This Transgender Awareness Month, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods celebrates the trans community and the organizations building a more welcoming Seattle, one connection at a time. Sometimes, belonging is the moment you realize you can finally exhale. For Kai of Gender Justice League, a Seattle-based organization that Seattle Department of Neighborhoods… [ Keep reading ]
This summer, we sat down with Interbay P-Patch gardener Ray Schutte to learn about the history of the garden, the long journey to its current location, and how the space is rooted in building and harnessing community relationships. How long have you been a P-Patch Gardener? I’ve been involved with… [ Keep reading ]
In 1970, Bernie Whitebear and Native leaders from across the nation carefully organized a grassroots community occupation of Seattle’s Fort Lawton to reclaim the land taken from them and declare that Indigenous people belong in these spaces. While activists faced harsh resistance from military police, the movement gained nationwide attention… [ Keep reading ]
We recently connected with Jim Diers, the first director of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON), to learn about his work building our department, the important role DON plays in building trusted relationships with the public, the value of community power, and how he has established similar programs and departments throughout… [ Keep reading ]
We recently connected with local writer, director, and producer Chris Hopper to learn about how a Neighborhood Matching Fund grant has helped support the Black and Tan Project and bring community theater to more people in Seattle. Chris has written and directed multiple plays centering Black history, culture, and experience… [ Keep reading ]
On August 18, community members and City officials, past and present, filled the Seattle City Council Chambers to celebrate the official proclamation of Allynn Ruth Day, honoring her 51 years of public service at the City of Seattle. Allynn grew up in Yesler Terrace and is a proud graduate of… [ Keep reading ]
We recently connected with Sam Prudente, a 2024 People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) participant, to learn about their experience in the program, gaining insight into local government, and shaping community leadership skills. Sam was part of cohort hosted in partnership with Asian Counseling and Referral Services. Meet Sam! What… [ Keep reading ]
Abdirahman Omar has served a Community Liaison for the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for over a decade. From outreach and engagement campaigns to policy implementation, culturally competent communications, and grassroots mobilization, Abdi has consistently shown up as the connector between institutions and the people they are meant to serve. He… [ Keep reading ]
Serving more than 3000 residents, Eritrean Association of Greater Seattle (EAGS) creates a space that fosters connections, supports growth, and preserves the rich heritage of the local East African community. The organization first received a Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) grant in 2000 to support the construction of a community center…. [ Keep reading ]
Pioneer Square is the historic heart of the Seattle. Long before the city was founded, this area was home to Dzizdilalich, a Coast Salish village where the Suquamish, Duwamish, and Muckleshoot peoples gathered to trade, socialize, and harvest shellfish. From Ballast Island to present-day Chief Seattle Club, Native people have… [ Keep reading ]
