About Neighborhoods

Programs and Services

Through its programs and services, the Department of Neighborhoods provides a range of resources to help Seattle residents and neighbors build strong communities and improve their community's quality of life. Our goal is for neighbors in Seattle to create a stronger sense of place and build stronger ties with their communities and local government.

Neighborhood Matching Fund awards money to local groups for a broad array of neighborhood-initiated improvement, organizing, or planning projects. Residents receiving a Neighborhood Matching Fund award match it with their own contribution of cash, volunteerism, and/or donated goods and services. There are three levels of funding based on the type of project and amount requested - from small amounts to $100,000.

P-Patch Community Gardening Program supports and promotes community-based organic urban agriculture and other greening opportunities that are culturally and neighborhood appropriate. It is the largest municipally-managed community gardening program west of New York City, managing 75 gardens that serve more than 4000 residents. It also manages special programs that serve youth, low-income and underrepresented populations.

Historic Preservation Program handles the identification and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects and vessels, as well as eight historic districts throughout Seattle. The program provides information on the basics of historic preservation in Seattle, including the designation process, and on incentives for property owners to encourage preservation and renovation. It also supports the work of several citizen boards involved in historic preservation.

Neighborhood District Coordinators facilitate and link neighborhoods to city government. The Coordinators connect with dozens of community organizations on a wide range of neighborhood projects and issues and work to engage and support all citizens in the city’s 13 districts. They focus on encouraging community involvement, help with neighborhood improvement efforts, and make referrals to city services.

Neighborhood Service Centers are located throughout the city and serve as ‘little city halls.’ Each of the six centers has information on city services and human service agencies, programs, and neighborhood activities. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year pay city utility bills, apply for passports, obtain pet licenses and bus passes, and find necessary city forms and materials.

Neighborhood Planning Outreach and Engagement Program works closely with neighborhoods and city government to ensure the neighborhood growth plans developed by residents in the 1990’s have progressed over their 20-year implementation period. Additionally, it works with specific neighborhoods undergoing significant change to update their plans by using a creative outreach approach to underrepresented communities, including immigrant and refugee populations.

South Park Action Agenda began in 2006 when community leaders, businesses, youth, non-profit organizations, and the city came together to develop a neighborhood vision and plan for the South Park community. Staffed by our team, the South Park Action Agenda is becoming a reality, one step at a time. The neighborhood has become a model for other communities, inspiring residents to participate in grassroots and city efforts. 

Major Institutions and Schools Program provides a way for the neighbors of Seattle's larger institutions (i.e. hospitals, schools, universities, colleges) to be directly involved in the development plans for these institutions so that neighborhood concerns are considered. The program organizes and staffs city-appointed citizen advisory committees for each project.