GNDT July 2 – 8

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/08/2025 03:21 PM PDT

Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

If you have news or events to share, or if you want to talk about the work being done to revitalize Downtown, send me an email.

A person waving an American flag in crowd with red, white, and blue balloon in the background

Credit: Ivy Ceballo / The Seattle Times

Seattle welcomes more than 500 new citizens on Independence Day! 🎉

🎆 More than 500 people proudly became U.S. citizens as part of the July Fourth celebrations in Downtown! Mayor Bruce Harrell, Senator Maria Cantwell, and other community leaders joined the Seattle Center’s 40th annual Naturalization Ceremony, welcoming new citizens from more than 80 countries with a celebration fit for the holiday.

Among the new citizens are people naturalizing from Mexico, China, Canada, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more, each bringing their own journeys to the fabric of Seattle’s unique community. The event serves as a powerful reminder that Seattle’s spirit is built on diversity, unity, and connection: Seattle celebrates Independence Day with 500 new citizens – FOX 13 Seattle.

Weekly digest

Mayor signing Sound Transit legislation with transportation leaders behind him

🚅 Getting to and from Downtown by light rail from West Seattle and Ballard could happen sooner than expected. Mayor Harrell signed new legislation that slashes light rail permitting times in half, reducing average permitting time to just 120 days. This means faster progress on long-awaited West Seattle and Ballard expansions, bringing more reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly transit to Seattle sooner: Mayor Harrell Signs Legislation to Streamline Sound Transit Permitting and Support Faster Expansion of Light Rail – Office of the Mayor.

📱 Downtown is officially getting a high-tech upgrade. Seattle City Council approved the installation of up to 80 interactive kiosks in neighborhood business districts, with 30 expected Downtown between Denny Way and Pioneer Square ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. These kiosks will offer free Wi‑Fi, multilingual wayfinding, transit info, and local business promotion.

Credit: Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times

The Seattle Times food team shared some of the best spots to eat on the Waterfront. 🌊🍴 Their list includes:

🍝 Pasta Casaglina for freshly made pasta dishes.
🍚 Oriental Mart in Pike Place Market for homestyle Filipino cuisine.
🍸 84 Yesler, a delicious seafood bistro with a great happy hour.
🐟 Mr. Fish, a new seafood spot with iconic fish and chips.
🌍 Skalka for authentic Georgian cuisine.
🍕 Post Alley Pizza for delicious New York style pizza.

Whether you are looking to grab a drink with friends or immerse yourself in a new cuisine, the Waterfront has a place for everyone to enjoy: Seattle waterfront restaurants: Where to eat seafood, desserts and more – The Seattle Times

🍹 Explore cocktails, mocktails, and local drinks at Downtown Seattle bars and restaurants. Check in at a participating location by Thursday, July 31 for a chance to win a $150 Cone & Steiner gift card. Good Drinks is brought to you by the Downtown Activation Plan, our office, and Seattle Good Business Network.

Looking ahead

🤸 Get ready to leap into fun! Kids’ Parkour in the Park hits Westlake Park every second Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through August, including Thursday, July 10. Elementary-aged adventurers can test their agility on a free obstacle course led by Kong Academy instructors. Just bring energy and an adult to sign a waiver!

SCIDpda bash poster with event details and logos

Credit: Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority

🎊 Join the Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority for their 50th anniversary celebration at the SCIDpda Bash on Thursday, July 10 from 5 – 7 p.m.! Head to The Boat on South Jackson Street in the C-ID for an evening of music, food, and community, honoring five decades of uplifting the Chinatown-International District. RSVP here: RSVP to SCIDpda Bash 2025 – Partiful.

🎨 Head to Bell Street Park this Friday, July 11, from 6 – 9 p.m. for the Belltown Art Walk! The all-ages event will spotlight local artists all over Belltown: Belltown Art Walk.