GNDT November 18 - 24

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 11/18/2025 02:20 PM PST
Office of Economic Development logo
purple seattle skyline with good news downtown

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 man on a bike in front of pike place market

Credit: National Geographic

National Geographic highlights Seattle 🚲

A new National Geographic guide named Seattle one of the best cities in the country to explore by bike, pointing to major improvements along the revitalized Waterfront. The City of Seattle’s recent investments created safer, more accessible routes with connections to key destinations and transit options.

The article recommends cruising through Elliott Bay Trail before heading to, Waterfront Park and connecting to iconic r Seattle landmarks via upgraded bike lanes. With clearer pathways, public art, and uninterrupted shoreline views, the Waterfront is now a central hub for outdoor recreation and an example of how thoughtful infrastructure can reshape urban mobility.

The guide underscores that Seattle’s continued work on bike facilities is making cycling a practical, scenic way to move through the city for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

Seattle is a city best explored via bike – National Geographic.

Weekly digest

ice cream in a cone in front of new salt and straw location

Credit: Axios

Beloved Portland-based ice cream chain Salt and Straw opened its newest Seattle location at First Ave. and Pike Street, offering grab-and-go scoops perfect for wandering Pike Place Market or enjoying the views from Overlook Walk. 🍦 This marks the ice cream maker’s fourth Seattle shop, bringing its inventive flavors to one of Downtown’s busiest pedestrian corridors: Salt and Straw opens near Pike Place Market – Axios.

Visit Seattle’s “There’s Never Been More to SEA” campaign invites locals to rediscover downtown Seattle, by highlighting the refreshed waterfront park, a more pedestrian-friendly Pike Place Market, standout restaurants, vibrant arts and live-music venues. Partnering with dozens of downtown businesses, the campaign features a Perks Pass offering 40+ deals for staycations, date nights and family outings, designed to support small businesses and boost Downtown foot traffic across seasons. Visit Seattle Launches New Marketing Campaign Inviting Locals to Rediscover Downtown - Visit Seattle

painted sidewalk space for scooters and bikes

Credit: SDOT

🛴🚲Seattle is rolling out freshly painted bike and scooter parking corrals across Downtown! Painted by local artists, these spots create safer, more organized places to park shared devices, while adding pops of color to Seattle’s City streets. The new corrals support cleaner sidewalks, easier navigation, and a more welcoming experience for both riders and pedestrians, making Downtown more vibrant and accessible for everyone: Seattle’s Sidewalk Shuffle – Secret Seattle.

Looking ahead

🖼️🎵Head to the Pacific Place Art Market Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30 for a free weekend of local art, live music, and hands-on painting as part of a special collaboration with the Downtown Art Walk. With galleries, shops, and restaurants open throughout the center, this is a great way for the whole family to explore creative painting and support local artists this holiday season.

boy standing next to gingerbread village

Credit: Breakthrough T1D

The beloved Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle returns for its 30th year! Visitors can enjoy the elaborate six-foot creations designed by local architects and pastry chefs starting Thursday, November 20. Gingerbreak Village is open through New Year’s Day, with extended evening hours on weekends, all supporting Breakthrough T1D and type 1 diabetes research.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Little Saigon Creative on Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., where the Meet the Maker Holiday Market will showcase local Asian American artists, makers, and emerging entrepreneurs. This free pop-up event offers a festive way to shop small, discover new creators, and support community-rooted businesses in the C-ID.