Lake Washington and north Kenmore. Photo taken by Capture.Share.Repeat and paid for with Port of Seattle Grant funding.
The City of Kenmore has partnered with the Port of Seattle since 2017 to fund economic development projects and initiatives in the city.
The Port of Seattle’s Economic Development City Partnership Program is a cooperative economic development program that supports local and regional economic development initiatives across King County. The Port offers participating King County cities funds to support projects and initiatives that address economic growth, encourage the use of the Port’s facilities, supports jobs, and diversify the business ecosystem by increasing access and support for disadvantaged businesses, women-owned, and/or minority-owned business enterprises (WMBE). Funding is made to King County cities on a per-capita calculation based on Washington State Office of Financial Management annual population estimates.
For the 2025-2026 biennium budget cycle, the City of Kenmore was awarded funding for the following projects with specific areas of focus:
ShopMore Webpage on Findkenmore.org – Buy Local/Placemaking Focus
In 2023, the City of Kenmore launched FindKenmore.org, a modern business directory and tourism website designed to promote Kenmore’s local businesses and attractions. This project creates a new ShopMore webpage on the site dedicated to marketing local craft markets, pop-ups, and other shop local events.
Shopmore Graphic by V2Works. Work paid for by Port of Seattle grant funds.
2025 Holiday Shopping Pass paid for by Port of Seattle Grant funds.
Digital Pass on Findkenmore.org website – Buy Local/Placemaking Focus
A smart, measurable way to support Kenmore’s economy and amplify FindKenmore.org. This project provides a mobile-first platform that connects residents and visitors to local businesses through curated passes, incentives, and experiences. The Digital Pass enhances previous investments in FindKenmore.org by turning awareness into measurable action and repeated engagement. Passes will be tailored around a key community and cultural moment giving residents an easy way to explore, spend, and celebrate together locally. Other Digital Pass opportunities include World Cup business activation in 2026, Kenmore Oktoberfest in 2026, Kenmore Winterfest in 2026, and potentially more event related engagements.
Scenic Washington travel writer. Photo and story paid for with Port of Seattle Grant funds.
Photography, Videography & Content Creation for Tourism Marketing – Tourism Focus
Having up-to-date photos and videos is essential for visitor/tourism promotion and this project will continue to support these efforts in 2025 and 2026. This project utilizes professional photographers, videographers, and content creators to capture Kenmore in creative ways for marketing and tourism efforts. The content highlights local restaurants, shops, parks, special events, hidden treasures, and other interesting aspects of the city.
Professional content will be used for the Findkenmore.org business directory and tourism website and for the City of Kenmore website, advertising materials, business promotion, and other marketing efforts showcasing the city.
Findkenmore.org Marketing Campaign – Tourism Focus
With the support from Port of Seattle Economic Development grant funding, the Findkenmore.org website will be updated with a new ShopMore page, updated photos, video, and social media content, and also a new Digital Pass providing discounts and deals to local shoppers. A marketing campaign with digital and print advertising in local and regional publications, and social media advertising, will draw visitors to the website to experience these new enhancements and help drive traffic to local businesses. Advertising regionally will also expand Kenmore’s reach to new visitors and promote tourism in the area.
Stay tuned for more updates on Port of Seattle Projects throughout 2026!
