In December, the City of Seattle launched a program to fill empty storefronts with artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. The initial neighborhoods were Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, Belltown, and Westlake. Fifteen of the original thirty businesses have signed six-month lease extensions.

This week, Mayor Harrell announced that the City would expand this program to Ballard, Little Saigon, and Southeast Seattle. Participating businesses and landlords can also receive stipends from the City.