Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/06/2026 01:06 PM PST
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Graphic with blue background and yellow text with the word "hello" written in many different languages.

In Our Neighborhoods, Everyone is Welcome. Everyone Belongs.

Seattle is a city of neighborhoods. For the last 35 years, the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) has strengthened neighborhoods by building trust between residents and their local government by supporting communities as they organize, connect, and care for one another. Increased federal immigration enforcement activity across the country has disrupted the sense of safety in many neighborhoods. At DON, we work to ensure ALL people can participate in neighborhood life and civic spaces with confidence. Our message to our immigrant neighbors is simple and steady: You belong here. You are safe here. This is your home, too.  

Read our blog to learn what DON and the City are doing to address federal immigration enforcement activities. 

Other City News

West Seattle Neighbors Invited to Community Conversation on Crime and Safety, March 11: Join the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for Our City, Our Safety meeting at the Southwest Teen Life Center. Learn more about these meetings and steps being taken to increase safety across the city.

Don't Miss the Chance to Apply for a Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant! Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is accepting applications for the Community Partnership Fund with awards of up to $50,000 for projects with big potential and lasting impact. Learn about the Fund and apply by March 10.

Irish Festival Seattle Brings Culture, Music, and Dance to the Seattle Center: Get a taste of what it means to be Irish March 14 and 15 at the Seattle Center Armory. This free, all-ages festival celebrates Irish heritage, culture, and arts through music, dance, language, history, and crafts. See schedule of events and performance details.

Seattle Releases First Food Action Plan Progress Report and Interactive Map: The report tracks progress since the plan was updated in 2024 and is paired with a map to help people explore City-supported food programs and services. View the Food Action Plan annual report and map.  

Moving Day: How Seattle IT Pulled Off a Data Center Migration to Save Millions: When costs for renting a data center space in Eastern Washington started increasing, Seattle Information Technology found and contracted for a new space with on-site support and a new network core at cost savings. Read about the challenges the department faced and the cost-saving benefit that made it worthwhile.

Art Zone Explores the Magic and Nostalgia of the Seattle Pinball Museum: For more than a decade, this Chinatown International District attraction has curated pinball history — with machines from the 1960s to today —  and invites you to press start. Watch Seattle Channel's video showcasing this quirky neighborhood gem. 

In the Community

A group of people standing between columns of purple and gold balloons cutting a purple ribbon with large scissors

Celebrating the Women of the Pacific Northwest for Women's History Month

By Besa Gordon. March is Women’s History Month, and during my latest appearance on Good Day Seattle, we premiered a special tribute video celebrating women who are creating, leading, organizing, and building throughout our region. From entrepreneurs and chefs to designers, stylists, musicians, media voices, and policymakers, the goal was simple: let these women know their work is seen and appreciated. There were so many inspiring women featured in the video, but two who immediately came to mind during the conversation were Joy Hollingsworth and Laura Clise. Joy recently made history as Seattle’s first Black female City Council President, and her leadership continues to shape the future of our city. And Laura, through Intentionalist, is constantly working to make sure locally owned businesses across our region are seen and supported.

Read full story and watch the tribute video on Converge. 
Three Asian American youth sitting at a table playing a game with tiles

QT Mahjong Club Turns Game Night Into Space for Queer Asian Community

The clack of tiles gliding across a soft mat. Shouts from elders caught up in a competitive game. The aroma of fresh ginger, garlic, and steamed fish. The sound and scent of sizzling meat. Many young Asian Americans share nostalgic memories of mahjong, the game associated with family functions and the liveliness of an older generation. But this past year, the tile game has exploded onto the social scene of Gen Zers and millennials in Seattle. Many might recognize groups such as Emerald City Tile Club or Kilig's Mahjong Mondays. But in the midst of South Seattle, a different mahjong space has formed: QT Mahjong Club.

Read the exciting story in the South Seattle Emerald. 

Share Your Feedback

Community Input Needed for Renovations to Three Seattle Parks:

  • Roanoke Park Play Area in Capitol Hill: Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to review design options for the play area on Sat. March 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roanoke Park. Learn about play area updates and view designs. 
  • Froula Playground Renovations: Roosevelt neighbors are invited to join Seattle Parks and Recreation Sat. March 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Froula Playground to provide feedback for proposed play area design. Learn about the park updates and view designs. 
  • Lake City Community Center: Seattle Parks and Recreation, Office of Housing, and Mercy Housing seek feedback on designs for new facility in Lake City that will include affordable housing, a community center, and play areas to replace Albert Davis Park. Attend an in-person event Tues. March 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Lake City Branch Library or a virtual meeting March 12 from 5-6 p.m. Read about the new facility.