PACE E-Newsletter: June 2025
We should have updates on the 2025 People's Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) cohorts next month. In the meantime, we want to keep sharing out information on other civic engagement programs, learning opportunities, and ways to get involved. Please see below for more information.
Contact PACE@seattle.gov if you have any questions before our next email update.
NEW!
City of Seattle News
Learning Opportunities and Resources
Opportunities to Serve on Commissions and Advisory Councils or Volunteer
Surveys and Input Opportunities
STILL OPEN
Major weekend travel disruptions June 21-22: Downtown transit tunnel closure, ‘Revive I-5,’ Solstice events, Club World Cup soccer
Please plan for additional travel time this weekend due to major highway construction, popular community and sporting events, and Link light rail repair work in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.
Transit is a key alternative to avoid driving in congestion caused by weekend lane closures on northbound I-5 in Seattle across the Ship Canal Bridge, but with an asterisk: Emergency repair work in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel on Saturday and Sunday means no Link light rail 1 Line service between Capitol Hill and SODO stations.
For more information and ideas for how to navigate a challenging travel weekend, go to this blogpost from King County Metro.
Seattle City Council District 5 Vacancy - Information and Next Steps
Why is There a Vacancy on the Seattle City Council?
Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) resigned her seat on the Seattle City Council, effective July 7, 2025, leaving a vacancy on the Seattle City Council beginning on July 8, 2025.
The City Charter gives the City Council 20 calendar days to fill a vacant Council position. This 20-day period begins, July 8, 2025, the first day following Councilmember Moore’s official resignation, and ends on, July 28, 2025.
From the date of the appointment, the newly appointed councilmember will serve until the 2026 General Election results are certified by King County Elections and the newly elected councilmember representing District 5 takes the oath of office.
Meetings and Public Forum - Dates (subject to change)
The dates and formats of meetings and forums, and the procedure to vote for candidates will be determined by the Council.
- Community Forum
- Monday, July 21, 2025 at TBD
- Scheduled City Council Meetings to Discuss Candidates
- Thursday, July 17, 2025 at TBD
- Tuesday, July 22 at TBD
- Anticipated City Council Vote on Appointment
- Special City Council Meeting, Monday, July 28 at TBD
Please go to this webpage for more information on the application and qualifications for filling the Council Vacancy: https://www.seattle.gov/cityclerk/council-vacancy
Final List of 2025 Democracy Voucher Program Candidates Now Available
The list of Democracy Voucher Program candidates is now official, and they are all eager to earn your support.
This year, Seattle Mayor, City Attorney, and City Council Positions 2, 8, and 9 are on the ballot. Want to learn more about the candidates running for these roles? You can find the final list of candidates here.
Candidates are invited to submit a 200-word Candidate Introduction and photo, giving you a closer look at who they are. Candidate Introductions are translated into the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Cambodian/Khmer, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, French, Filipino/Tagalog, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.
Access the Candidate Introductions in your preferred language by visiting our website.
Lost your Democracy Vouchers? You can request new ones using the online form or by calling (206) 727-8855.
Ready to return your vouchers? You can return your vouchers using the pre-paid envelope included in your voucher packet (no stamp is required) or by following the instructions included with your paper vouchers to submit your vouchers online.
For more information, visit http://www.seattle.gov/democracyvoucher or call 206-727-8855 (interpreter service available).
Mayor Harrell Proposes Major Design Review Reforms to Accelerate Housing Production
Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed interim legislation and upcoming permanent reforms to Seattle’s Design Review program to make housing development faster and more predictable while ensuring compliance with new state regulations.
Proposed reforms are expected to reduce the number of projects subject to Design Review by up to 40% in an average year, which would decrease permitting time for most new housing projects by one to two years.
Projects that do go through Design Review would save an average of four to nine months in the permitting process thanks to a simplified process. Life-safety and technical code reviews would remain in place for all projects through the existing construction permitting process.
If approved by City Council, the reforms would take effect in two phases. An interim ordinance —pausing Design Review requirements for new projects — would take effect immediately to align with Washington State’s House Bill 1293, which limits design review and requires clear, objective standards. Broader, permanent reforms that reflect input from community members and homebuilders are expected to be introduced later this summer.
The interim and upcoming permanent proposals would provide the following improvements:
- Extend successful exemption for affordable housing.
- Only large projects would be subject to design review.
- Clear guidelines and less meetings.
- One citywide board.
- Flexibility in design standards in exchange for public benefits.
The interim legislation will be submitted to City Council following the SEPA environmental review process, which began on June 9 and is expected to conclude on June 26.
For more specifics, go to this blogpost.
You’re Invited: Memorial Stadium Open House & Preview Event - 4-7pm, Thursday, June 26th
It’s lights out . . . for now at Memorial Stadium. However, as we prepare to embark on a new chapter in Memorial Stadium’s rich history, the public is invited for a one-day-only opportunity to visit the stadium and bid a fond farewell, share favorite memories, and learn about the exciting plans for the new Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center which will continue to inspire students, the community, and the region for generations to come.
Memorial Stadium Open House & Preview Event
- Seattle Public Schools’ Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center - East Gate Entrance, 401 5th Ave North
- Thursday, June 26, 2025
- 4 – 7 p.m.
- FREE ADMISSION
Join us for this momentous occasion featuring live music, photo opportunities, food trucks, and more – including an opportunity to view the latest renderings for the new Memorial Stadium and speak with project leaders about the vision, design, planning and timeline of this legacy investment for year-round athletics, education, and entertainment seamlessly integrated with the iconic Seattle Center campus like never before.
More information: Community Open House & Preview Event
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to host community office hours at The Seattle Public Library
Finding the right person to talk to in city government can be difficult. We are here to help you, and we are making it easier for you to talk to someone at the City of Seattle. From June to December, a staff member from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will be at neighborhood libraries two days a month for three hours for you to talk to. During this time, anybody is welcome to ask questions, seek help, or share ideas.
The Community Engagement Coordinators are City staff members who work with Seattle residents to help them with their needs. They can help you find City resources, services, and programs in your neighborhood.
Sonny Nguyen, North Seattle
- Northgate Branch - Second Friday of the month, 2-5 p.m.
- Lake City Branch - Fourth Friday of the month, 12-3 p.m.
Rosa Garcia, West Seattle & South Park
- High Point Branch - Second Tuesday of the month, 2-5 p.m.
- South Park Branch - Fourth Friday of the month, 2-5 p.m.
Najma Sheikh, Central Seattle
- Office hours coming soon for Douglass-Truth Branch.
Alvin Edwards, Southeast Seattle
- Office hours coming soon for Rainier Beach Branch and Beacon Hill Branch.
Check back on this blogpost for updates on Najma and Alvin's office hours.
The 2026 CityArtist Grant is now Open - Apply by July 29
The CityArtist grant supports Seattle-based individual artists/curators in the research, development, and presentation of creative work. By sustaining individuals who are at the core of the cultural sector, we ensure that creative careers and work can develop and adapt over time, which is critical to artists’ professional growth and business insight. Providing financial support for creative entrepreneurs contributes to the broader economy and quality of life in neighborhoods across the city.
The 2026 application is open to artists/curators working in Literary, Media/Film (including Screenwriting), and Visual Arts. Awarded artists will need to offer a public presentation within Seattle city limits. We encourage a broad range of artistic and cultural expression that reflects the Seattle’s diversity.
Due Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 5 p.m.
Awards are set at a single amount of $8,000 for all recipients. Scope of work and final event details are determined after awards are official and during the contracting phase in early 2026.
For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, go to: https://www.seattle.gov/arts/programs/grants/cityartist-grant
Know Your Rights Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, and Advocates
This 2025 Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) resource webpage is intended to inform and support community members, City departments, and community-based organizations, partners, and service providers who are working to support immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle and Washington state and help keep all our residents safe. This webpage includes resources and events created by OIRA and local and national partners and is organized in the following issue areas:
Our resource list is not intended as legal advice. Please contact an attorney with any legal questions.
SDOT is Recruiting Volunteers for Advisory Boards and Committees - Apply by June 30
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has several volunteer opportunities for members of the public to get involved and help shape how transportation works in the city.
While each board has a specific focus, they all serve as advisors to the Mayor, Seattle City Council, and City departments.
These six (6) boards and committees rely on volunteer members. These members bring valuable community perspectives as part of promoting a robust, inclusive public dialogue on projects of a variety of sizes.
We are currently recruiting members for the following:
- Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board
- Seattle Freight Advisory Board
- Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board
- Transit Advisory Board
Apply via the City Clerk’s website by Monday, June 30, 2025. You can apply to multiple boards at the same time.
Open House – Have questions about joining a board? Join us at a virtual drop-in sessions to meet with staff liaisons and board members, pending availability.
For more information, go to this blogpost.
Mayor Harrell Announces 4th Annual One Seattle Day of Service on July 12 - Volunteer Registration Now Open!
There are over 1,800 volunteer shifts at more than 55 events around the city, with more being added until the event. Volunteer opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.
Volunteer activities include:
- Cleaning and beautification– collecting trash, removing graffiti, building repair, and painting
- Gardening and restoration– weeding, planting, storm drain protection, and trail repair
- Helping neighbors in need– grocery packing, and donation organizing and distribution
Learn more about open volunteering or hosting a Day of Service event here: seattle.gov/dayofservice
City of Seattle seeks community members to serve on the Community Involvement Commission
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Community Involvement Commission (CIC).
The Community Involvement Commission advises the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and other City departments on coordinated, citywide outreach and engagement activities. The Commission is dedicated to holding the City accountable for increasing participation and engagement – especially among communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved.
The Commission seeks members that are actively connected to a variety of diverse communities across Seattle. Ideally, candidates have a vision for how City government and local decision-makers involve and communicate with the public.
Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, please complete the online application and select Community Involvement Commission in the dropdown menu to indicate which board you are applying for.
For questions or additional support please contact Sonny Nguyen at Sonny.Nguyen@seattle.gov. For more information, go to: https://frontporch.seattle.gov/2025/06/09/city-of-seattle-seeks-members-for-community-involvement-commission/
Join the Seattle Disability Commission
The Seattle Disability Commission (SDC)is accepting applications for new members! SDC works with the community to identify disability rights issues and make recommendations to the City on how to increase participation of people with disabilities into all areas of economic, political, and community life. Are you passionate about promoting equity, access, and inclusion? Apply to become a member on the Boards and Commissions website: Boards & Commissions | seattle.gov
Make Your Voice Heard at the Upcoming Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing - June 23
Now that Seattle City Council has passed the interim legislation to comply with HB 1110, they are taking up the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan and the permanent HB 1110 legislation. The Council will be deliberating on the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan through September, with the intent to be finished before Council takes up the budget. The earliest date for a final Council vote is Tuesday September 30. This Monday, June 23, Council will be hosting a public hearing on this legislation.
Overview
The June 23 public hearing will be separated into two sessions. Session I will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be reserved for remote public comment. Session II will begin at 3 p.m. and will be reserved for in-person commentors. There are separate registration windows for each session.
Each speaker will be provided with one minute to comment at the public hearing. Individuals will only be permitted to comment at one session.
The Select Committee may recess if there are no registered speakers present at any time. The Select Committee will recess for lunch between Session I and Session II.
How to register
- Session I: Registration for remote speakers will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.
- Session II: Registration for in-person speakers will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.
- In-person public comment will be accepted beginning at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers, at City Hall
Submit your comments and questions online to all nine council offices at council@seattle.gov or individual councilmembers via email. Written comments should be received by Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5 p.m.
For more information, go to: https://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/2025-comprehensive-plan
Graham St. Light Rail Station Engagement Begins - Feedback Survey Open until July 20
The Office of Planning and Community Development is creating a Station Area Plan for the neighborhood surrounding the future Graham Street Station, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation. This planning process builds on the community's Graham Street neighborhood vision and will be developed through further engagement with community-based organizations, businesses, residents, and visitors.
We invite you to participate in our survey to help shape the future of the Graham neighborhood. The survey is open until July 20.
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