Dear Neighbor,

Tomorrow is the last day of the Washington State Legislature’s legislative session. In my next update I will share my thoughts on the new bills and budgets, and what they mean for the people of District 7. In the meantime, I want to provide an update on the city’s Safe Start program for outdoor spaces, share an opportunity to join the Pioneer Square Preservation Board, and provide an update on the JustCARE program. 

Safe Start Space Permits Extended

This week, Mayor Harrell signed legislation extending the Safe Start café street and outdoor dining permits through January 31, 2023. More than 250 businesses in Seattle have taken advantage of this program streamlining the process for a free permit to open a temporary outdoor café or merchandise display on the sidewalk or curbside. The program also covers temporary street closures to use of the right-of-way in limited cases for even larger street café concepts. Crockett Street on Queen Anne is a great example of this kind of activation.

This pandemic response has created safe, lively spaces that keep our communities healthy while activating our neighborhoods and allowing our small businesses to increase capacity. In an SDOT survey of more than 10,000 people there was overwhelming support for these outdoor activities, and I am glad to see the program continue.

Pioneer Square Preservation Board

If you live in Pioneer Square, consider applying to be on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. This 10-member body reviews façade alterations, signs, new construction, changes of use, and street improvements and makes recommendations to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Director for all properties within the Pioneer Square Preservation District.

The four open positions include: 1) architect, 2) human services representative, 3) district retail owner, and 4) district property owner. Individuals who have an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with Pioneer Square are encouraged to apply. All appointments are made by the Mayor and subject to City Council confirmation.

Board meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. In addition, members may be asked to serve on an additional committee which meets twice a month. In general, members must commit approximately six to twelve hours per month to Board business. All Board and committee meetings are currently held virtually.

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. Board members serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Thursday, March 31.

Please email your letter and resume to: genna.nashem@seattle.gov. Reference the Pioneer Square Preservation Board in the subject line.

Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible. To submit a paper copy, send to:

Genna Nashem
Pioneer Square Preservation Board Coordinator
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649

For more information, contact Genna Nashem at (206) 684-0227

JustCARE Committee Presentation

Last week, the popular and successful JustCARE program gave a detailed presentation to my committee about their work. JustCARE combines hotel-based shelter placements with wrap around services for behavioral mental health and substance addiction. It is a collaboration between a consortium of providers who work extensively with small businesses and community organizations to provide effective outreach to encampments and offer residents a place to go. The result has been a marked decrease in unsanctioned encampments in the area where they are active.

Office Hours Sign-Up

I continue to hold regular office hours several times a month. You can find available times at this link. As always, please feel free to email me directly at andrew.lewis@seattle.gov.