REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond is proud to announce its participation in the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program. As a selected participant, Redmond will receive a $15,000 grant to advance the support of small businesses and entrepreneurs, along with five-month coaching from NLC. Redmond is one of eight municipalities across the country selected to receive coaching and support from NLC's expert staff to help continue the City’s efforts in strengthening equitable small business support for the community. The funding from NLC is also being matched by the City’s Economic Development program.
With this grant funding, the City will support the hiring of a consultant to work with a coalition of regional partners to maximize the opportunities related to the development of a multicultural Eastside small business hub and shared commercial kitchen facility within Bellwether Housing’s Overlake Village Station transit-oriented development (TOD) project. This is a unique opportunity to leverage an affordable housing development project adjacent to the new Overlake light rail station. The space will provide nearly 10,000 square feet for partners to build on existing collaborative work supporting regional small business owners, including those farthest from opportunity and most impacted by inequities from the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The coalition includes Indian American Community Services (IACS), OneEastside SPARK, Eastside for All, and many other community-based organizations working with diverse businesses in Redmond and throughout the Eastside.
“This grant will allow the City to leverage partnerships to support and strengthen our diverse small businesses and entrepreneurs in Redmond,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “We appreciate the National League of Cities providing this exciting opportunity that aligns with our commitment to keep Redmond an equitable, sustainable, and resilient community.”
NLC selected Redmond for the program because of its demonstrated commitment to expand and test innovative solutions that advance community members’ economic mobility. In the months ahead, the City will engage in NLC-led peer learning opportunities.
“We know that the economic vitality of a city is directly linked to the economic stability of the people who live there,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony. “NLC applauds the communities selected for prioritizing economic mobility, and we look forward to working hand-in-hand over the next several months to maximize the impact of every dollar in this grant.”
NLC’s Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program is generously supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
For questions about Redmond’s Economic Development program, visit the City’s website or contact Economic Development Manager Philly Marsh at pmarsh@redmond.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jill E. Smith, Communications Manager
jesmith@redmond.gov, 425-556-2448
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.