COVID economic recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic left large portions of our regional economy and workers devastated, compounding existing inequities that our most vulnerable communities have faced for decades. The artists, filmmakers, musicians, union crews, and content creators who help make this region culturally vibrant and economically strong are suffering. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC communities), women, and individuals with no formal higher education have been disproportionately impacted. This economic fallout will have a long-lasting effect on our region for years to come. Executive Constantine is committed to helping our local businesses and regional workforce recover from the simultaneous public health, economic, and social justice crises. King County government's regional economic and workforce recovery plan relies on collaboration throughout the county. This includes King County leadership, regional agencies, business and industry organizations, labor unions, and community stakeholders. 

King County also recognizes the need and urgency for more direct investments in BIPOC communities to improve economic opportunity and wellbeing. Effective community engagement will ensure that the "Fair and Just" principle remains central in this critical economic development and recovery work.

Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic, we are seeing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to rebuild our region with a renewed commitment to inclusive economic opportunity. Together we will rebuild a regional economy that is equitable, sustainable, and committed to anti-racism.  

Creative Sector Recovery

As part of our COVID recovery plan, Executive Constantine and the King County Council have allocated funding to put our cultural and creative workers back to work, and help the creative sector, hit especially hard by the pandemic, open their doors and get back in business. As part of this creative sector recovery strategy, King County has allocated $34.4 million in ARPA funding for arts and culture organizations, festival and event producers, independent live music venues, independent movie theaters, and science organizations. $9.4 million of this funding is being administered by 4Culture.

As part of this creative sector recovery strategy, King County has allocated $34.4 million in federal ARPA funding for arts and culture organizations, festival and event producers, independent live music venues, independent movie theaters, and science organizations, and Harbor Island Studios development. A portion of this funding ($9.4 million) is being administered by 4Culture.