City of Seattle works to make running a small business more affordable

SEATTLE — The Mayor’s Commercial Affordability Committee says retail rents are up 28 percent in just the last four years and that puts pressure on businesses like Cafe Avole in South Seattle.

At Cafe Avole the coffee comes in the Ethiopian tradition.

Owner Solomon Dubie is a Seattle native who is steeped in the traditions of his Ethiopian parents.

“I grew the passion from just that everyday experience I've gotten from home,” he told us at his 4 year old business.

But the booming economy has made buildings more valuable, putting pressure on landlords to raise rents.

“I'm afraid that as we develop and as we grow that there will be this pressure of rent increase.”

Easing the pressure on small businesses is the goal of the City's Commercial Affordability Advisory Committee.

Today members released recommendations including a tax breaks for landlords that support small businesses.

“Together I believe that they can create a pathway forward for us to be an affordable city for our small businesses,” Mayor Ed Murray told the group.

But the recommendations do not include commercial rent control as some small business owners advocated last year.

Committee members said landlords would just cover increased costs by raising apartment rents.

“Those costs have to be shared and if they can't be shared with commercial tenants then they will be exclusively laid on the rent burden of the resident,” said retail recruiter Shanti Breznau.

The committee invited reporters to the second floor of King Street Station which will be developed as a pilot project for affordable retail and restaurant spaces.

There is months of work ahead, but if the proposals are successful they'll be able help Seattle grow without losing what makes neighborhoods special.

Cox Media Group