Pamela L. Banks is a tireless advocate for equality and social justice, building community partnerships and strengthening community engagement to create lasting economic opportunity. In December 2020, Pamela joined the Mayor’s cabinet in a newly created role as the Director of Recovery and Equitable Investments to lead the City of Seattle in social and economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. In February 2021, Mayor Durkan expanded her role to serve as Interim Director for the Office of Economic Development. The Office of Economic Development continues to be a lifeline for many by promoting access to economic opportunities, especially for small business and workers. Before returning to work at the City, Pamela was President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Prior to that, she retired after 30 years working for the City and built a reputation for making city government more accessible to underserved residents, community organizations and small businesses. Pamela has served on multiple boards and is a graduate of the University of Washington. In her free time, Pamela enjoys trying new restaurants throughout Seattle with family and friends.
Program Notes by Merrill Mayer:
- 5th director in 4 years
- Focused on recovery from COVID
- Vision is build inclusive economy.
- Many impacted by COVID especially Bipoc and low income. Try for equitable recovery.
- Cannot have healthy city without healthy downtown.
- Teams of people work with communities. Provide training for careers. High wage careers. Focus on growth industries. Partner with unions for training.
- Neighborhood recovery, downtown revitalization, small business support
- $128 million to deal with housing and homelessness, biz recovery, community well being, community assistance. 23 million of this for Seattle office of economic development. Money will be used to revitalize downtown and get people back to work. Also concerned with Public safety, beautification.
- Community driven ideas for neighborhood revitalization.
- Going week by week to assess impact of Delta variant.
- Housing alone won’t solve homelessness. Need services.
- Try to bring back 1/3 of previous downtown workers to offices.
- Allow different use for ground floor biz. Example, have art studio or dentist office instead of retail.
