Community
Discover the Power of Your Opinion
Take a look at those buildings that elicit a genuine sense of pride within your community. Almost without exception, each one is the result of a solid partnership between the designer and the client. Design professionals believe that their finest projects are the result of strong partnerships with clients who are informed, engaged and enthusiastic. These are clients who have a clear vision for the project at hand, who take the time necessary to understand a given situation and then make an informed decision, and who are willing to do whatever it takes to get it right. With most public projects, we — the residents and business owners of a given community — are the clients of a larger city, county or state government. Too often, however, we allow that government to make decisions for us, becoming involved only when dissatisfied with the results.
In Seattle and its surrounding communities, the idea of an active, informed citizenry is embedded deep within the culture, and we're fortunate to live in a region with multiple opportunities to become involved in community design and planning issues. After all, from these issues come decisions, and these decisions affect everything from the community’s overall quality of life to its economic development right down to where you can live, work and play. Even projects located far from your front door can affect the value of your property, the traffic you face and so on. In Seattle today, current issues with wide-ranging implications include the replacement of the waterfront seawall, the replacement of the viaduct, and the design and funding of various transportation options.
With so many changes headed our way, the time to get involved is now. Listed below are links to public and private organizations that can help you find the right opportunity to start shaping your community. The links are listed by category, so all you have to do is pick an area of interest and see what's available in that category. You can also stay up to date on many community design issues by signing up for SAF’s monthly E-Newsletter (sign up at bottom of the page).
So now, it's your turn: Educate yourself about how decisions are made and who makes them. Find out how you can become more directly involved on community boards and commissions. Support worthwhile community initiatives and know exactly what you're supporting. Express your opinions and back them up. In short, create a vision for your — and our — community.
If you know of additional opportunities for individuals to get involved in shaping their communities, please forward the information to Seattle Architecture Foundation.
Advocacy Organizations
Allied Arts
Allied Arts’ mission is to enhance the cultural livability of Seattle and to create a social network of people who care about the Arts, Urban Design and Historic Preservation.
DOCOMOMO (no website yet – email momowewa@yahoo.com)
DOCOMOMO (Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the Modern Movement), is an international organization with national and regional working parties around the world including DOCOMOMO.WEWA – a regional volunteer working party covering Western Washington. DOCOMOMO.WEWA is dedicated to building appreciation and public awareness of the significance of Modernist buildings and structures in Western Washington through education, documentation, and advocacy. This working party provides a variety of educational and social opportunities for members and the public and advocates for the preservation and interpretation of Modern resources.
Downtown Seattle Association
DSA is a membership organization that works to revitalize and develop Downtown Seattle into a thriving, world-class destination. Volunteer members serve on committees that monitor and recommend positions on Downtown design issues such as the viaduct, waterfront and monorail. You can find DSA’s positions on these issues on the website. If your business or organization is a DSA member, you can participate directly in helping to shape Downtown Seattle.
People For Puget Sound
People For Puget Sound is a non-profit citizens’ group working to protect and restore the health of Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits through education and action. Our vision is a clean and healthy Sound, teeming with fish and wildlife, cared for by people who live here. The site contains information about Sound issues and positions and ways you can get involved.
Preservation
Historic Seattle
Historic Seattle protects Seattle's unique character by preserving historic buildings, architectural artifacts, and landscapes. The website hosts a preservation magazine and suggestions for ways to get involved in preservation advocacy.
Landmarks Boards
The City of Seattle’s Historic Preservation Program, located in the Department of Neighborhoods, is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 230 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as seven historic districts scattered throughout Seattle. This site introduces the basics of historic preservation in Seattle, including the legal processes that govern individual landmarks and historic districts, incentives for property owners, meeting agendas and minutes, staff contacts, and links of historical interest. The Landmarks Boards review all new construction, demolitions and alterations in the Pioneer Square, Ballard, Columbia City, Harvard-Belmont and International District historic districts, as well as changes to individual landmarks.
City Design & Planning
Design Review Boards
Most commercial and multifamily projects throughout the city are reviewed by volunteer design review boards, coordinated by the City Design Department. Many neighborhoods have their own design guidelines. The website has project/meeting information and detailed information about the City’s design guidelines.
Seattle Design Commission
The Design Commission reviews city projects and street vacations. Meetings are held every two weeks, and public comment is accepted. The website offers a guide to community involvement, summaries of recently reviewed projects, meeting agendas, minutes, the Seattle Design Commission Handbook, and background information on the commission.
Seattle Planning Commission
The Planning Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and City departments on broad planning goals, policies and plans for the physical development of the city. The Commission is committed to engage citizens in the work of the planning for the City and sponsors workshops and forums on key planning issues. The website provides agendas, meetings and current projects. Information on meetings on specific topics can be found at the Seattle Department of Planning and Development.
City Neighborhoods & Parks
City of Seattle Neighborhood Planning
In 1999, the City Council approved 38 neighborhood plans created by nearly 20,000 citizens. This website hosts these plans which identify actions needed to ensure that each neighborhood will continue to thrive and improve as Seattle grows over the next 20 years. You can read the plan for your neighborhood on this site, see what’s happening with projects currently underway, learn who to contact for information, and how you can get involved. Many neighborhoods have their own websites and many links are on this website.
Seattle Parks
Seattle Parks coordinates park acquisitions, new facilities development and other improvements funded by the levy approved by voters in 2000. The website has information on what is planned for each park as well as major maintenance and neighborhood matching fund projects. The Neighborhood Matching fund program is featured on the website. Neighborhood groups may apply for neighborhood improvement grants from the fund and match them with in-kind services, cash, or volunteer time.
City Services
Seattle Fire Department
The Fire Department is implementing levy-supported improvements and new construction. The website identifies the changes proposed for each station.
Seattle's Central Waterfront
Allied Arts – See ORGANIZATIONS
City of Seattle
The waterfront’s damaged seawall must be replaced. This gives the community a once-in-a-century opportunity to create a waterfront that will reflect who we are and who we want to be as a City and a region. Many citizens, businesses and organizations have volunteered their time and resources already to begin the visioning process for our future waterfront. This website will give you the latest information on this process and provide you with ongoing opportunities to make comments and get involved in the process.
Transportation
Alaskan Way Viaduct
WSDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and City of Seattle have selected the Tunnel Alternative to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This site contains the latest information on all aspects of the viaduct replacement including, from time to time, opportunities for your input.
Sound Transit
Construction is under way on the 14-mile Central Link light rail line. This website has up-to-date information about all sound transit transportation options and projects and how they affect your neighborhood and daily commute. The website provides ways for you to get involved and stay updated.
