A stakeholders group that will provide a balanced representation of the Northgate community's diverse interests is currently being assembled by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development. This group will advise the City on the following key decisions over the coming year:

• planning for large lot developments (particularly early input on conceptual site planning), including but not limited to the Northgate Mall, the South Lot, and King County's transit-oriented development project
• an Urban Center Plan for open space and pedestrian connections including bicycle and pedestrian circulation and streetscape improvements
• the Coordinated Transportation Investment Plan
• implementation of the 5th Ave NE Streetscape Design

The stakeholders group was called for in legislation passed by the City Council on December 8, 2003 (Council Resolution 30642), with the Mayor's concurrence. The Council Resolution identifies the interests that will hold seats on the stakeholders group (see list of all 22 stakeholder seats). It also specifies that organizations holding seats 1-12 will designate their representatives. DPD is seeking nominations for the remaining 10 seats (13-22).

Criteria for stakeholder nominees are listed in the official nomination form.

Geographic Area
For the purposes of the stakeholders group, the Northgate planning area is defined as the area in the Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan. It is bounded on the north by N. 130th St., on the west by Ashworth, and on the south by NE 85th St. The eastern boundary begins at 27th Ave. NE and N. 130th and curves gradually westward, ending at 18th Ave NE and NE 85th St.

Timeframe
The stakeholders group is expected to hold its first meeting in mid-March; future meeting dates will be identified at that time. The group is expected to provide advice to the City on the specified issues over the remainder of 2004.