GNDT October 16 – 21

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 10/21/2025 01:30 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.

Mayor Bruce Harrell and other celebrating the 10-year impact of the City’s Priority Hire program

A decade of opportunity: Seattle celebrates 10 years of Priority Hire 🎉

Mayor Bruce Harrell joined labor and community leaders this week to celebrate a decade of impact from Seattle’s Priority Hire program, which has created good-paying jobs and expanded opportunities for workers in historically underserved neighborhoods. Since its launch in 2015, the program has connected thousands of residents to careers in construction, boosting local hiring on City-funded projects, many of which are in Downtown.

This milestone highlights Seattle’s longstanding commitment to equity in workforce development and to ensuring that Seattle’s growth benefits all communities. Looking ahead, the City and its partners plan to expand Priority Hire’s reach across major infrastructure and private-sector projects as part of the broader effort to build an inclusive, thriving local economy: Mayor Harrell, Labor and Community Partners Celebrate 10-Year Impact of Priority Hire Program – Office of the Mayor.

Weekly digest

Exterior shot of MoPop with people on the plaza

Credit: MoPop

🩷🎨 The Museum of Pop Culture is marking its 25th anniversary with a renewed commitment to creativity and inclusiveness, showcasing how this Seattle landmark continues to evolve alongside the city’s dynamic cultural scene. From music and film to gaming and fashion, MoPOP remains a cornerstone of Downtown’s energy and a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike: MoPOP, now 25, continues to adapt to pop culture’s ever-shifting landscape – Seattle Times.

🛍️ As major renovations continue at Westlake Park, Downtown visitors continue to enjoy the shops, cafés, and local favorites that remain open during construction. These businesses are keeping our Downtown vibrant while work is being done to create a more modern, inviting, and accessible community park. It is set to become one of Seattle’s best central spots when reopened next summer: Businesses remain open as Westlake Park undergoes massive renovation in downtown Seattle – King 5.

⚾🏙️ Downtown came alive this week with team spirit from both Seattle locals and Canadian visitors: thousands of Blue Jays fans crossed the border to cheer on their team at T-Mobile Park, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops with game-day energy. The cross-border camaraderie and packed local businesses showcased how international visitors added energy, and an economic lift to Seattle’s growing reputation as a global sports destination: ‘Canadian invasion’ brings Blue Jays fans — and big spending — to Seattle – King 5.

Looking ahead

Graphic promoting Pumpkin Palooza in the C-ID, an event featuring Halloween activities

🎃👻 Get ready for some Halloween fun in the C-ID at the Pumpkin Palooza on Friday, October 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features face painting, raffles, a photo booth, crafts, pumpkin decorating, and even a DIY slime and potion station. Costumes are encouraged!

🌊 Head to Pier 66 for the One Ocean Week Seattle HarborFest, a splashy Waterfront celebration of our shared connection to the sea. Open Friday, October 24 from 2 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., the event will feature local vendors, ocean-inspired art, interactive exhibits, live music, and global coastal cuisine, all highlighting community, culture, and ocean stewardship.

🐶 Bring your pup to celebrate spooky season at Howloween! On Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bell Street Park will host an afternoon of costumes, treats, and tail-wagging fun for pups and their people. Don’t miss this festive event bringing a playful Halloween spirit to the heart of Belltown.