For 35 years, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) has helped neighbors turn connection into action by supporting community-led projects, building local leadership, and bringing people together across the city. In 2026, DON celebrates this milestone with a year-long 35th Anniversary celebration, launching on Neighbor Day Saturday, May 2, 2026, through Neighbor Day on May 8,… [ 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 ]
Three City grant programs open door for community-led arts, culture, and recreation events across every neighborhood. When the world comes to Seattle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest moments will not only happen inside the stadium. They will happen on neighborhood streets, in community centers, at pop-up performances,… [ 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 ]
By Juliana Agudelo Ariza, Seattle Youth Commissioner Every year, between September 15 and October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated around the nation to honor the accomplishments and cultural traditions of Hispanic/Latino people. On September 24, the City of Seattle hosted its own celebration, inviting community leaders and organizations to… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
Every year on the second Monday in October, we come together to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day: a day that centers Native people by celebrating our ongoing presence and uplifting the deep connections to this land that have existed since time immemorial. Here in Seattle, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is more than… [ Keep reading ]
Cesar Chavez. Helen Rodriguez-Trías. Lin Manuel Miranda. Sonia Sotomayor. Roberto Maestas. Dr. Ellen Ochoa. These are just a few Latinos and Latinas whose work and advocacy have helped shape the history and culture in the United States. From scientific discoveries and space exploration, to social justice organizing and artistic and… [ Keep reading ]
Do you want to learn more about how city government works? Are you looking for ways to influence decision makers and support your community? We’re here to help! Each year, People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) partners with linguistically and culturally specific organizations to co-create civic education programming that explores:… [ Keep reading ]
Attending the All-America City Award: A Transformative Experience by Linda Li, Community Liaison Attending the All-America City Award was nothing short of inspiring. Cities from all across the country had gathered—big, small, rural, urban. We heard amazing stories about resilience, equity, innovation, and community building—it became immediately clear that this… [ Keep reading ]
