Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

A woman in a sunhat watering a garden

P-Patches Help AAPI Community Gardeners Stay Connected to Their Heritage

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are hosting a series of P-Patch gardener profiles from community gardens around the city. Gardeners shared their or their family’s story of coming to the United States, their favorite plants to grow, and how growing food keeps them connected to their culture. These interviews were part of a larger series of stories celebrating and honoring people, businesses, organization, and projects connected to the history of Seattle’s AAPI community.

Read the interviews on the Front Porch Blog

Other City News

Discounts for Internet Service Provided by Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to pay for internet during the pandemic. (more)

Apply for Open Positions on the Sweetened Beverage Tax Community Advisory Board: This 11-member body makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on programs and services to fund with the Sweetened Beverage Tax revenue. (more)

Free Recreation Classes on the Waterfront: Friends of Waterfront Seattle will be hosting free 30-minutes classes on Pier 62 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Waivers, masks, and social distancing are required. (more)

In-School Clinics Offer Vaccination Opportunities for Seattle Students: The Seattle Fire Department is hosting 52 in-school vaccination clinics for students over 12. Students will need to provide written guardian consent prior to being vaccinated. (more)

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Application Deadline Extended to May 31: Eligible seniors can receive a one-time distribution of vouchers to be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. (more)

City of Seattle Earthquake Response: Priorities and Coordination: Join this webinar Thursday, May 27 for an overview of our region’s earthquake risk, likely impacts, and what a local government response looks like. (more)

Help Shape Recycling, Composting, and Disposal Services in Seattle: Seattle Public Utilities is looking for new members to join the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to help the city move toward Zero Waste. (more

Paycheck Protection Program Application Extended to May 31: Learn about eligibility to apply for forgivable loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. (more)

Construction on Lakeridge Playfield and Playground to Begin June 1: New additions to the park include play equipment, ballfield turf, and accessibility improvements. (more)

Community Feedback Informs Curbspace and Access Plan around Climate Pledge Arena: Read about street use plans that prioritize on-street parking and encourage transit use, biking, and walking to the venue. (more)

In The Community

A storefront of a restaurant with sign atop that says "Maneki"

Japantown Restaurant, Maneki, Receives National Grant Supporting Historic Small Restaurants

After a challenging year of closures and service adjustments, Maneki has been selected to receive a $40,000 national grant from a program aimed at supporting small historic restaurants across the country. The funding is part of an effort from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help culturally significant independent restaurants mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maneki was one of 25 places in the U.S. to receive a grant.

Read the full story in Eater Seattle

Share Your Feedback

Skybridge Director’s Rule Open for Public Comment: Review updates on the existing rule including information on the skybridge evaluation process, permit terms, and public benefit. (more)

Design Review Survey Open for South Park Plaza: The South Park community is invited to provide input for schematic designs to help determine the future of the South Park Plaza. (more)

Help Guide Street Improvements in Pioneer Square: Learn about previous feedback and progress on the updated design for east-west streets and share your thoughts on the project. (more)

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