What does it take to activate an alley? Here are just some of the ideas for activating your alley. The types of activities and installations you choose may depend on who lives and works around your alley.
- To kick it off, invite residents, businesses, residents and property owners on your block. Meet each other and brainstorm ideas.
- Name your alley to give a sense of place and make it easy for people to find your alley.
- Work with your neighbors to organize trash, recycling and compost pick-ups.
- Host a Clean-Up event: pick up trash, paint back doors, clean windows, etc.
- Host alley events. Make sure to obtain a temporary street closure permit to close your alley to cars.
- Make physical improvements: hang flower baskets, open up back entries, resurface, etc.
- Encourage businesses to open up their back doors to your alley.
More information:
Clear Alley Program (Seattle Public Utilities)
Alley Handbook (outdated permit information: see temporary alley closures below)
Temporary alley closures (Seattle Department of Transportation)
Festival Street designation (Seattle Department of Transportation)
Set up Shop in Pioneer Square/Chinatown-International District Alleys
