Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

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Calling Indigenous Leaders: Help Shape Seattle’s Future

The City of Seattle invites community leaders to answer the call to lead and apply for an open seat on the Indigenous Advisory Council, a nine-member commission that ensures Native voices help guide the future of our city. If you are passionate about strengthening the City’s partnership with Native communities, now is the time to act — applications for Position 8 are due by Monday, November 3, 2025.

In The Community

Wall of zines in a wooden rack

Short Run Comix Festival to showcase hundreds of original comics, zines and handmade books on November 1

Since 2011, the  Short Run Comix Festival has celebrated “comics as a coalescence of art and literature,” featuring not just standard comics but also zines and other self-published and handmade books from around the world. This year, the festival takes place on November 1 at the Seattle Design Center in the Georgetown neighborhood. 11 am – 6 pm. FREE Swag bags for the first 50 people through the door.

Read all about Short Run at the International Examiner.

 

Other City News

Celebrate Day of the Dead and honor loved ones at Día de Muertos Festival Seattle: The free, family-friendly event offers an opportunity for the community to come together, remember departed loved ones, celebrate life, and honor the legacy of ancestors. Join the the celebration at Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.

T’Challaween is here: The mile-long trick-or-treat parade route stretches from 18th & South College Street to Jefferson Park, transforming Beacon Hill into a corridor of costumes, candy, and community joy. South Seattle’s annual free, community-powered, family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treat parade is October 25th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Beacon Hill.

International Special Review District Board Holds Annual Member Election: Those who live, work or own property or a business in the boundaries of the historic district are eligible to register and vote in the community election and serve on the Board. Ballots will be mailed to registered ISRD voters and must be received via mail by Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Get information including candidate nominations forms and translated materials.

Trick-or-Streets Are Back! Close Your Street for Safe Community Celebrations: Seattle Department of Transportation provides permits for residential street closures between Oct. 24 and Nov. 2. This year residents can close up to three consecutive blocks, and events can go until 10pm. Apply for a free permit by Oct. 20. Learn more about permits and how to apply.

Join the Seattle Fire Department! Applications Open through Nov. 25: The Seattle Fire Department is accepting applications for entry-level Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician to expand their diverse team of hardworking, committed individuals who have a passion for public service. Get more details on open positions and application information.

Seattle Teens Invited to Free Health and Wellness Event on Oct. 25: Teens and young adults are invited to the Thrive & Vibe: A Youth Health and Wellness Fair for opportunities to learn about free mental health and wellness resources like virtual care,  school based health, social emotional learning opportunities, and more. Check out event details and RSVP here.

Free and Low-Cost Halloween Events at Seattle Parks: Forget expensive tickets and long drives. Seattle Parks and Recreation has something for every ghoul, ghost, and goblin right in your neighborhood. From toddler-friendly pumpkin parties to nature escape rooms and teen-only carnivals, you can create lasting memories without straining your budget. Check out their list of events happening across the city. 

Have a House Project Question? Seattle Home Fairs Can Help!: Come meet City experts, Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9am to 3pm at the Filipino community center for face-to-face help on permits, inspections, code requirements, and rental regulations. Representatives from Seattle Department of Transportation, Department of Neighborhoods, Department of Construction & Inspections, and Seattle City Light for a one-stop shop experience for all your project needs. Visit the home fair site for the latest information.

Share Your Feedback

Public Safety Survey: Do you live or work in Seattle? Take Seattle University’s annual citywide Seattle Public Safety Survey, which is available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya and Vietnamese. Give your feedback on public safety and security concerns from October 15 through November 30.

Community Invited to Provide Input on Upcoming Play Area Renovations: Seattle Parks and Recreation invites community members to share input on three play area renovation projects. Open house events throughout October are opportunities to learn about the renovations and provide input on future designs for play areas in their neighborhoods. See open house schedule and list of play areas.