Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

A graphic design image that says "Take Care of Each Other. Neighbor Day."

Celebrate Kindness: Nominate Someone for Neighbor Day Recognition

Neighbor Day was established in 1995 as a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other. This year, it seems more important than ever to recognize the power of kindness and to amplify the generosity and love that has sprouted out of hardship. Throughout the duration of the pandemic, we have seen people rise above fear and isolation to lend a helping hand and support their neighbors in need.

As we prepare for this year's Neighbor Day celebration on Saturday, May 8, we want to amplify these acts of kindness and honor the people across the city who have gone above and beyond to give back to their community. If there is a person, business, or organization you believe deserves to be recognized, we encourage you to nominate them! 

Learn more on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

Rainier Beach and West Seattle Vaccination Sites Extend COVID-19 Testing: With a recent surge in cases, the Seattle Fire Department will continue to provide free COVID-19 testing. (more)

Seattle Parks and Recreation to Offer Summer Camps for Children Ages 5-12: Learn more about expanded hours and program locations for full-day summer childcare. (more)

City Extends Childcare Copay Relief for Families through June: New applicants are being accepted for City childcare programs with discounted copays. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply. (more)

Two Temporary Hotel Shelters Open in Seattle: Read about new units available to support individuals experiencing homelessness and plans to help people transition to permanent housing. (more)

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Helps Performance Spaces Devastated by COVID-19 Closures: New financial assistance option will help local event venues recover from losses incurred during the pandemic. (more)

Close to Home: Stories of Health, Tech & Resilience. April 1 @ 10:30 am: Tune in to learn how local organizations have navigated housing and transportation services during the pandemic. (more)

Clean City Initiative Provides Added Support to Business Districts throughout the City: Learn how Clean City funds have increased efforts to keep streets and sidewalks clean by addressing problems with litter and graffiti. (more)

Draft Transit Station Plan Released for NE Seattle Neighborhoods: View draft plans for future light rail stations, and learn how community input was incorporated into the planning process. (more)

Weekend Service Closures for Link Light Rail throughout April: Learn more about impacted routes, alternate transit options, and work being conducted to connect new East Link rail lines. (more)

Join the Customer Review Panel and Help Advise Utility Leaders: Learn more about the panel and how you can help guide utility services. (more)

Funding Available for Water and Waste Innovation Projects: One-time funding is available to support hygiene access and waste reduction efforts across the city. (more)

In The Community

A portrait of Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal done with marker on a silver background.

Anonymous Artist Expands Street Installation Honoring Influential Women

Last April, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to be felt. As Seattle residents sheltered in their homes and businesses closed their doors for an unknown amount of time, an artist took to the streets in Columbia City to bring a bit of brightness to a dark and scary moment. Neon-framed, hand-drawn portraits of influential women like Michelle Obama, Lindy West, and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez began appearing on telephone poles throughout the South Seattle neighborhood, each featuring an inspirational quote from the figure. The installation, “That’s What She Said 206” was created by a local artist who wishes to remain anonymous. This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the artist expanded the installation, hanging new portraits and highlighting a different female leader each day on their Instagram page @thatswhatshesaid206.

View more in a photo essay from the South Seattle Emerald.

Share Your Feedback

Share Your Ideas for Improvements to Highland Park Elementary School Play Area: Learn more about play area improvement opportunities and provide feedback on existing features. (more)

Provide Input on Magnuson Park Circulation Plan and Comfort Station Feasibility Study: Help Seattle Parks and Recreation select a location and layout for new restrooms and recommend updates to the existing navigation system within the park. (more)

Feedback Wanted for Miller Community Center Artwork: Provide feedback on the design for a new public art project that embraces sustainability. (more)

Community Engagement Survey for U-District Mural Program: Give ideas and inspiration to artists creating murals in the U-District. (more)