Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/24/2020 02:43 PM PDT

We're All in This Together

Over these past few weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, we have all experienced a lot of change that has fundamentally altered Seattle. It feels unreal; like nothing we have ever lived through.  

But even in the midst of this, what sustains me, what gives me a deep sense of hope that will get through this is the enormous goodwill, generosity and empathy that has come from our Seattle community and neighborhoods. Time after time, I have heard story after story of the kindness that neighbors have shown each other. I have heard “how can I help?” more than “what about me!”  And help is coming in all shapes and sizes. From buying gift cards from their favorite small business to delivering groceries to our most vulnerable. It is in our communities where people are watching out for each other. It is in our neighborhoods – every day, all the time.

Andrés Mantilla, Director, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Front Desk Closed
The City of Seattle continues to follow the guidance of public health officials at Public Health - Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. To prevent spread of COVID-19 the City of Seattle has temporarily closed all public facing service counters. 
illustration of people standing 6 feet apart

Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in King County: Learn More at the Public Health - Seattle & King County Website
2 people of color embracing and smiling, with text: "We're Here. We Count."

Completing the Census Has Never Been Easier: You Can Respond Online, By Phone, or By Mail
text "COVID-19 Community Webinars"

Get Connected to our Weekly COVID-19 Community Webinars
illustration of coronavirus

COVID-19 Resources: Find Information About Relief Programs Offered by the City, the County and the State

OTHER CITY NEWS

West Seattle Bridge Closed Until Further Notice: Out of an abundance of caution, Seattle Department of Transportation is closing the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge to all traffic due to accelerated concrete cracking that was identified during a regular bridge inspection. (more)

To Ease Financial Impacts of COVID-19, Mayor Durkan Signs Emergency Order to Temporarily Halt Evictions of Small Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations: The order’s temporary moratorium on small business and nonprofit tenant evictions is effective immediately for any action related to the non-payment of rent or due to the expiration of the lease’s term during the moratorium. (more)

City of Seattle to Provide Immediate Rent Relief for Nonprofit and Small Business Tenants: Mayor Durkan announced today that the City of Seattle will provide $400,000 in rent relief to arts and cultural and other nonprofits, small businesses, and artists’ studios that are located on City-owned facilities. (more)

Temporary Transit Service Reductions In Effect: Metro has designed reductions to maintain some service on as many routes as possible, acknowledging that people rely on these routes to access medical care, grocery stores, and other vital services. (more)

Now More Than Ever, We Need Your Help to #SupportSeattleSmallBiz: Post pictures and videos from your favorite Seattle restaurants, bars, and cafes that are doing delivery, to-go, and drive-through with #SupportSeattleSmallBiz and #WeGotThisSeattle. (more)

Mayor Durkan Announces $1 Million Expansion of Small Business Stabilization Fund: Eligible small businesses can receive a grant of up to $10,000 to mitigate revenue lost by COVID-19. In addition, small businesses in Seattle and King County are now eligible to apply for up to $2 million in low‑interest Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans to offset economic losses caused by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. (more)

Mayor's Arts Recovery Package to Support Creative Workers and Arts and Cultural Organizations Impacted by COVID-19: The investment is a combination of funding strategies designed to help the arts and culture sector through direct grants to organizations and creative workers most impacted by this crisis. (more)

Emergency Eviction Order Announced: Mayor Durkan signed an emergency order to put into place a temporary moratorium on residential evictions, which will keep Seattle families from losing their homes as a result of impacts from the pandemic. (more)

COVID-19 Assistance and Public Charge FAQ for Immigrants: This guide will assist immigrants who want to know more about how the issue of public charge might affect their ability to access healthcare and other services during this COVID-19 outbreak. (more)

Emergency Food Vouchers to Support Those in Need During COVID-19: The City of Seattle is contributing $5 million to provide emergency food vouchers to approximately 6,250 families in need. (more)

Small Business COVID-19 Impacts Weekly Webinar: The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is committed to responding to and supporting our small businesses to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. As this is a rapidly developing issue, they will be holding weekly calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. (more)