The Urbanist has a busy month of socials and advocacy events ahead of us for the month of May, starting with the May 10th Downtown Redmond Link Opening Celebration, where The Urbanist is joining Move Redmond to celebrate one of the most visible examples of the impact transit advocates and the urbanist movement are having on our region.
We also have a smattering of social events, some following our usual happy-hour formula, but also a Seattle bagel shop bike ride.
Finally, there are a handful of important opportunities to make your voice heard on the Seattle Comprehensive Plan and for housing abundance more broadly.
To stay up to date on events and goings-on, sign up for The Urbanist’s newsletter or check our events calendar.
May 10th Downtown Redmond Link Opening Celebration
- What: The Downtown Redmond Link Extension is opening May 10 and you’ll find The Urbanist at Downtown Redmond Station, as part of a massive celebration for the grand opening hosted by Move Redmond.
Come by and say hello to our team! Walk, bike, or roll between Downtown Redmond light rail station and Redmond Central Connector trail to celebrate the opening of light rail with vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and family friendly activities. - Where: Downtown Redmond Station
- When: Noon – 4pm Saturday, May 10
- Transit Stops: 2 Line (Downtown Redmond Station), B Line, Route 250, 542 and 545 (not an exhaustive list). Trains won’t start serving Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village until noon.
- Details: Move Redmond event page
May 15th CCC Seattle Growth Plan Letter-Writing Session
- What: Join the Complete Communities Coalition (CCC) for a hands-on letter writing workshop to make your voice heard in shaping Seattle’s future! Learn more about the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, which sets the framework for zoning, growth, and housing, and how to effectively communicate your ideas and concerns. All are welcome, whether this is the first time you’re hearing about the Comprehensive Plan or you are an avid Urbanist reader. Letter-writing and sign-making materials will be provided in preparation for the May 19th public hearing on Interim Zoning Regulations.
Doors open at 5pm, a brief presentation will begin at 5:30pm, and then we will shift into the letter-writing and sign-making workshop component of the evening.
Light refreshments and food will be provided. - Where: MG2 (1101 2nd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98101)
- When: May 15th, 5pm – 7pm
- Transit Stops: Line 1 (Symphony Station), Routes 111, 212, 218, 424, 510, 512, 515, 550, 554, 590, 592, 594, 595
- RSVP: RSVP here.
May 19th Interim Zoning Ordinance Public Comment with the CCC
- What: The Seattle City Council is holding public comment as they prepare to pass an ordinance legalizing housing options like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in all residential areas of Seattle to bring us into compliance with HB 1110. We need to keep up the pressure, encourage the council to swiftly implement the zoning changes, and continue to implement the One Seattle Plan.
- Where: City Hall, 600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- When: May 19th, 9:30 AM for virtual comment and 4 PM for in-person*
- Transit Stops: Near stops for routes 3, 4, 7, 14, 27, 62, the E line, Line 1 (Pioneer Square Station), and any other routes that stop downtown or in Pioneer Square.
- RSVP: RSVP through the HDC’s helpful link with talking points and other resources.
*NOTE: Anyone who is able is strongly encouraged to arrive/sign up as early as possible, 8:30 AM for virtual and as early as 2 PM for in-person.
May 21st Public Comment Session for Fort Lawton Redevelopment Plan
- What: Public Comment on the Plan add 500 units of affordable housing on the old Fort Lawton military base. This effort is under threat by housing opponents and not-in-my-backyard activism, despite the affordable housing in question being supportive housing for homeless veterans and seniors. If you cannot attend in person, you can email your comments to Jessica Gomez at OH_Comments@seattle.gov.
- Where: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, 98199
- When: May 21st, 6pm – 8pm
- Transit Stops: Near stops for routes 24 and 33, albeit with some walking required.
May 22nd Urbanist Social
- What: A social gathering of urbanists. Hang out with other folks who love to talk about transit, housing, and cities!
- Where: TeKu Tavern, 552 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109
- When: 6pm – 8pm, Thursday, May 22nd
- Transit Stops: Near stops for the South Lake Union Streetcar, Route 4, 5, 8, 28, 62 or the E Line (not an exhaustive list).
- RSVP: RSVP Here.
May 31st North Sound Urbanist Social
- What: Urbanist Social with Urbanist Shoreline in the North Sound. These are great places to meet fellow urbanists, build community, and discuss urbanist issues.
- Where: Hemlock State Brewing (23601 56th Ave W Suite 400, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043)
- When: May 31st, 7pm – 9pm
- Transit Stops: 1 Line (Mountlake Terrace Station), Route 112, 130, 331, 333, and 909 (not an exhaustive list)
- RSVP: RSVP Here
Diego Batres
Diego is the Director of Development and Events of The Urbanist. He believes in making Seattle and the Puget Sound region a model example of good urban living for the rest of the country by expanding transit, ending our housing crisis, pedestrianizing our neighborhoods. He graduated from Seattle University in 2023, and currently lives in Seattle’s Central District.
