Neighborhood Partnership Projects

Updated: July 2026

Our Neighborhood Partnership Projects are part of the People Streets Public Spaces (PSPS) Capital Program. 

These projects take ideas and turn them into reality. We use a community-centered approach that draws on tactical urbanism—a method that tests new ideas through short-term, low-cost changes guided by community input. These smaller interventions help shape permanent improvements over time. 

How We Create Our Projects

We use the following steps to design and deliver projects that reflect community needs and create lasting impact: 

1. Find the Right Places: We work with the community to find locations where improvements will make a real difference. We look for spots near areas with housing and businesses that meet program needs and add value to the neighborhood.
2. Connect with the Community Early: From the start, we work with community partners, residents, nearby businesses and other groups to understand what the neighborhood needs and build support for the project.
3. Understand How the Space Is Used: We observe how people use the space and gather data on safety, comfort and activity. This helps us understand what's working and what isn't.
4. Design Together: We hold multiple engagement opportunities to work with the community on the design. We also figure out together how the space will be maintained over time.
5. Build and Activate: We make physical improvements to the space and partner with the neighborhood to bring it to life through community events and stewardship.
6. Learn and Improve: After the project is complete, we look at how the space is working. We make changes if needed and plan for long-term improvements. 

Typical Project Timeline

• Year 1: Project identification and scoping
• Year 2: Project design
• Year 3: Project implementation 

We expect two to three Neighborhood Partnership Projects to move through design and implementation each year. 

Neighborhood Partnership Project Locations 

2026 projects (construction) 

• Fortson Square (Pioneer Square) 

2026 projects in design for 2027 implementation: 

• Delridge Triangle Pedestrian Street, 18th Ave SW from Delridge Way SW to SW Barton St (South Delridge)
• SW Lander Pedestrian Street at California Ave SW (Admiral Junction)
• W Crockett Pedestrian Street at Queen Anne Ave W (Queen Anne) 

2027 design focus areas 

• Council District 2 and Council District 5 

How are projects selected? 

• Past outreach and planning efforts, like the Seattle Transportation Plan
• Ongoing conversations with residents, businesses and community groups
• Input from Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

We focus on places that support walking, rolling, transit access, economic activity, gathering, play and local culture.

What Makes a Good Project Location? 

Not every location is the right fit. We prioritize sites that meet key criteria: 

Advances Equity 

• Located in areas where investments can help address gaps in access to safe, welcoming public space 

Serves the Community 

• Near shops, restaurants, transit, schools, libraries, or community spaces in mixed-use areas
• High foot traffic or a clear need for more public space 

Builds on Existing Activity 

• Aligns with places that already host events, markets, or street closures
• Next to buildings with businesses and residents or community destinations where people are moving through the space naturally 

Works for the Street 

• Located on quieter, lower-traffic streets (typically non-arterials)
• Large enough for people to gather, sit, and move comfortably 

Has Support and Partnerships 

• Backed by community members, businesses, or local organizations
• Opportunities for ongoing care and stewardship in partnership with community  

Maintains Access and Safety 

• Keeps driveways, alleys, and essential access clear
• Allows for emergency vehicles and services
• Minimizes disruption to deliveries 

Know a location that would be a good fit?  

Let us know about the location in our Neighborhood Partnership Projects form. 

Stewardship and Maintenance Approach 

Public spaces need ongoing care after they are built. We partner with community organizations, businesses and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to share stewardship responsibilities and support programming that is equitable, inclusive and aligned with community priorities. 

When community capacity is limited, we work with project partners to find creative ways to sustain the space over time. 

1. Identify Project Partners: Early in the design process, we identify Project Partners and define what the space needs to stay maintained and active. Project Partners can include residents, community groups, local businesses, BIAs, nonprofits, volunteer groups, institutional partners like the Seattle Housing Authority and property owners. 
2. Formalize a Stewardship Agreement: As construction wraps up, we work with Project Partners to finalize a Stewardship Plan or formal agreement. This plan outlines who is responsible for what, based on the needs of the space and the capacity of each partner. It can be updated over time as the space evolves. 
3. Maintain and Activate the Space: We work together with Project Partners to keep spaces clean, safe and welcoming. Responsibilities can include daily cleaning, repairs, programming and placemaking coordination such as art and planters. The City and Project Partners meet regularly to coordinate ongoing needs.