Author: Wendy Watson

Join Us for Livability Night Out at MOHAI!

You are invited to join Mayor Ed Murray and his team to learn and talk about what makes Seattle livable. Livability Night Out will be Tuesday, April 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Museum of History and Industry (860 Terry Ave N).

The evening will begin with an open house where you’ll have a chance to discuss policies and proposals directly with City staff. After your questions get answered, you can enjoy Seattle’s history by visiting the rest of the museum. Then beginning at 7:15 p.m., Mayor Murray and Department Directors will present a lively update on how they see the vision of a vibrant Seattle coming through the programs they lead. The evening will finish with a Q & A with the Mayor.

Visit seattle.gov/HALA for more information on the event, as well as the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda.

 

Join Mayor Murray for this Year’s Find It, Fix It Community Walks

Today Mayor Ed Murray announced the schedule for his 2016 Find It, Fix It Community Walks to occur in seven neighborhoods this summer and fall. Now in its third year, the walks bring together City officials, business owners, and community members to address each neighborhood’s needs.

“These walks provide a unique opportunity for community members to identify neighborhood needs and discuss challenges directly with City leaders,” said Mayor Murray. “Together we invest in a spirit of engagement and community volunteerism. Find It, Fix It Community Walks are one way the City can support neighbors committed to improving their own communities. I look forward to working with community members this year to make these walks a success.”

This year’s Find It Fix It walks will be held in:

  • Aurora/Licton Springs– Early June
  • Belltown – Late June
  • Roxhill – July
  • Judkins Park – August
  • Crown Hill – September
  • Georgetown – October
  • Wallingford – Mid-November

Each walk will follow a route determined by community members on Community Walk Action Teams convened by the Department of Neighborhoods. Specific dates and locations will be announced two weeks prior to each walk.

If you are interested in becoming part of a Community Walk Action Team to help plan a walk in one of the seven neighborhoods, contact the Find It, Fix It Program Coordinator, Hilary Nichols, at hilary.nichols@seattle.gov, (206) 386.1907.

The City will continue to offer Community Project Grants for every walk, which provide up to $5,000 to support community-led revitalization and beautification projects. In 2015, 166 community volunteers, with assistance from City staff, completed 18 projects around the city. Projects included painting a mural on a public staircase in South Park, constructing a community kiosk in Cascade, and planting flowers in Hillman City.

Mayor Murray spearheaded the Find It, Fix It Community Walks in 2014 in partnership with Cities of Service, a national nonprofit that works with cities to provide support and training to encourage civic volunteerism.

Whether your neighborhood is part of this year’s walks or not, community members can report safety needs or city maintenance issues anytime with the Find It, Fix It mobile app. Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store and iPhone users can download it from the App Store.

Neighborhood Matching Fund Hosts April Workshops for Community Groups

The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF), a program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, is hosting workshops for community groups interested in learning about the city’s popular Small and Simple Projects Fund. The Small and Simple Projects Fund provides matching awards of up to $25,000 to neighborhood groups for community-building projects such as cultural festivals, facility improvements, public art, and youth activities.

Each workshop provides an overview of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, the qualities of a good project, and the application process and requirements. To RSVP, call 206-733-9916 or go online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWLYNJB.

The dates are:

  • Tuesday, April 12; 6 – 8 p.m. at Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Avenue S.
  • Thursday, April 28; 6 – 8 p.m. at Northgate Community Center, 10510 5th Avenue NETo learn about the Fund, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhood-matching-fund/small-and-simple-projects-fund-. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 6 at 5:00 p.m., but make sure to register now to apply.
  • The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) Program awards matching funds for projects initiated, planned, and implemented by community members. Its goal is to build stronger and healthier neighborhoods through community involvement and engagement. Every award is matched by a neighborhood’s contribution of volunteer labor, donated materials, in-kind professional services, or cash.

Duwamish River Opportunity Fund Workshop Thursday, April 21

The City of Seattle is seeking applications for community-based projects that enhance the quality of life in Seattle neighborhoods along the Duwamish River. Successful applicants will engage in projects involving job training, economic development, access to healthy food, affordable housing strategies, and activities that will have long-term, sustainable impacts for the communities along the Duwamish.

“As our city’s only river, we are committed to restoring the Duwamish and supporting the people who live along its banks,” said Seattle Mayor Murray. “We look forward to funding community-based projects that nurture healthy, vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods.”

This year, the City will again fund $250,000 in projects. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a community event about the fund on Thursday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sea Mar Community Care Center at 1040 S. Henderson Street. Applications will be accepted through May 13 at 5 p.m.

Successful projects will:

  • Be developed through a process of community engagement and participation.
  • Have a clear statement of the way the project addresses community priorities, the anticipated results, and the metrics used to measure success.
  • Build linkages among communities and involve a diversity of people and organizations; have engaged project partners.
  • Address an issue important to the success of the Duwamish River communities.
  • Be connected to the long range future of the Duwamish River communities.
  • Have a clear budget and demonstrated capacity to manage funds effectively.

To view the Request for Proposals and the application, visit the Department of Neighborhoods website. For questions, call 206-499-5793 or email drof@seattle.gov.

Landmarks Preservation Board to Consider Nomination of Firestone Auto Supply Building for Landmark Status

Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board will consider nomination of the Firestone Auto Supply & Service Store Building (400 Westlake Avenue N) on Wednesday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. in Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, Floor L2, Room L280 (Boards and Commissions Room).

The public is invited to attend the meeting and make comments. Written comments should be received by the Landmarks Preservation Board at the following address by April 19 at 3:00 p.m.:

Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
PO Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649 (mailing address)  

A copy of the Landmark Nomination is available for public review at the Central Library (1000 4th Avenue) and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods office in Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, 4th Floor. It is also posted on the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods website, seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/landmarks.htm, under the heading of “Current Nominations.”