Table of Contents
Looking back on the first half of 2023, Pioneer Square once again showcased deep seated resiliency. Key to our success was, is, and will be the collaborative spirit between stakeholders, ensuring a strong business district. Our community connections therein strengthen us. We are prepared to adapt to the challenges that lie ahead and to minimize the impact on our neighborhood. There is a palpable feeling of hope among neighbors as we continue this momentum with pride into the latter half of the year. Together, we can continue to make a significant and long-lasting impact to ensure Pioneer Square is a welcoming and safe place for all to live, work, and play. Your support and active involvement is essential as we face new challenges and seize exciting opportunities on the horizon.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is committed to supporting you through 2023 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:
Leadership
New Mural at Tacolisto by Mauricio Ramirez. Assisted by Tone Gómez
Community Building We brought together neighborhood residential, business, and property stakeholders to connect with one another through two networking events.
Business Development
BIA Inspiration Fund The Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area Stakeholder Board allocated $17,500 to four cultural and creative community projects which will be completed in summer 2023.
Welcoming Returning Markets We welcomed the returning upper floor workforce back to Pioneer Square through extensive outreach to large employers and providing incentives and information for their staff to engage with neighborhood businesses.
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 of neighborhood businesses. Additionally, we hosted a series of information sessions to prepare businesses for major events such as the 2023 MLB All Star Game.
Advocacy
Courtesy of @marigoldandmintbotanicals
Voicing Needs 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 Safety We hosted a public safety open house with representatives from City, County, and nonprofit organizations during which community members shared their concerns and ideas about public safety in our neighborhood.
Public Realm
Tied into One Seattle volunteer event, this was the 13th Spring Clean event in the Pioneer Square neighborhood in Seattle.
Spring Clean We hosted over 200 volunteers for the 13th Annual Spring Clean to make a positive difference in the community and make Pioneer Square an even more beautiful and welcoming neighborhood.
Northeast Pioneer Square Framework Plan The Northeast Pioneer Square Stakeholder 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
Facade Repair Improvement Fund We relaunched the Facade Repair Improvement Fund with $100,000 in funding to provide financial support to businesses and property owners to replace broken windows and repair or improve the appearance of building facades or storefronts
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.
Marketing and Communications
Courtesy @sagameyphotography
Marketing and Communications Strategy We sustained our 2023 marketing and communications plan, including a robust advertising strategy to drive more visitors to the neighborhood, in addition to promoting neighborhood businesses and events, including First Thursday Art Walk.
Map and Guide We completed the 2023-2024 Neighborhood Map and Guide featuring stunning photography and illustrations of iconic neighborhood sights to assist visitors navigating Pioneer Square. The 19-page pamphlet covers everything a visitor would need to know about our neighborhood.
Public Relations We continued our public relations initiative to re-invigorate how the story of Pioneer Square is told to the broader community. As a result, Pioneer Square was positively featured in Crosscut, Axios Seattle, and Seattle Mag.
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.
To view the BIA 2023 Work Plan and Budget, click here.