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 ]
We recently caught up with Francesca Murnan (Shawnee and Cherokee), former Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) Liaison for the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) who now serves as the Tribal Relations Director at the Office of Intergovernmental Relations. Learn more about what drew Francesca to DON, her role in launching the IAC,… [ 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 ]
We recently connected with Ahoua Koné, a former member of the Community Involvement Commission to learn her experience on the commission, how government can work to strengthen engagement with community members, and why civic participation is important. She served on the Commission for five years and lives in Ballard. Meet… [ Keep reading ]
Stanley Tsao joined the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods staff as the Community Liaison Program Manager in April 2019. However, prior to officially joining the staff, he served as a Community Liaison himself, supporting various projects in multiple City departments. Stanley grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver, Canada… [ Keep reading ]
We recently connected with Joselynn Tokashiki, manager of the Heron’s Nest, to learn about the project, how it has been supported by the Food Equity Fund, and the important role food plays in building community and connecting to the land. About Heron’s Nest The Heron’s Nest is a 3.56-acre land care project and community hub in the West Duwamish Greenbelt that preserves… [ Keep reading ]
We connected with Karen Ko, a Lions Club member and coordinator for the Seattle Sensory Garden, a project supported by the Neighborhood Matching Fund to learn about the origins of the garden, how Small Sparks grants aided the process, and why community-led projects are so important right now. Can you… [ Keep reading ]
