Photo credit: R Frestadt

More than 50 people attending the National League of Cities Conference had the opportunity to visit neighborhoods in Southeast Seattle when we hosted a mobile workshop on community engagement. Hailing from big cities to small, the attendees learned about DoN programs, but also got to hear and visit Seattle Housing Authority projects, NewHolly Market Garden (along with gardeners), the Columbia City Historic District, and the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (RVCC). Thanks goes to Deputy Mayor Smith, Councilmember Bagshaw, Nora Liu (DPD), Tom Eanes (SHA), in addition to Mark Hannum, Mikala Woodward, and Rob Mohn of Columbia City and the RVCC, plus DoN staff for serving as guides and facilitators. Attendees were most impressed with the remarkable involvement of community members and their ability to initiate change and improve their neighborhoods. Plus after touring Columbia City, we have no doubt that many made the trip back to eat and shop!