Construction

Seattle’s construction industry is diverse, innovative, and socially responsible. This sector is multidimensional and the backbone for driving economic growth. It generates revenue locally, stimulates growth in various sectors, and creates jobs that attract businesses and foster economic prosperity.

Why do business in Seattle?

Seattle and the Puget Sound region have experienced supply chain growth through the Port of Seattle which has generated $12.4 billion in economic impact and supports about 58,000 family wage jobs. With the recent opening of Terminal 5, larger vessels are becoming common in the region, making Seattle competitive and viable in the global trade network. This is a benefit to the construction industry which has seen increased delays and increased costs in materials.

Additionally, the SODO neighborhood - a hub for industry - has proximity to rail and port that allows for quick supply chain access for both import and export opportunities. 

At the state level, there are a number of benefits and incentives for locally based companies, including:

  • Income Tax: Washington State does not have a corporate income tax, allowing companies to save $35,000 to $3 million annually, depending on profit margin.
  • Business & Occupational Tax: Washington uses a business and occupation (B&O) tax in place of an income tax. This means that regardless of its profitability, the company will be taxed only on its gross receipts. The state’s standard manufacturing rate is 0.484%.
  • Personal and Intangibles: Washington is one of only seven states without a personal income tax. Washington also does not impose a tax on intangible assets such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds.

Driving construction growth

Construction in Seattle is robust and steadily growing. Increasingly, sustainable and responsible practices are shaping Seattle, driving demand for an increased supply of environmentally efficient projects.

We are leaders in green project designs and development in the region, driving economic growth, sustainability, affordability, and quality of life. 

Our Work

The Office of Economic Development aims to address economic disparities in the construction sector and provide living-wage jobs. To accomplish this, we work to equip BIPOC communities and women with job education. We are committed to improving the culture of construction through investments and partnerships with organizations who provide training to individuals and companies that want to become more diverse, inclusive, and equitable in their workplace or job sites.

We support the construction sector with capacity building investments and partnerships that create a robust ecosystem for planning, design, and environmentally sustainable projects.

$281M City of Seattle average annual spend

The City of Seattle is projected to spend an average of $281 million per year on construction projects between 2022-2026.

$8.6B in infrastructure investments

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will stimulate construction activities in Washington with $8.6 billion in funding for infrastructure and transportation improvements.

160K average annual demand for workers

Between 2022 and 2026, tri-county regional demand for construction workers is projected at about 160,000 workers per year.

Economic Development

Alicia Teel, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8090
Fax: (206) 684-0379
oed@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Economic Development is to help create healthy businesses, thriving neighborhoods, and community organizations to contribute to a robust economy that will benefit all Seattle residents and future generations.