|
|
 Hi all,
Welcome to this week's dose of Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.
Let’s start with the big picture: Downtown is coming back. Two-and-a-half years ago, we launched the Downtown Activation Plan with a clear understanding – public safety was the top priority that everything else in the plan hinged on.
Now, let’s talk about the reality and the perception. The reality? We’re making real progress. So far in 2025, we’ve hired 121 police officers – that’s more than triple the number hired by this time last year. And from January through August, reported crime in Downtown is down five percent compared to the same period in 2024. That includes property crime down nine percent, violent crime down eight percent, homicides down a staggering 41%, and burglary down 24%.
Those numbers matter. But so does how people feel. That’s why we’re not stopping at stats. SPD has added new bike patrols Downtown – a game-changer for visibility, response times, and community connection. You’ll see officers more often, and they’ll be easier to reach when you need them. As the Mayor has said before, “public safety is a team sport,” which is why we continue to work with neighborhood and business organizations, doing their part to keep our streets clean and safe. Public safety isn’t just stats on a spreadsheet; it’s the vibe on the sidewalk, the comfort in a café, the confidence to bring your family downtown for dinner and a show.
So yes, we’ve made progress. But we’re not done. We’re still at work, every day, to make Downtown Seattle a place where people are and feel safe, supported, and inspired.
As always, if you have Good News Downtown that you would like to share, please send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
– Markham
|
|
Seattle celebrates milestones in small business support! 🎉
At a spirited gathering at Boon Boona Coffee on the Waterfront last month, Seattle leaders, local lenders, and entrepreneurs came together to celebrate the success of the Small Business Capital Access Program. CAP is a city initiative that has helped nearly 330 local businesses reduce more than $7.6 million in loan principal, while unlocking over $32 million in affordable capital, providing entrepreneurs the chance to grow their small businesses in Seattle. 🚀
The event underlined how CAP is evolving into a holistic support network: beyond financial relief, the program is expanding to include capital readiness services and reinforcements for community-based lenders. The success of CAP reaffirms Seattle’s commitment to inclusive, equitable small business growth across the city: Celebrating the success of the Small Business Capital Access Program.
|
|
|
|
Credit: Seattle Mariners
⚾🏈 It was a busy sports weekend in Downtown – with nearly 200,000 fans cheering on the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders. The biggest highlight? The M’s won their first playoff game since 2001 in front of more than 47,000 fans! That’s not counting the fans who gathered in bars and restaurants nearby to watch the historic moment: Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders draw nearly 200,000 fans in Seattle – Fox13.
😋 Pan de la Selva, a Seattle Restored pop-up bakery at City Hall, made Eater Seattle’s "Best Things the Editor Ate in September 2025." Pan de la Selva is a unique bakery serving up creative takes on Latin American pastries, like standout pan dulce and conchas. Owner Mayra Sibrian’s residency runs through December, bringing delicious flavors and cultural pride Downtown that you must try.
Credit: Charissa Soriano/CIDBIA
⛩️🌃 Seattle’s 18th annual C-ID Night Market drew roughly 20,000 visitors, featuring over 100 vendors spreading nearly four blocks around Hing Hay Park. The event featured local food vendors, crafts, and performances, bringing the community together and showcasing the neighborhood spirit of the C-ID: CID Night Market thriving with continued Amazon support – NW Asian Weekly.
⚡🚲 The Downtown Seattle Association rolled out new electric trikes and upgraded equipment for its DSA/MID Ambassador teams to better patrol and support public spaces. The DSA/MID Ambassadors serve as on-the-ground stewards of Downtown, providing hospitality, safety assistance, and neighborhood maintenance. These upgrades, made in partnership with our office, will enhance their visibility, mobility, and connection with the community, helping keep Downtown welcoming and connected: New Trikes and Equipment Upgrades Power DSA/MID Ambassador Teams – Downtown Seattle Association.
|
|
|
👗👔 Tuesday, October 7 – Sunday, October 12, Pioneer Square will host Seattle’s first Outdoor Fashion Week, showcasing local outdoor fashion, designer pop-ups, panels, and performances. Centered at Populus Seattle and RailSpur, the event will spotlight uniquely Seattle outdoor fashion, local heritage, and sustainability.
❤️🚶 Show some heart for a good cause on Saturday, October 11, at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion for Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk! Festivities kick off at 7:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:00 a.m. It’s a great way to get moving, connect with others, and support heart and stroke research and CPR training across the region.
Credit: Refract Seattle
Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 19, Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience returns, lighting up the city with exhibitions, studio tours, glassblowing demonstrations, and film screenings showcasing the creative uses of glass in the PNW. It’s a rare chance to explore the art and science of glass across the region, with many free events available for all to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
