The City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) proudly stands as a beacon of community empowerment and positive transformation. Over the past 12 months, DON has been at the forefront of impactful initiatives, contributing significantly to the well-being of our diverse communities.
- In alignment with Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), we supported BIPOC communities by addressing their unique needs and fostering an environment of inclusivity.
- We responded to the disaster relief needs of South Park families impacted by flooding and connected them to emergency resources.
- We advanced our food equity goals by investing $2 million in community-led projects.
- We amplified community voices through storytelling projects that celebrated the richness of our diverse narratives and strengthened the bonds that tie us together.
- Additionally, DON played a crucial role in preserving Seattle’s rich history, safeguarding the cultural heritage that makes our city unique.
Looking Back
Here are some highlights of how Department of Neighborhoods (DON) connected to and supported community in 2023:
P-Patch Gardening
More than 33,438 pounds of produce donated to local food banks and meal programs through the P-Patch Giving Garden Program.
Food Equity
City of Seattle’s Food Equity Fund invests $2 million in 21 community-initiated projects.
Neighborhood Matching Fund
City of Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund invests $990,533 in 23 projects led by community.
BIPOC Community Wealth Building
Historic Preservation
Seattle Histories Pride Edition: I Really Do…A Pride Story by Olisa Enrico
Seattle Histories Pride Edition: From Singapore to Seattle by Victor Loo
Community Storytelling
Azul y Marrón: To Be Latinx in Seattle by Claudia Castro Luna
How Gumbo Took The Land Back by Christopher Rachal
Delivering New Worlds: Black Doulas Talk about Black Futures – Event Recording
Looking Forward
As we move into 2024, all of us at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) aim to deepen our relationships with Seattle’s diverse communities, connect Seattle residents to valuable resources, and continue to make this city an incredible place to live. Here’s how we plan to elevate our service to the city in 2024:
- Expand our civic engagement program to connect diverse neighborhoods and communities to each other.
- Grow our community wealth-building strategies in alignment with our historic preservation districts.
- Using racial equity as a guiding principle to make the Neighborhood Matching Fund community review process more inclusive and accessible.
- Nurture resilient relationships with historically underrepresented communities so they can continue to invest in community-led solutions and build community capacity.
- Partner with philanthropic organizations committed to advancing our One Seattle goals.
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