Governance

Management & Oversight

Pike Place Market is operated by the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA), a not-for-profit public corporation that was chartered as a result of Seattlelites’ voting in 1971 to save the historic Market from urban development. The Pike Place Market PDA which began operating in 1973, owns the majority of the Market and manages the day-to-day activities to support the hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, small businesses, and residents.

The Pike Place Market PDA is overseen by the Pike Place Market Council while the historic elements of the Market are overseen by the Pike Place Market Historical Commission.

Charter of the Pike Place Market PDA

Established on June 23, 1973, the Charter of the Pike Place Market PDA ensures the Market is preserved in a manner consistent with providing opportunities for Public Market farmers, merchants, residents, shoppers, and visitors to carry on their tradition and Market activities. The 32-page document requires the Pike Place Market PDA to:

Increase opportunities for farm and food retailing in the Market
Act as a business incubator and support small and marginal businesses
Provide services for low-income people and
Preserve, rehabilitate and protect the Market’s historic buildings

Read the full Charter

The Pike Place Market PDA Council

The Pike Place Market PDA Council serves as an oversight board for the Pike Place Market PDA and is comprised of twelve volunteer members representing Seattle’s diverse community. The council includes four members appointed by the mayor of Seattle, four appointed by the Council itself, and four elected by the Pike Place Market Constituency.

The Pike Place Market Historical Commission

The Pike Place Market Historical Commission is charged with preserving the Market’s physical and social character as “the soul of Seattle.” The Historical Commission provides guidelines and regulatory oversight of the buildings and activities within the district.

The Commission’s guidelines are available here.

The Pike Place Market Constituency

The Pike Place Market Constituency was established in 1973 alongside the Pike Place Market PDA. The Constituency ensures there is public participation in Pike Place Market’s future and acts as an advisory and lobbying group to the Pike Place Market PDA and the Seattle City Council. The Constituency also elects one member to the Pike Place Market Council each year.

Anyone who is at least 16 years old can join the Constituency. Membership registration cards are available at the PDA office or by clicking here. For more information, please visit the Constituency’s website.