Small businesses in Seattle are an essential tool for economic opportunity and mobility. Small businesses have been disproportionally impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic crisis, which will last for years to come. During this historic period, we also recognize this moment of shifting ideology and policies, and the global fight for racial and social justice. 

As we reckon with generations of systemic racism, particularly towards Black and Brown people, we are left with redefining what public safety – both existing and reimagined - means in our city. Unfortunately, the voice of small business is not being fully recognized in that conversation by the Seattle City Council or the Mayor's Office.

Therefore, the Seattle Neighborhood Business Districts, including the Alliance for Pioneer Square, have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to redefine the expectations on behalf of our small business community. The MOU lists basic needs and safety measures to ensure clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant business districts. Small businesses should be able to operate within their storefronts safely, employees should be able to go to work without fear of being physically or verbally accosted, and customers should feel safe patronizing their local business and accessing personal services.