WHEREAS, the City launched the Innovation Advisory Council on August 2, 2018 to bring some of our region's most innovative companies together with City of Seattle leaders to develop data-driven technological solutions to some of our region's most pressing challenges; and

WHEREAS, Affordable Seattle originated from an Executive Order signed in the very first week of Mayor Durkan's first term, with the goal of making it quicker and easier than ever for residents to find out which money-saving programs they qualify for; and

WHEREAS, Expedia Group has been a strong partner and leader throughout the first year of the Innovation Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, Expedia Group embraced the opportunity to help the City of Seattle create the Affordability Portal; and

WHEREAS, Expedia Group employees volunteered a significant portion of their time, effort and expertise to help collaboratively design, develop, and implement the Affordability Portal; and

WHEREAS, employees from Seattle IT, Department of Education and Early Learning, Office of Sustainability and Environment, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Human Services Department all contributed to Affordable Seattle's success; and

WHEREAS, Julie Gelfuso, Tom Shivitz, and Josh Diamond helped to lead the talented team at Expedia Group in making the Affordability Portal a successful, intuitive, and practical way to navigate City of Seattle programs; and

WHEREAS, Affordable Seattle represents the culmination of an unprecedented public-private partnership that will benefit all Seattle residents;

NOW, THEREFORE I, JENNY A. DURKAN, MAYOR OF SEATTLE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM DECEMBER 12, 2019 TO BE?

Team Affordable Seattle Day

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan

City of Seattle