Marissa Taylor

Background

About Marissa Taylor

Marissa is a policy professional with a background in both international and local economic development. She is committed to building a sustainable and equitable future that safeguards livelihoods by protecting both the natural environment and an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Marissa is currently working as a Business Policy Advisor for the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development. She helps shape the economic policy landscape for small businesses and supports the long-term development strategies implemented by the City of Seattle. Marissa is focused on preventing displacement of marginalized populations while encouraging growth, increasing equity and providing opportunities for underserved populations in Seattle. Prior to working for the City, Marissa worked as an Economic Growth and Trade Specialist for Chemonics International, working at the nexus of economic development policy, climate and conflict. Marissa worked globally wherever there were USAID projects but most notably worked on development projects in Ukraine, Colombia, Palestine, Libya, Guatemala, SE Asia and Pakistan. During her time at the Harvard Kennedy School, Marissa worked with the Ukraine Ministry of Economy contributing to the country’s economic reconstruction plan and with CARE Social Ventures on transforming non-profits into sustainable business ventures. Marissa was a 2023 Presidential Management Fellowship Finalist.