CORRECTION: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

We apologize for an error in the version of our newsletter sent out earlier today. Please see the corrected version below for accurate information regarding our currently open positions at the Department of Neighborhoods. 

Illustration of a man with brown skin and a black hat, smiling. Small, handwritten text says "Roberto Ascalon"

Reimagine Seattle: Roberto Ascalon

Local poet Roberto Ascalon reflects on the joy, pain, and responsibility of parenthood, the importance of sharing the beauty of the little things with each other, and the power of fire to both ignite change and warm a bone-chilling cold. This submission is part of the Reimagine Seattle storytelling project that invites community members to reflect on their experiences in the city and their hopes for the future of Seattle.

Read full story on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

Mayor Harrell Seeks New Members for Pioneer Square Preservation Board: Four volunteers are needed to serve on the 10-member board to help review alterations, construction, and street improvements in the neighborhood. (more)

Community Partnerships to Drive “One Seattle” Comprehensive Plan Update: Six community-based organizations have been selected to help design public engagement strategies for the greater vision of how we grow and invest in our communities. (more)

City Invests $8 Million to Support Small Businesses in Long-Term Pandemic Recovery: The Capital Access Program brings economic recovery funding directly to small businesses by connecting them with loans to support business expenses and operating costs. (more)

Station Planning Progress Report Showcases Design Concepts for Light Rail Extension: Sound Transit has published station designs for the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions project that help capture ideas on how riders will access the stations and how the stations might fit into the surrounding neighborhoods. (more)

Digital Equity Grant Funding Opportunities Help Close the Digital Divide: Technology Matching Fund Grants brings $620,000 in available funding for community organizations working on projects to increase digital equity. (more)

Request for Proposals Open for Equitable Development Initiative: Community-based organizations working on anti-displacement efforts in high displacement risk neighborhoods are encouraged to apply for funds to support capacity building, property acquisition, and capital expenses. (more)

Help Shape How Transportation Works in Seattle by Joining an Advisory Board or Committee: The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking community representatives to fill volunteer positions on multiple advisory boards and committees. (more)

In The Community

A an art installation of a living willow bench sits along the Duwamish River

New Art Springs Up Along Duwamish River

Art Walk at Riverton Creek is a new ecological art installation created by Tukwila’s artist in residence, Sarah Kavage. The exhibit showcases five pieces nestled into a natural setting surrounded by industry and infrastructure along a short stretch of the Green River Trail. The installation includes three living willow pieces and is part of the restoration of Riverton Creek at the point where it meets the Duwamish River.

Read the full story in Crosscut.


Four people stand next to the trunk of a giant western red cedar tree, construction debris pictured in front

Seward Park Community Comes Together to Save Neighborhood Giant Western Red Cedar

When residents of Seward Park noticed construction debris and heavy material around a revered western red cedar on South Mayflower Street, they began to express concern. They soon learned that the tree, known as May, was slated to be removed once a permit was approved. Neighbors stepped into action to protect May, sending complaints about the debris, protesting the removal, and highlighting a broader issue regarding sparser green space in historically BIPOC neighborhoods and the important role tree canopies play in human health.

Read full story in the South Seattle Emerald.

Share Your Feedback

Community Input Needed for Seattle Transportation Plan: Help Seattle Department of Transportation establish a renewed vision for the future of our streets and public spaces by participating in a public survey.  (more)

Public Comment Period Open for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extension: Community input needed on Draft Environmental Impact Statement as well as route and station options. Survey open until April 28. (more)

Final Community Design Input Needed for North Rainier Landbank Site: Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking for participation in the survey “Fabric of Community” to provide feedback on textile patterns to be incorporated into the park design. (more