Tag: International District

International Special Review District Board Announces Results of Annual Election

Photo: Curtis Cronn

The annual election for the International Special Review District Board was held on Tuesday, November 15. Two positions were up for election this year, and the results are as follows:

  • Eliza Chan won Position #3 for a Business owner, Property owner or Employee.
  • Tiernan Martin won Position #5 for At-large.

Starting in December, Ms. Chan will begin her first term, and Mr. Martin will begin serving his second term.

The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by city ordinance. In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect and enhance the cultural, economic and historical qualities of the District. The Board is composed of seven members — five elected by the Chinatown International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive terms.

The current board members are Stephanie Hsie, Carol Leong, Tiernan Martin (Vice-Chair), Miye Moriguchi (Chair), Herman Setijono, Valerie Tran, and Marie Wong. The terms for Mr. Martin and Ms. Wong end November 2016.

The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program which is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as eight historic districts located throughout the city.

Mayor Murray Seeks New Member for International Special Review District Board

Photo: Curtis Cronn

Mayor Edward Murray invites community members to apply for an open position on the International Special Review District Board. The seven-member International Special Review District Board reviews façade alterations, signs, new construction, changes of use, and street improvements, and makes recommendations to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods director for all properties within the International Special Review District. The goals of the board are to maintain architectural character, cultural heritage, social diversity, and through the use of historic preservation, enhance the economic climate in the International Special Review District.

The open position is one of two seats on the board that are filled by mayoral appointment. Individuals who have an architectural background and an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with the Chinatown/ International District are encouraged to apply.

Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. for one to three hours. In addition, board members may be asked to serve on an additional committee as the Board deems appropriate. In general, Board members must commit approximately five to six hours per month to Board business.

The ISRD Board is made up of five elected members and two members who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by Seattle City Council. The five elected members consist of:

  • Two members who own property in the Chinatown International District, or who own or are employed by businesses located in the Chinatown International District.
  • Two members who are either residents (including tenants) or persons with a recognized and demonstrated interest in the welfare of the Chinatown International District community.
  • One member-at-large.

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. Board members serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Monday, November 30, 2016. Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible.

Please email your letter and resume to: rebecca.frestedt@seattle.gov (reference the International Special Review District in the subject line). To submit a paper copy, please address:

Rebecca Frestedt
International Special Review District
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA, 98124-4649

For more information, contact Rebecca Frestedt at (206) 684-0226.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program.

City of Seattle Awards $650,700 for Community-based Projects

Mayor Ed Murray and the Seattle City Council awarded seven Seattle organizations a total of $650,741 to support neighborhood-initiated projects across the city. The awards are part of the City’s Neighborhood Matching Fund, which provides more than $3 million each year to local organizations.

“Through the Neighborhood Matching Fund, thousands of community organizations have completed a variety of projects that have made a difference in their neighborhood and community,” said Mayor Murray.  “From a performance series in the Central Area, to an open space plaza in Eastlake, to digital storytelling in Chinatown International District – these funds help to acknowledge the dedication of community volunteers to make their ideas become realities.”

“These projects are inspirational examples of neighbors working together to improve the lives of others and the health of their communities. I heard from many of the recipients at my Council committee in August, and look forward to seeing Neighborhood Matching Fund dollars put to great use across the city.”
– Councilmember Tim Burgess (Position 8, Citywide)

The Large Projects Fund, a program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides awards of up to $100,000 to community organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. For this fund, two teams of community members from neighborhood districts selected the recipients through an extensive evaluation process. With the city’s investment of $650,741, these seven awardees will contribute $1,048,216 in locally raised money, donated materials and professional services and volunteer labor.

The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) has two other funds: the Small and Simple Projects Fund which provides up to $25,000, and the Small Sparks Fund which provides up to $1,000 per project. For 28 years, more than 5,000 projects have been funded in partnership with the NMF Program, and its investment in neighborhoods can be seen across the city. For more information about all of the funds visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/.

 

2016 Large Projects Fund Awards

District 2

  • $100,000 to Mini Mart City Park to renovate a former gas station into a pocket park, arts center, and community gathering place in Georgetown. Community match: $265,010.
  • $100,000 to SouthEast Effective Development to build a professional broadcast studio for Rainier Valley Radio, a community production space, and other spaces to serve as a digital communications hub. Community match: $294,018.
  • $99,960 to the Beacon Food Forest for Phase II construction to include an outdoor educational space, additional P-Patch plots, a tool shed, and other improvements. Community match: $211,793.
  • $90,781 to OneAmerica to engage residents of Chinatown International District in digital storytelling through classes that teach English language and digital literacy skills. Community match: $47,345.

 

District 3

  • $60,000 to 206 Zulu to produce up to eight free public events while enabling Central District arts organizations free access to historic Washington Hall. Community match: $19,300.
  • $100,000 to The Friends of First Place Scholars to make facility improvements and plan for future repairs at the First Place School. Community match: $110,450.

 

District 4

  • $100,000 to Lake Union Neighbors to accomplish Phase I construction of an open space plaza in street right-of-way and complete a pedestrian corridor. Community match: $100,300.

Advancing Equitable Outreach and Engagement

Message from Kathy Nyland, Director

Mayor Murray recently issued an Executive Order directing the city to approach outreach and engagement in an equitable manner. Putting an equity lens on our approaches is bold and, yes, brave. It shows a commitment to practices that address accessibility and equity.


What does this mean?

  • We often hear that meetings can feel like we are “checking a box.” The Mayor’s action means we can create processes that are more relationship-based and build authentic partnerships.
  • It means that we can create plans that are culturally sensitive, which includes an emphasis on translated materials.
  • It means we broaden access points, identify obstacles and turn them into opportunities.


What else does this mean?

  • It means we have an opportunity to recreate, re-envision and reconcile many lingering issues, including defining the difference between neighborhoods and communities, providing clarity about roles, and creating a system of engagement that builds partnerships with, and between, communities throughout the city of Seattle.
  • It means that we will be working to expand choices and opportunities for community members throughout this city, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of those who face barriers to participation.
  • It means that we’ll work with city offices and departments on community involvement to ensure that they are effective and efficient through the wise use and management of all resources, including the community’s time.
  • And it means we will expand the toolbox and make some investments in digital engagement.

 

Seattle is a unique city, and we are fortunate to have so many valuable partners currently at the proverbial table. Those partners play an important role and that role will continue. While we are appreciative of the countless hours our volunteers spend making our city better, we recognize and acknowledge there are barriers to participation. There are communities who cannot be at the table, while there are some communities who don’t even know there is a table. This is where the Department of Neighborhoods comes in.

This is not a power grab. It is a power share. At the heart of this Executive Order is a commitment to advance the effective deployment of equitable and inclusive community engagement strategies across all city departments. This is about making information and opportunities for participation more accessible to communities throughout the city.

 

“This is not about silencing voices. It’s the exact opposite. It’s about bringing more people into the conversations or at least creating opportunities for people to participate so they can be heard.”

 
Face-to-face meetings are incredibly important and those are not going away. But not every person can attend a community meeting, and the ability to do so should not determine who gets to participate and who gets to be heard.

We’d love to hear what tools YOU need to be successful and how WE can help you. Share your ideas with us:

  • Send an email to NewDON@seattle.gov.
  • Share your comments below.
  • Contact us at 206-684-0464 or mail us at P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.
  • Join and follow the conversation online using #AdvancingEquitySEA at:

Facebook – @SeattleNeighborhoods
Twitter – @SeaNeighborhood

This is about making things easier and less exhaustive. This is about connecting communities to government and to one another. This is about moving forward.

Kathy Nyland, Director
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

People’s Academy for Community Engagement Now Accepting Applications

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is accepting applications to the People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE), our civic leadership development program for the next wave of community leaders. The fall session begins September 27 and runs through December 6.

During the 10-week program, 25-30 emerging leaders (18 years and up) will learn hands-on strategies for community building, accessing government, and inclusive engagement from experts in the field. PACE has a strong focus on Seattle’s community and neighborhood organizations and the city’s governmental structure and processes.

Fall sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Miller Community Center. Topics include: Approaches to Leadership, Government 101, Community Organizing, Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement, Meeting Facilitation, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, and Sustaining Involvement.

Tuition for the 10-week program is $100. Tuition assistance is available. To apply, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/programs-and-services/peoples-academy-for-community-engagement/pace-application. The application deadline is Friday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Given the popularity of the program, PACE will be offered three times a year: winter, spring and fall. The winter session will begin in January of 2017. For more information, visit our webpage and for questions, email PACE@seattle.gov.