PACE E-Newsletter: October 2026

Civic engagement programs, learning opportunities, and ways to get involved for the next month or so are listed below. If you have any questions, please contact PACE@seattle.gov.

Topics in this email:

• 2026 General Election Information and Resources
• Learning Opportunities, Resources, and Community Events
• Input Opportunities and Surveys
• Board, Commission, and Volunteer Opportunities
• Funding, Art Opportunities, and Free Resources
• Youth Opportunities and Events

2026 General Election Information and Resources

• November 3, 2026 is Election Day. Find out more information about what's on the ballot on King County Election's website.
• Check out King County Election's map of ballot drop boxes. Ballots submitted by drop box must be returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• 2026 General Election Seattle-King County Video Voters' Guide
  • This Video Voters' Guide includes statements from candidates running for King County Prosecuting Attorney, King County Assessor, King County Council Positions 2, 4, and 8; plus, Seattle City Council District 5, Seattle Municipal Court Judge Positions 2 and 5, as well as statements on Seattle Proposition 1.
• You can register to vote online, 24 hours a day, at the Washington Secretary of State's website. You will need to register online at least 8 days in advance of the next election.

Learning Opportunities, Resources, and Community Events

NEW

• Fall Lantern Festival in Freeway Park on October 23
• Home Fair October 24 at Rainier Beach Community Center
• Learn about Washington’s climate planning landscape at the Washington Climate Partnership Fall 2026 Quarterly Meeting - October 26
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Resource Event in Beacon Hill - November 7
• Legacy of Love: African American Caregiver Forum - November 7
• Behavioral Health Legislative Forum - November 10
  • This annual forum brings together people from across King County to talk about mental health and substance use recovery.
• Seattle Renters' Resource Fair in New Holly - November 14
• Washington Housing Alliance Rights! Action! Power! (RAP) Leadership Cohort accepting applications through November 13
  • The program will prioritize people directly impacted by housing injustice and will develop participants' skills as advocates, organizers, and leaders. Participants will build advocacy and organizing skills, take meaningful action on legislative priorities, develop relationships with one another, and learn how to bring more people into the housing justice movement.
  • This program is not affiliated with the City of Seattle.
• The Stories Water Keeps at Pier 66 on November 21 and 22
  • Experience a film series exploring Indigenous knowledge, maritime heritage and the evolving Seattle Waterfront.

ONGOING

• Seattle City Council Budget Basics Website - Understand the budget process and when and how you can make your voice heard
  • Budget amendments from the City Council were due on Tuesday, October 20 — and Councilmembers submitted 170 amendments. Central Staff analysts will review them and then give presentations starting on Tuesday, October 27 at 9:30 a.m.
• Key Dates - Link to PDF with important dates for budget committee meetings and public hearings 
• Your Voice Matters: How to Use Your Civic Engagement Skills During Budget
• Seattle Department of Neighborhoods hosts community office hours at The Seattle Public Library

Input Opportunities and Surveys

NEW

• City seeks your feedback about free public restrooms in Pioneer Square by October 25
• Moving Stories: Share your story with King County Metro and 4Culture by October 31
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Projects
  • Seattle Parks and Recreation Gathers Input for West Magnolia Playfield Play Area Renovation - October 31 Event
  • Battery Street Site Open Space Design Study Public Input Survey - deadline November 8
• King County International Airport seeks input on Draft Environmental Assessment for runway rehabilitation and Taxiway B relocation projects - deadline for comments is November 13
• Seattle Restored Pop-Up Shop Applications Open October 28! - deadline November 24
• Take the 2026 Seattle Public Safety Survey by November 30
• We Want to Hear From You! | Seattle Black Diaspora Survey
  • Take the survey and get involved:
    • Take the Community Survey
    • Register your interest in a Listening Session or Focus Group
    • Learn More About the Research
  • Upcoming Listening Sessions / Focus Groups
    • Registration and participation information: https://seattle-diaspora-survey.pplx.app/#/involved
• Uptown and South Lake Union Regional Center Plan Surveys Open
  • Uptown Survey
  • South Lake Union Survey

ONGOING

• Before the Badge: Community Police Dialogues – ongoing throughout 2026

Board, Commission, and Volunteer Opportunities

• Help Shape Decisions Impacting Local Renters: Apply for the Seattle Renters’ Commission by November 1
• Join the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Advisory Board! - Apply by November 2
  • The EDI Advisory Board seeks candidates for two open seats, serving 3-year terms. Our Advisory Board provides guidance to the City to ensure that the EDI program furthers the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative goals. EDI Board members receive a monthly stipend (currently $300) for full participation (two meetings per month totaling 3 hours of time, including preparation).
  • Complete this application by Monday, November 2, 5 PM, applications accepted until all positions are filled.
  • If your reference prefers to schedule a phone call instead of a letter of support please notify EDIAdvisoryBoard@seattle.gov of this request.
• Transportation Planner sought to join the Seattle Design Commission - Application Materials due by November 23
• Executive Zahilay Launches Volunteer Corps to Connect King County Residents to Pressing Local Volunteer Needs

Funding, Art Opportunities, and Free Resources

NEW

• New Capital Grant from Historic South Downtown - deadline November 4
  • Historic South Downtown seeks to provide funding for capital projects that elevate the voices of those who live, work, and play in the South Downtown Seattle neighborhoods of Pioneer Square and Chinatown International District.
  • This grant is not affiliated with the City of Seattle.
• Application Open for City of Seattle’s 2027 Technology Matching Fund Grants - deadline January 15, 2027
• Apply to have a Curbside Electric Vehicle Charger Installed Near Your Home

ONGOING

• Get Funding for Your Arts and Cultural Event in the Park - Arts in Parks grant application open now to October 27
• Turn Curiosity into Civic Power: Get Up to $5,000 for Community-Led Projects - deadline October 30
  • Start your application as soon as possible by contacting a Project Manager today.
• Free High-Speed Internet for Seattle Nonprofits: Apply before December 31
• Free Rapid Response services for Immigrants
  • Reach out to the organizations in our flyer for up to 10 hours of free legal consultation on immigration policy changes, including TPS termination, eligibility for immigration benefits, public charge rule changes or other issues.

Youth Opportunities and Events

• Be the Light: Week without Violence Teen Celebration 2026 - October 23 at Rainier Beach Community Center
• Washington State Women’s Commission Youth Advisory Council Application open through October 25
• Rainier Beach Harvest Fest - October 25
• Creative Economy Career Day on October 27 at McCaw Hall
• Youth Pop Up @ Pratt Park & Yesler Design Meetup hosted by Africatown Community Land Trust - October 29
• Call for Student Artists: New Memorial Stadium Art Wall Program - deadline October 30
• Invitation for Youth 19-24 to Apply to Serve on Seattle Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy (FEPP) Levy Funding Review Panel - deadline November 30
  • Please complete the 2027 Community Raters for Seattle FEPP Levy Investments – Interest Form by November 30, 2026 to be considered. A staff member will follow up with you thereafter.
  • For any questions, please contact:
    • Youth Development: Luanda Arai, luanda.arai@seattle.gov 
    • Youth Behavioral Health: Tan Mei Teo, tan-mei.teo@seattle.gov
• Seattle, We See You: Free Mental Health Therapy for Seattle Teens and Young Adults