Looking Back on 2023

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to maldng Pioneer Square the most engaging, welcoming neighborhood in Seattle. Stal<eholders in every corner of our district continue to display unmatched resiliency and strength, all while building community with neighbors and visitors alil<e. Looking back on 2023, I am incredibly proud of the Pioneer Square community, what you were able to accomplish over this last year, and where we are now.


2024 is shaping up to be an exciting and eventful year. We will continue to see high levels of investment in the district in both the public and private sector. From the Pioneer Square East West Pedestrian Improvements project to the upcoming opening of some highly anticipated redevelopments, the year will be filled with milestones. The Alliance will continue to strive to ensure businesses in Pioneer Square have the tools, resources, and support they need to prosper over the next year.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square is committed to supporting you through 2024 and beyond. We do so by: 

  • Collaborating to create community, foster connections, and balance the needs of the neighborhood;
  • Advocating to address neighborhood issues, steward thoughtful infrastructure  management, and preserve the character of Pioneer Square; and
  • Communicating key information to neighborhood stakeholders to ensure all are aware of the latest resources and are able to navigate city and state processes.

In the past six months, we built upon previous programs and introduced a series of new projects and programs to support the businesses of Pioneer Square, including:

Public Space Beautification We commissioned a series of public space beautification projects to enrich the public realm and enliven several spaces across the district, including, 16 bows and live cedar garland upon the Pergola, a 20 foot tall holiday tree in Pioneer Park, 48 wreaths adorning light poles, and several hundred feet of lighting along 1st Ave. S., Occidental Ave., and Prefountaine Place.

Holiday Retail Promotion We hosted multiple holiday retail promotions to drive visitor traffic to the neighborhood throughout November and December, including our third annual holiday market, an ornament scavenger hunt, and a supply drive benefiting Chief Seattle Club.

Marketing and Communications We sustained our 2023 marketing and communications plan, including a robust advertising strategy championing Pioneer Square businesses and events, including a refreshed First Thursday Art Walk promotional plan.

Public Safety We issued an annual crime and safety survey to get an accurate understanding about the impacts of crime and the effects of safety concerns of Pioneer Square businesses over the past year. The data collected from the survey is used to advocate for Pioneer Square to be a clean, safe, and inviting community for all people.

Convening Stakeholders We brought together neighborhood residential, business, and property stakeholders to connect with one another through two networking events.

Northeast Pioneer Square Framework Plan The Northeast Pioneer Square
Stalkeholder Committee entered its third year of convening to support and align private and public investments in this area, including the reopening and reactivating of City Hall Park

Activating Public Spaces In partnership with the City of Seattle and community members, we commissioned a series of public space activations to enrich the public realm and liven the space near the newly re-opened City Hall Park while supporting local artists.

Public Relations We continued our public relations initiative in collaboration re­invigorate how the story of Pioneer Square is told to the broader community. As a result, Pioneer Square was positively featured in The Seattle Times, Eater Seattle, and Fox 13.

Cultivating Concierge Relationships We cultivated relationships with members of the Seattle Hotel Concierge Association and the Concierge Guild of Seattle to ensure visitors of Seattle are recommended activities in Pioneer Square.

Technical Assistance Support We assisted business owners in navigating City and State resources and systems to mitigate the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic. We developed an online collection of resources relevant to the needs

Advocacy We convened District 1 Seattle City Council candidates for a forum prior to the general election to inform the community on the individuals’ approach to supporting the neighborhood. We also consistently and directly voiced our businesses’ needs to the Seattle City Council and Mayor’s Office as well as King County Council and the County’s Executive Office to unwaveringly advocate for Pioneer Square.

To view the BIA 2024 Work Plan and Budget, click here for the Work Plan and here for the Budget.