PACE E-Newsletter: May 2026

In advance of People's Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) 2026 cohort opportunities opening up soon, we want to keep sharing out information on other civic engagement programs, learning opportunities, and ways to get involved. 

Topics in this email:

• Learning Opportunities, Resources, and Community Events
• Commission, Panel, and Volunteer Opportunities
• Input Opportunities and Surveys
• Funding, Art Opportunities, and Free Resources
• Programs and Opportunities for Youth

If you have any questions, please contact PACE@seattle.gov.

Learning Opportunities, Resources, and Community Events

NEW

• Virtual Community Briefings: Public Safety and the FIFA World Cup
  • May 21 RSVP Form
  • May 27 RSVP Form
• Westlake Park Reopening Celebration – May 28
• Know Your Rights Training for Workers - June 1
  • RSVP by May 25
  • The training will include:  
    • Your rights and responsibilities in the event of immigration enforcement action (ICE Raids) 
    • Best practices to prepare for emergency and workplace safety
• Website: FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 - Learn how the City of Seattle is planning for the event
• Three Signature Events from Friends of Waterfront Park to Add to Your Calendar:
  • Indigiqueer Festival | Saturday, June 27, 2–8pm
  • Waterfront Block Party | Saturday, August 29, 1–8pm
  • Salmon Homecoming | Saturday, September 19, 10am–8pm
• 2025 Seattle Public Safety Survey Results Available
• Weighed down by a past criminal conviction? The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle's Advocacy & Civic Engagement department is here to help!
  • This program is not affiliated with the City of Seattle.
• City Updates Anti-Displacement Dashboard

ONGOING

• The Washington Institute for Parent Leadership Fall 2026 Interest Form
  • This program is not affiliated with the City of Seattle.

Commission, Panel, and Volunteer Opportunities

NEW

• City of Seattle Seeks Members for Community Involvement Commission - deadline May 31
• Help Shape the Future of Funding for Seattle’s Streets, Sidewalks, and Bridges: Join the Transportation Funding Task Force - deadline May 31

ONGOING

• Become a Volunteer with the Seattle Human Services Department's Victim Support Team - Applications open through May 29
• Join the Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
• Join a Community Cleanup! Upcoming events listed here

Input Opportunities and Surveys

NEW

• Join our North Aurora Community Connections Pop Up Parties to Kick Off the North Aurora Community Action Plan! – May 27 and June 6
  • Can’t make it in person? Explore an online StoryMap about the past, present, and future of North Aurora, and share your vision for the future through our community visioning survey
• The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) are advising City Council on potential changes to the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance and want to hear from you!
  • Sessions May 28 and June 3
• Connect With King County Council District 4 Councilmember Jorge Barón at the Greenwood Branch Library on May 29
• Shape the Future of Accessible Housing on June 4
  • Are you an affordable housing resident with disabilities and/or age-related access needs? Share your direct feedback on how building design impacts your daily life with local and state leaders to inform how Washington State updates its design standards.
  • The conversation will occur on Thursday, June 4 at 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. near the Angle Lake Light Rail Station
  • Please RSVP to DPlants@skhhp.org or 253.804.5089
• Our City, Our Safety Community Conversation at Rainier Beach Community Center - June 10 from 6-7:30pm
• Seattle’s New Climate Action Plan Survey is Open: Make your ideas heard today - deadline June 30
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Projects
• Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Good Neighbor Award Nomination Form - open through July 1
• Help make Seattle streets more accessible, take Seattle Department of Transportation's ADA survey by September 15

ONGOING

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

Funding, Art Opportunities, and Free Resources

NEW

• King Conservation District (KCD) Resilient Communities Bridge Grants Application open through June 17
• 2026 Seattle Equitable Development Initiative is now open for applications - through June 22
• Washingtonians who have contributed to the WA Cares Fund can apply for benefits starting May 18 if they need long-term care
• King County Executive Zahilay Announces Free Rides on Seattle Waterfront Shuttle Starting May 21
• Seattle CityArtist Grant Application Open June 2 through July 14

ONGOING

• Food Equity Fund's Starter Fund (Grants up to $25,000) Application Now Open
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through July 31st or until funding runs out
• Turn Curiosity into Civic Power: Get Up to $5,000 for Community-Led Projects
• Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs announces innovative new funding opportunity for small community grants as part of new $4 million investment - Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Programs and Opportunities for Youth

NEW

• Seattle City Council Work Study Internships for 2026 Summer Quarter - applications accepted on a rolling basis
  • Application to work with Councilmember Eddie Lin's Office
  • Application to work with Councilmember Dionne Foster's Office
• Additional Internship Opportunities through the City of Seattle
• Creative Economy Career Day: Youth Advisory Team 2026 - application open until June 7

ONGOING

• Register for the King County Youth Leadership Summit on May 30
• Apply for Congressman Adam Smith's 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council by June 1
  • All current high school and college students living in Washington’s Ninth Congressional District are eligible to serve on the Youth Advisory Council.
• Seattle Youth Commission (SYC) 2026-2028 Membership Application to reopen later in May
• Washington Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) Program 2026-2027 Cohort Applications Open through July 9