Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/29/2025 04:17 PM PDT
Department of Neighborhoods logo
SYC letters on a purple background

Get to Know the Seattle Youth Commission (SYC)

Partnering with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the commission announces their newest projects. Learn more about the SYC’s ideas, projects, and the perspectives of youth in our city. Written by members of the SYC, this space is dedicated to amplifying youth leadership, sharing resources, and sparking the conversations that matter most in today’s Seattle. Released in the second DON newsletter of each month, this section will include new and exciting stories as we continue to grow and improve. Whether you’re a Seattle youth or not, you can expect new options such as guest writing and other opportunities to get involved in SYC’s work.

Learn more about the Seattle Youth Commission on our website or follow them on Instagram.

NOTE: The views of the Seattle Youth Commission are their own and do not reflect the policies or perspectives of the City of Seattle.

 
Seattle Youth commission with the text Seattle youth commission edition overlaid on the photo

Want a say in the policies affecting our environment?

Seattle will release its latest audit of the current Climate Action Plan, and will be starting work on the plan for 2026 and beyond. At the Seattle Youth Climate Assembly, Commissioner Lila Fu worked with the community to develop recommendations for improving the 2026 plan. Going forward, Seattle residents are encouraged to make their own suggestions until the third quarter of 2026, when the plan will officially be released to the public, voted on, and put into effect. If you want to get involved, do your research and let your voice be heard! More information on the Youth Climate Assembly is on the Front Porch Blog. - SYC

CARTOON BUS

Ever rode the L8 Bus?

Some of our commissioners will talk about buses and their routes with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Next month, look forward to an exclusive interview where we ask the questions that matter to YOU. Fill out this form to submit any questions that you want featured in our interview! - SYC

What can you do when you find a problem in Seattle?

Fix it! Find it, Fix it is an app developed by the City of Seattle that allows users to report issues they identify around the city to get them resolved. Recently, we interviewed the Department of Financial Aid Services (DFAS) Communications Director Melissa Mixon and Division Director Katie Harmston about the app. Read more about Find it, Fix it and start finding and fixing today! - SYC

Parents, preschoolers, and everyone in between: have you heard about the FEPP Levy?

The Families, Education, Parenting, and Preschool Levy, or FEPP Levy, is on the ballot for a six-year, $1.3B renewal this November. It supports critical programs such as Seattle Promise, which provides two years of free college education to every Seattle high school graduate, and school-based health centers, which provide free healthcare to Seattle students in schools. Additionally, it funds programs such as free daycare, school counseling services, and more. The Seattle Youth Commission appreciates the City's continued commitment toward Seattle's youth. 
- SYC

In The Community

Are you an older adult, an adult with a disability, or a family caregiver in King County? We want to hear from you!

Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is looking for community input to help shape how it informs the public about programs and services.

Visit www.agingkingcounty.org/aging-survey/ to apply for a focus group or complete the survey. Interpretation and accommodations are available. 

 Two older folks sitting and talking to each other
Group of young people talking

A Look at the Youth Climate Assembly with Seattle Youth Commissioner Lila Fu

What’s it like being part of the Seattle Youth Commission? Join At-Large Commissioner Lila Fu as she recounts her experience at the Youth Climate Assembly! 

Read more on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

Visit your Neighborhood Library Branch to Ask Questions and Get Help from a City of Seattle Community Engagement Coordinator: Finding the right person to talk to in city government can be difficult. We are here to help! Through December, a staff member from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will be at neighborhood libraries on select days every month for three hours. See schedule of times and locations. 

City of Seattle announces availability of $170 million in affordable rental housing funding: The Seattle Office of Housing (OH) has announced $170 million in funding. These funds support affordable rental housing development projects across Seattle. Learn more about this fund and how to take part.

Puppets in Motion: Ann Hamilton’s “Guests” Under Overlook Walk: Night or day, you'll find company on the underside of Overlook Walk. Check out this new community sandwiched between the Pike Place Market garage and the screen wall on the new Elliott Way.

SPU Expands Affordability Programs with New Flexible Payment Plans: To support more customers, Seattle Public Utilties has introduced a new way to get help: flexible, long-term payment plans through a secure online platform. No income verification is required! Learn more about how to apply.

2025 Labor Day Closures for Seattle Parks and Recreation: Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed Monday, September 1 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Learn which Parks facilities remain open on Labor Day.

FamilyWorks Helps our Communities Thrive: Learn about a Seattle Human Services Division partner, FamliyWorks, a connector, supporter, and advocate for families in Seattle.

Celebrate the Spirit of Hawai’i at Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival | Sep 7: Experience the warmth, music, and traditions of Hawaiʻi at the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival  at Seattle Center. Join the festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

It's Complete! Alaska Way Safety Project Expands Bike and Pedestrian Routes to the New Waterfront: Protected bike lanes, updated traffic designs, safety upgrades at intersections, and improved accessibility are just some of the things that will help those traveling on foot or wheels access Waterfront Park. Learn more about the improvements and plan your trip to the waterfront today.

Share Your Feedback

The Seattle Public Library Wants to Hear from You: Tell Seattle Public Library how you feel about their spaces, collections, programs, and services. Fill out the survey by September 24, 2025.

Shape Lake City Community Center Review Design and Provide Feedback: Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) encourages everyone from the Lake City community to participate in the development of the future Lake City Community Center. Take the Lake City Community Center Survey by September 1, 2025.