“Fighting the Flames of NIMBYism since 1970” Submitted by Environmental Works Seattle in the late 1960s was a city in transition. It was grappling with the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, environmental degradation, and economic instability after Boeing layoffs. Plans for new freeways threatened to fracture established neighborhoods, older buildings… [ Keep reading ]
On Saturday, March 21, people of Seattle gathered in South Park for the first Best Day Ever event, a day of service, storytelling, shared meals, and community connection co-created by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and the Seattle Chamber of Connection and local partner Cultivate South Park. Best Day Ever is a community-powered celebration designed to strengthen civic belonging while spotlighting the people,… [ Keep reading ]
This piece is part of a short series focused on community occupations of historical places in Seattle. These stories, told by community members, showcase the power of people uniting to protect important community places in the city and the ways these places continue to provide meaningful space, resources, and services… [ Keep reading ]
Kolbi Monasmith joined the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods as the new Indigenous Advisory Council Liaison in January 2026. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, though she grew up in the Seattle area. Kolbi attended Seattle Central College and the University of Washington studying Political Science, Human… [ Keep reading ]
By Tracey Thompson The High Point Housing Projects were built in 1942 to accommodate military personnel and workers who migrated from the South in search of better opportunities. Over time, High Point became one of Seattle’s quiet strongholds of Black life, shaped by families who arrived during the Great Migration… [ Keep reading ]
Often, when people hear the phrase historic preservation, the first thing they think of is saving old buildings. And while, yes, that is sometimes the outcome, it is certainly not that simple. Historic Landmarks are rooted in community. They are tangible connections to the people and events that have shaped… [ Keep reading ]
Rooted in Roosevelt community celebration As any non-profit, community organization, or motivated group of neighbors know, a little bit can go a long way. That is certainly the case when it comes to the Small Sparks Fund grants. Part of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Small Sparks provides grants to $5,000… [ Keep reading ]
Sharing a meal with others feels good. Food has always connected people and has the ability to break down cultural barriers, build connections, and evoke a feeling of wellbeing – both physically and mentally. And that is exactly what the American Polynesian Organization (APO) meal program does each week for hundreds of low-income… [ Keep reading ]
What makes a neighborhood thrive? Connection. Pride. Shared stories. And people who care deeply about the place they call home. Best Day Ever is a new, one-day, community-powered experience designed to celebrate the vibrancy and culture of Seattle’s neighborhoods. Each day’s events bring residents together through service activities, movement, storytelling,… [ Keep reading ]
” A long time ago, the sky was too low. Tall people kept bumping their heads. Many different communities gathered to do something about it. They spoke different languages but realized they only needed to know one word in common to understand each other. That word was yəhaw̓ – that… [ Keep reading ]
