Until recently, the Seattle Parks and Recreation department had a rule which prohibited park patrons from smoking within 25 feet of another park patron. Enforcing this rule was nearly impossible at pedestrian-heavy parks downtown where people tend to move around a lot. Additionally, in small parks that have play spaces, such as Westlake Park, even if smokers kept 25 feet from a play space, children were still not protected from second-hand smoke. In March 2015, park staff r

In May, PBDS met with Virginia Gleason, Chief Strategic Advisor for the Seattle Police Department to discuss the 9 ½ Blocks Strategy. We spent an hour learning more about the work behind the dramatic change in the area between Pike Place Market and Westlake Park. Highlights of what we learned: The Police are changing the physical environment in crime heavy areas. Alleys are closed. Bus stops have been moved. Drug dealers are being sentenced to jail. The worst offenders are be

Members of the steering committee for Parents for a Better Downtown met with school board candidate Rick Burke to discuss the pressing need for a downtown school. Thanks to Elizabeth Campbell of the 36th LD Democrats for organizing and hosting the meeting at her downtown apartment complex! As Elizabeth put it, Downtown needs an elementary school to coalesce into a community with a sustainable middle class. Not to mention, Downtown needs a school to serve the Downtown baby