On October 21, nearly 200 neighbors and city staff gathered for the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) Open House—an afternoon of connection, creativity, and community. Outside the venue, the harmonious beats of DJ Kimnang and the din of conversation and laughter pulled people in. Inside, community members and City staff mixed and mingled, meeting one another, building relationships, and establishing a foundation for future collaboration. The gathering focused on a central theme: when City of Seattle staff unite, our neighborhoods win. 

Watch the presentation: Department of Neighborhoods (DON) 2025 Open House | seattlechannel.org 

“Today is not just about showing what the Department of Neighborhoods does, it is about city government working together to ensure that every policy, program, and city investment centers the heart of our neighborhoods,”
-Jenifer Chao, Director of DON.  

Memorable Moments 

An interactive “Wishing Tree” art installation invited attendees to share their hopes for Seattle’s future; safer sidewalks, more green spaces, increased accessibility. As folks wrote their wishes on fall inspired leaves and hung them on the outstretched branches, they were invited to connect with the city in a new way. To retreat from the narrow scope of present-day challenges and collectively envision the growth and progress they would like to see in our city. 

A postcard station prompted participants to write a postcard to themselves about memorable interactions from the day and inspiration for future action.  It turned a moment into a promise, a reflection, and an ongoing connection with DON. 

Why this matters 

From the food and music to the multi-department presence, the event grounded government in what matters most; public service. It wasn’t focused on the work or successes of one program or office; it was about the whole city working together to best serve our residents. 

“When the Department of Neighborhoods is at the table, your work better reflects the communities you serve.”  

For neighbors, this gathering represented a government that is united and inclusive. For city staff, it was a step toward simpler access, clearer communication, fewer silos, and more action. 

Looking Forward  

This event wasn’t an endpoint, it was a launchpad. The wishes, postcards, and conversations are all puzzle pieces to a bigger picture. DON is committed to assembling them into action. 

“We’ll carry these conversations forward.” 

Thank you to all those who attended. You filled the space with energy and ideas. If you heard the conversations from outside the room and thought “What’s happening?” now you know. You’re part of it. 

Stay connected. Stay curious. And keep believing that when neighborhoods and city staff unite, we’re stronger. One community, one voice, one city. One Seattle! 

In the words of Linda Li, DON Community Liaison, “connection is what holds a city together.”  

We couldn’t agree more.