Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has appointed three Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders — Dae Shik Kim, Joe Nguyen and Yifan Zhang — to a new task force focused on strengthening and diversifying the city’s economy.
The Resilient Seattle Economy Task Force brings together leaders from technology, creative industries, manufacturing, hospitality, maritime, small business and organized labor to identify barriers to growth and expand economic opportunities.
Kim, executive development producer at Spotify and Get Me Outta Here, will bring a perspective on Seattle’s creative economy, including film, music, visual arts, fashion and design. He said the city’s creative industries could help revitalize downtown and create career pathways for young people.
“I’m looking forward to working with this task force to build the pathways that let our young people see themselves reflected in this industry, and prove you can be based in Seattle and build a sustainable career right here at home,” Kim said.
Nguyen, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Zhang, managing director of AI House, are also among the 18 task force members named by Wilson.
The task force will build on findings from the Seawall: Building a Resilient Seattle Economy report, developing recommendations to address industry-specific needs and broader challenges affecting the city’s economic growth.
Wilson said the group will focus on connecting businesses with city resources, removing barriers and expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs and young people.
Initial efforts will address downtown revitalization, collaboration across industries, business attraction and retention, and simplifying the process of opening and operating a business in Seattle.
Randa Minkarah, Chief Operating Executive of Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) said, “Seattle has long been a vital hub for entrepreneurs, grounded in a culture of innovation and creativity producing life-improving technologies. Our ability to attract and support founders is central to the city’s economic resilience, and WTIA is glad to see Mayor Wilson prioritize this work.”
The task force will hold industry roundtables and listening sessions this year. Wilson has directed members to deliver initial findings by February 2027, with a final report and recommendations due by November 2027.
Leave a Reply