00:13:39,786 to support early stage life science companies in Seattle. 298 00:13:39,786 --> 00:13:43,056 Through CoLabs we provide flexible lab space 299 00:13:43,056 --> 00:13:46,460 and operational support to help startups grow, 300 00:13:46,460 --> 00:13:49,096 attract investment and scale. 301 00:13:49,096 --> 00:13:53,567 Our goal is to ensure the next generation of biotech companies, 302 00:13:53,567 --> 00:13:55,502 not only start in Seattle, 303 00:13:55,502 --> 00:13:57,938 but grow here and thrive here. 304 00:13:57,938 --> 00:14:01,108 And help position Seattle as a key hub in the nation 305 00:14:01,108 --> 00:14:02,910 for medical research. 306 00:14:02,910 --> 00:14:05,179 Thank you again Mayor and Councilman 307 00:14:05,179 --> 00:14:07,981 for taking this bold and thoughtful action. 308 00:14:07,981 --> 00:14:12,419 This legislation is a meaningful step to a more vibrant, 309 00:14:12,419 --> 00:14:14,621 resilient and inclusive downtown. 310 00:14:14,621 --> 00:14:17,090 And Lincoln Property Company and Intercontinental 311 00:14:17,090 --> 00:14:18,659 are proud to be a part of it. 312 00:14:18,659 --> 00:14:20,127 -Thank you, Alex. 313 00:14:20,127 --> 00:14:21,828 [ Applause ] 314 00:14:25,365 --> 00:14:26,834 Next our closer. 315 00:14:29,069 --> 00:14:32,406 Do you remember the show, this is bad, this here's 222, 316 00:14:32,406 --> 00:14:34,408 do you remember the show Room 222? 317 00:14:34,408 --> 00:14:35,409 Do any of you remember that? 318 00:14:35,409 --> 00:14:37,377 -I do. 319 00:14:37,377 --> 00:14:39,346 -You are, you and I are the only ones to remember that. 320 00:14:39,346 --> 00:14:41,582 You remember it too, okay, it was a popular show, 321 00:14:41,582 --> 00:14:44,117 I was going to try to weave that into the room. 322 00:14:44,117 --> 00:14:45,385 Okay, so that's what I first thought of 323 00:14:45,385 --> 00:14:46,653 when I saw that address. 324 00:14:46,653 --> 00:14:48,522 -I was very young. 325 00:14:48,522 --> 00:14:51,925 -You were very, I was in college, no I'm just kidding. 326 00:14:51,925 --> 00:14:54,461 So as many of you know because the great work 327 00:14:54,461 --> 00:14:56,296 that Christopher and his organizations done, 328 00:14:56,296 --> 00:14:59,766 he's the CEO of Community Roots Housing since 2007 329 00:14:59,766 --> 00:15:02,569 and he's led the organization through significant growth. 330 00:15:02,569 --> 00:15:05,472 And many award winning housing projects and. 331 00:15:05,472 --> 00:15:07,641 We know he'll be retiring later this year 332 00:15:07,641 --> 00:15:09,409 and we want to thank you Christopher, 333 00:15:09,409 --> 00:15:11,778 you're just untiring energy and commitment 334 00:15:11,778 --> 00:15:13,614 to affordable housing 335 00:15:13,614 --> 00:15:15,649 and a strong partnership with the city of Seattle. 336 00:15:15,649 --> 00:15:18,285 And all the work you've done to address housing affordability. 337 00:15:18,285 --> 00:15:20,654 So closer, Chris, take us home. 338 00:15:20,654 --> 00:15:21,922 Alright. -Thank you, Mayor. 339 00:15:21,922 --> 00:15:23,824 [ Applause ] 340 00:15:26,326 --> 00:15:27,427 Thank you, all. 341 00:15:27,427 --> 00:15:29,062 Again, my names is Chris Persons, 342 00:15:29,062 --> 00:15:31,632 I'm the CEO of Community Roots Housing. 343 00:15:31,632 --> 00:15:36,303 We own and operate 46 properties in Seattle 344 00:15:36,303 --> 00:15:40,374 comprising almost 2,000 affordable apartments. 345 00:15:40,374 --> 00:15:44,077 We also have three new projects under construction 346 00:15:44,077 --> 00:15:47,481 today comprising nearly 400 more. 347 00:15:47,481 --> 00:15:50,417 And our future development pipeline includes 348 00:15:50,417 --> 00:15:53,253 more than 700 additional homes. 349 00:15:53,253 --> 00:15:55,756 Community Roots Housing has been developing 350 00:15:55,756 --> 00:15:58,225 and operating affordable multi-family properties 351 00:15:58,225 --> 00:16:00,561 in Seattle for 50 years. 352 00:16:00,561 --> 00:16:05,232 And every year it gets harder and more expensive. 353 00:16:05,232 --> 00:16:09,169 I tell, if you've got IT professionals that work for you, 354 00:16:09,169 --> 00:16:12,372 or an IT team this might resonate with you. 355 00:16:12,372 --> 00:16:17,845 I tell my IT director, who I love, I tell him, all the time, 356 00:16:17,845 --> 00:16:21,548 just make it easier for me to do work. 357 00:16:21,548 --> 00:16:26,053 All I want to do is work and get my job done. 358 00:16:26,053 --> 00:16:29,289 As a prominent affordable housing developer, 359 00:16:29,289 --> 00:16:32,526 all I want to do is build more affordable housing. 360 00:16:32,526 --> 00:16:35,062 Make it easier for us to do our work. 361 00:16:35,062 --> 00:16:37,865 And that's what this legislation does. 362 00:16:37,865 --> 00:16:41,401 Thank you to City Council and Mayor Harrell 363 00:16:41,401 --> 00:16:45,606 for making this no-nonsense legislation happen. 364 00:16:45,606 --> 00:16:48,108 By allowing Community Roots projects 365 00:16:48,108 --> 00:16:52,346 that have temporarily stalled due to pandemic related delays. 366 00:16:52,346 --> 00:16:55,115 To allow these projects to move forward 367 00:16:55,115 --> 00:16:58,185 under the very stringent energy codes, 368 00:16:58,185 --> 00:17:00,487 they were already designed for, 369 00:17:00,487 --> 00:17:04,758 saves us millions of dollars in redesign and development costs. 370 00:17:04,758 --> 00:17:07,394 And allows our projects to move forward. 371 00:17:07,394 --> 00:17:09,997 Ensuring that affordable housing will be delivered 372 00:17:09,997 --> 00:17:12,065 to low income communities. 373 00:17:12,065 --> 00:17:14,968 Seattle remains one of the most environmentally 374 00:17:14,968 --> 00:17:17,237 sustainable city's in the country. 375 00:17:17,237 --> 00:17:19,273 The buildings 376 00:17:19,273 --> 00:17:21,108 that Community Roots Housing has developed based on a 2015 377 00:17:21,108 --> 00:17:24,578 and 2018 codes are greener 378 00:17:24,578 --> 00:17:28,382 and more energy efficient than at any time in history. 379 00:17:28,382 --> 00:17:29,416 And they all 380 00:17:29,416 --> 00:17:30,784 comply with stringent 381 00:17:30,784 --> 00:17:32,553 Washington State Evergreen 382 00:17:32,553 --> 00:17:35,455 Sustainable Development Standards. 383 00:17:35,455 --> 00:17:39,293 As we continue to work together to resolve the housing crisis 384 00:17:39,293 --> 00:17:41,295 in our city, 385 00:17:41,295 --> 00:17:45,265 I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Harrell, 386 00:17:45,265 --> 00:17:49,570 the City Council and the entire city. 387 00:17:49,570 --> 00:17:52,806 To rapidly develop affordable housing, 388 00:17:52,806 --> 00:17:56,109 while never compromising on our commitment to sustainability. 389 00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:57,878 Thank you. -Thank you, Chris. 390 00:17:57,878 --> 00:18:01,815 [ Applause ] 391 00:18:01,815 --> 00:18:03,550 Thank you, Chris. 392 00:18:03,550 --> 00:18:04,751 So we're going to sign some legislation. 393 00:18:04,751 --> 00:18:06,520 And I want to, 394 00:18:06,520 --> 00:18:08,555 again, thank you for the community leaders and 395 00:18:08,555 --> 00:18:13,393 housing leaders in potential tenants doing this great work. 396 00:18:13,393 --> 00:18:15,796 And particularly our departments here. 397 00:18:15,796 --> 00:18:18,131 Our One Seattle Approach you're going to see right 398 00:18:18,131 --> 00:18:22,703 where we need it to be, which is vibrant, active, fun, 399 00:18:22,703 --> 00:18:24,705 joyful on a great day. 400 00:18:24,705 --> 00:18:26,206 So thank you for being here, 401 00:18:26,206 --> 00:18:29,276 and let's sign some legislation so I can -- Pass me some pens. 402 00:18:29,276 --> 00:18:30,577 Okay. 403 00:18:51,031 --> 00:18:53,000 -Right here, Mayor. One, two, and three. 404 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,269 One, two, and three. Thank you. 405 00:19:24,097 --> 00:19:25,232 -Yay! 406 00:19:25,232 --> 00:19:27,267 [ Cheers and applause ]