Thank you for your ongoing dedication to making Pioneer Square the most engaging and welcoming neighborhood in Seattle. Stakeholders in every corner of our district continue to display unmatched resiliency and strength, all while building community with neighbors and visitors alike. Looking back on the first half of 2024, I am incredibly proud of the Pioneer Square community, what you were able to accomplish over the last six months, and where we are now.
The remainder of 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. These investments do bring challenges that impact you directly on the ground, and we are committed to continuing to strive to ensure businesses in Pioneer Square have the tools, resources, and support they need to prosper.
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:
Advocacy- We 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.
Public Space Beautification- In May, we installed our annual summer flower baskets throughout the district. We are also in the process of updating and replacing all streetlight pole banners.
Construction Impact Support- We continue to support businesses through the construction of the East/West Pedestrian Improvements project through one-on-one business outreach and additional signage.
Spring Clean- We hosted over 250 volunteers for the 15th Annual Spring Clean to make a positive difference in the community and make Pioneer Square an even more beautiful and welcoming neighborhood.
2024-2025 Neighborhood Map and Guide- We completed the Neighborhood Map and Guide outlining Pioneer Square businesses and offerings which will be distributed within and beyond Pioneer Square throughout the year.
Marketing and Communications- We refreshed our 2024 marketing and communications plan, including a robust advertising strategy championing Pioneer Square businesses and events, as well as a completed Pioneer Square re-brand and in-progress website design update.
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 ParentMap, New Day Northwest, and Good Day Seattle.
Inspiration Fund- We granted a total of fifteen thousand dollars to community projects that will make positive impact on the neighborhood this summer. These projects include a family-friendly dance party series in Occidental Mall and an art fair/market in Occidental Square.
Convening Stakeholders- We brought together neighborhood residential, business, and property stakeholders to connect with one another through a networking event, with three additional convenings planned for 2024.
Creative District Designation- We continued to pursue Washington State designation as a Creative District, which includes technical assistance services, funding for capital projects, and specialized resources.
Public Space Planning- In partnership with the City of Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, and community members, we began a planning process for public space activations to enrich the public realm and liven the space in Pioneer Park while supporting local artists and businesses.
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 provide economic assistance. We maintained an online collection of resources relevant to the needs
To view the BIA 2024 Work Plan and Budget, click here for the Work Plan and click here for the Budget.