If you haven’t followed City politics, it’s time to tune in and be counted in next Tuesday’s election. The races for Mayor, City Attorney and the two Citywide Council seats will determine how downtown recovers from the pandemic and problems that were brewing well beforehand.
Just weeks after a global warming study identified Downtown’s intense density as cause for its extreme heat status, a new land use proposal aims to make it easier to fill every small lot in Belltown by relaxing building standards.
Seattle’s drive for extreme density downtown is equaled by its commitment to battling climate change. But a new heat map co-sponsored by the City shows these goals at odds. Read On….
As Charter Amendment 29 awaits certification for the November ballot, expect more hot debate on this important but flawed legislation borne from the City’s six-year paralysis addressing the homelessness crisis. If you’re still on the fence, Belltown United recently hosted a definitive short course to inform your vote.
After flourishing for months, the tent city lining Third between Pike and Union disappeared this week. Thirty-three people accepted new shelter and the sidewalk re-appeared. As the community sighs with relief, we thank all involved in this recovery mission and ask, how to maintain it?
Everyone’s got an opinion but being heard at City Council meetings isn’t easy and letters rarely receive acknowledgement. Comment policy updates and innovations would ensure more views are heard.
Compassion Seattle sounds promising – but raises a lot of questions for Belltown activist Steve Horvath. He crunched the numbers and wants to find out if the group has fully accounted for the bottom line costs to Seattle.
As Seattle’s homeless crisis enters its sixth year, civic coalition Compassion Seattle is proposing a new approach and increased accountability. The group is seeking an amendment to the City Charter that details City Hall's obligation to fund and provide for those facing chronic homelessness and take responsibility for keeping City streets and parks free of encampments. Coalition member and former Council Member Tim Burgess explains.
Seattle determined a new 54-story tower would impact its neighborhood but said an EIS prepared 18 years ago had the impacts covered. Project neighbors and King County Superior Court thought otherwise….
As the City Council ponders where to focus its post-pandemic rebuilding efforts, it may be time for a field trip downtown.
Downtown resident Leslie Buker speaks for many other Seattle residents. Will it take another tragedy to get the Mayor and Council to address rampant crime in this neighborhood?
The peaceful closure of the Denny Park homeless encampment was a small triumph in the greater effort to help thousands living in crisis on Seattle streets and parks. Many deserve credit for the success but one citizen volunteer stands out for her daily outreach and cutting through red tape.
A group of downtown residents and commercial property owners felt like collateral damage in an unbalanced plan to reimagine policing and public safety. They are temporarily hiring full time security to see if it will help their troubled street. Will this do-it-yourself crime prevention effort succeed, is it sustainable and could it become a norm?
Like other American cities, Seattle is grappling with bitter politics, protests and a pandemic-deflated economy. To that daunting list, DRA member Karen Gielen would add one more: misguided leadership.
Seattle protesters aren’t the only ones feeling rage these days. After months of plywood, graffiti and ongoing violence, some weary downtown residents have lost hope and patience. One shared the message he sent recently to the Mayor and Council claiming their silence and tepid responses are part of the problem:
In December we asked downtown residents for their Civic Wish List for 2021. Will City Hall listen?
Tell us what New Year resolutions or actions you’d like to see city leaders adopt in 2021.
Happy Thanksgiving Seattle! DRA is grateful for neighbors and organizations working for a better downtown. One is Andrea Suarez, founder of I Heart Downtown Seattle, a resident who believes actions speak louder than words.
Seattle residents are voicing increased concerns for their safety - even before City Council’s proposed SPD budget decreases
$600 million in new projects in June — during a pandemic? Something smells rotten.
The last six months have seen a lot of changes in Seattle, but even more are needed for this phoenix to rise from the ashes.
Seattle City Council members: Take the ride-along challenge!
The breakage continues as Seattle City Council governs on the fly.
“We must be headlights and not taillights.” - John Lewis
