Doug Trumm speaks in front of a group of urbanist supporters with a fireplace behind.
The Urbanist's Publisher Doug Trumm speaks at our 2025 Endorsed Candidate Party. (The Urbanist)

Our annual holiday party is our biggest fundraising event and social gathering of the year, bringing together urbanists from across the region to celebrate The Urbanist’s work and advocacy wins. Join us on Tuesday, December 9 at The Collective in South Lake Union for an evening of community, connection, and momentum heading into 2026.

Enjoy great company, local art, festive drinks, and hearty appetizers while mingling with elected officials, advocates, and fellow urbanists. The Collective offers a welcoming lounge space, nooks for smaller conversations, hammocks, and even a small bouldering wall for those seeking a little physical activity.

The VIP reception, which will run from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, is an opportunity to have a conversation with our publishing team and board of directors in a more personal setting, as well as hear from Urbanist-endorsed elected officials. We’ll discuss where pressure and advocacy can make the biggest difference in 2026 — and how your support can help drive that change. VIP tickets also cover admission to the main event.

General admission begins at 6:30pm, with festive beverages and heavy appetizers provided. Swing by for an hour or stay for the entire evening; our general audience speaking program will begin at 7:30pm, with plenty of time afterward for mingling.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the continued success of The Urbanist. Space is limited!

Event Details

The Collective is a venue in South Lake Union that features local art and a lounge space. Well served by transit and with private parking nearby, we’re in for a comfortable evening in The Collective’s Alpenglow room, with plenty of standing room for minglers and reading nooks and hammocks for quieter conversations. Alpenglow also features a small bouldering wall, for those interested in a bit of exercise throughout the evening.

Can’t make it? You can still contribute to support The Urbanist. Make your donation now, or consider writing for The Urbanist.

Article Author
Diego Batres
Director of Development and Events

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.