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Building Momentum Through Community Action
I first became a volunteer with Seattle Neighborhood Greenways twelve years ago. I was attracted by the community of deeply caring people, and the opportunity to make a real difference in our city. Twelve years later, I’m still hooked for the same reasons.
This year I’ve watched years of advocacy, often led by local volunteers, culminate in the exciting projects being built in neighborhoods across the city. And now with a new transportation plan and new transportation levy to fund it, we have laid the groundwork for the next wave of progress. By organizing and mobilizing people at the local level we can still make a real difference to this world we share.
And by getting involved in our local communities we are building a stronger and more inclusive society, with more resilience for all the challenges that lie ahead. Plus, it’s fun to meet your neighbors and make new friends!
If you’ve been on the fence, now is a great time to get involved at the local level.
Join us for our upcoming new volunteer orientation on December 4th, and an SNG Community Happy Hour on December 10, 5:30 - 7:00 PM at Stoup Brewing on Capitol Hill.
Take care of yourself and others,
Gordon Padelford
Executive Director
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways
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We Did It: Seattle Prop 1 Passes in a Landslide!
Thanks to your incredible support, Seattle Prop 1 passed with a resounding 67% of the vote—over 250,000 yes votes!
This historic victory secures $1.55 billion in investments to make Seattle’s streets safer, more accessible, and sustainable for everyone.
Highlights of Seattle Prop 1:
- $193M for 350 new sidewalk blocks—the largest pedestrian safety investment in Seattle’s history.
- $160.5M for Vision Zero projects on our most dangerous streets like Aurora Ave N and MLK Jr. Way S.
- $133.5M for bike routes—the biggest bike investment Seattle has ever seen.
- $66.5M for reimagining streets as pedestrian plazas, small business spaces, and more.
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This win didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of advocacy, coalition-building, and tireless work by volunteers and staff who shaped the levy and mobilized voters.
What’s Next?
Passing Seattle Prop 1 is just the beginning. Now the work continues to ensure this funding turns into real improvements on our streets.
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Victory for Clean Air, Safer Streets, and a Sustainable Future!
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways joins the celebration of Washingtonians voting No on Initiative 2117, a decision that protects critical transportation funding and supports our fight for safer, more equitable streets across the state.
I-2117 threatened to dismantle funding for essential transportation projects, including transit access, safety improvements, and pollution reduction initiatives. The defeat of this initiative ensures we can continue making investments that benefit communities, protect public health, and address climate change.
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This victory is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and coalition-building. Thank you to everyone who mobilized to knock on doors, make calls, and share the importance of rejecting I-2117. Your dedication made a difference.
With this win, we reaffirm our commitment to safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options for everyone. The work continues, but today, we celebrate progress!
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Honoring World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Southeast Seattle
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the MLK Transportation Justice Team hosted a powerful event at the Safeway parking lot on Othello Street to observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for transportation justice and safer streets in Seattle, particularly in the South End.
King County Councilmember Zahilay shared sobering statistics:
- 70% of Sound Transit collisions in King County occur in the South End along the surface-level train line.
- MLK Jr. Way and Rainier Ave are among the most dangerous streets in the county.
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While total traffic collisions in King County have decreased, fatalities have more than doubled—from 11 deaths in 2017 to 23 in 2022.
The event was a poignant reminder of the work still needed to ensure our streets are safe for everyone—whether walking, rolling, biking, or driving.
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Show Support for Safe Streets on Giving Tuesday, December 3
Donations from our community help us build safer streets for everyone. Help us keep pushing to make all of Seattle a great place to walk, bike, roll, and live by including Seattle Neighborhood Greenways in your Giving Tuesday contributions on December 3.
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Transforming Eastlake Ave: RapidRide J Line Update
The RapidRide J Line is a complete transformation of how we move through Eastlake. This exciting project will enhance transit, cycling, and pedestrian options while prioritizing safety and sustainability on one of our Seattle's key north/south corridors.
What’s New?
The RapidRide J Line will replace Route 70, connecting Downtown Seattle with Belltown, South Lake Union, Eastlake, and the University District.
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Project Highlights include:
- Protected Bike Lanes: 3.7 miles of safer cycling infrastructure for riders of all ages and abilities.
- Sidewalk and Crosswalk Improvements: Over 15,000 feet of repaired sidewalks and 177 upgraded crosswalks.
- Safer Streets for All: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, 33 intersections with traffic signal upgrades, and 190 newly planted trees.
- Transit Upgrades: New bus priority lanes, modernized RapidRide stations, and seamless connections to Link light rail.
Why It Matters
This project goes beyond better bus service. By creating safer, more accessible streets for walking, biking, and rolling, it helps shift the focus from cars to people. It’s a step toward a future where sustainable transportation takes center stage in Seattle.
What’s Next?
Construction is underway, with service expected to launch in 2027.
Together, these investments will make Eastlake Ave and its surrounding neighborhoods more vibrant, sustainable, and connected.
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Help Shape Seattle’s Housing Future
We envision a city where everyone can live in walkable, bikeable, vibrant neighborhoods. This winter, you can help make this vision a reality with two key opportunities.
1️⃣ Share Your Input on Seattle’s Draft Zoning Maps
The City of Seattle has released draft zoning maps as part of its updated comprehensive plan. These maps will shape where new housing and investments are made. Public comment is open until December 20.
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2️⃣ Support the February Social Housing Initiative: Yes on Prop 1A
This upcoming ballot initiative would fund permanently affordable, mixed-income social housing so that we can create equitable, connected neighborhoods.
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Let’s Toast to Community and the Future of Aurora Ave N!
Join the Aurora Reimagined Coalition for a festive holiday Happy Hour at Kringle’s Filling Station on December 12 at 5:30 PM!
This is a chance to connect with neighbors, share ideas, and envision a brighter future for Aurora Avenue N, all while enjoying the holiday magic of this one-of-a-kind venue.
Part arcade, part neighborhood hangout, Kringle’s is a vintage-inspired, immersive holiday experience packed with fun activities, delicious treats, and cozy vibes. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate the season while deepening connections with your community.
Aurora Reimagined Coalition Festive Holiday Happy Hour
Thursday, December 12
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Kringle's Filling Station, 8211 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103
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Share Your News
Have an upcoming event related to walking, biking, or rolling?
Please share it with us for inclusion in a future newsletter. We love highlighting opportunities to experience Seattle through active mobility.
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Upcoming Events
- Light Up Your Trip! | November 20, 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Westlake Park
- Downtown Greenways Meeting | November 25, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
- NE Seattle Greenways Meeting | November 27, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
- West Seattle Bike Connection Meeting | December 3, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
- NW Seattle Greenways Meeting | December 3, 7:30 - 8:30 PM
- SNG Volunteer Orientation Party | December 4, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
- Central Seattle Monthly Greenways Meeting | December 9, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
- Aurora Reimagined Coalition Meeting | December 9, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
- SNG Community Happy Hour | December 10, 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Stoup Brewing - Capitol Hill
- Lake Washington Boulevard Meeting | December 12, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center
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Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is a people-powered nonprofit working to make every neighborhood a great place to walk, bike and live.
Want to stay up-to-date with our latest activities and events? Connect with us on social media!
Invite your networks to join us as well! Forward this newsletter and tell them to follow us on social media and subscribe to our e-news below.
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