April Environmental Updates from the City of Seattle

April 2014

In this issue:

Community Climate Projects: Application Deadline is April 22
Community Climate Forum on May 5
Spring Clean Through May 31
Planning for Seattle 2035 - Taking Comments Now
Safe Routes to School Program Accepting Applications

Deadline is Earth Day for Community Climate Projects

Community Climate Project

Up to $10,000

Deadline April 22

Small Climate Project

Up to $500

Applications accepted year-round

More information, including application forms, is on the Community Climate Projects webpage

The Office of Sustainability & Environment wants to support grassroots organizations that engage the community in climate action.

Going green is not just something Seattleites talk about - it is a core value that guides our choices every day. Seattle's many community groups and organizations are important catalysts for action in helping residents and businesses do their part to address climate change.

There is still plenty of time to apply for project support for your creative ideas that engage residents in reducing climate change.
Questions? Contact Sara Wysocki for more info.

Join Us for a Conversation on Sustainability Metrics

On May 5, our 2^nd Community Climate Forum will focus on how Seattle measures sustainability. Join us to learn about Moving the Needle, Seattle's environmental progress report and the goals and outcomes we are striving for as we move towards becoming a carbon neutral city. Then engage in a conversation about neighborhood-level sustainability indicators. Light dinner will be provided. RSVPs requested.

Monday, May 5 at 5 - 7 pm
Bertha Knight Landes Room, Seattle City Hall - 600 4^th Ave

It's Spring Clean in Seattle!

Spring Clean is Seattle's premier clean-up event. Held each year in April and May through an SPU partnership with Parks and Recreation, Department of Neighborhoods, and Department of Transportation, Spring Clean provides opportunities for residents to spiff up our city. The City provides free litter cleanup bags, gloves, safety vests, and waste disposal permits. Sign up here and receive City support to clean up your neighborhood.

Need an idea?

Pick up litter, stencil storm drains, paint out graffiti, or remove invasive plants. For more information, contact the Spring Clean hotline at (206) 233-7187.

Safe Routes to School Project Funding Available

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is now accepting applications for mini-grants of up to $1,000 to fund projects that educate students about pedestrian and bicycle safety and encourage walking and biking to school. Making the choice to walk and bike to school reduces pollution and congestion near schools and provides quality time for parents and kids to spend together. These projects not only increase safety around schools, but also help kids learn earth-friendly ways of getting around their neighborhoods.

Project activities must support the overall goal of improving safety and encouraging more walking and bicycling to school, but otherwise, it's open to your creative ideas.

More information about the program is here. In addition to the application, a letter of support from the school principal must be e-mailed, mailed, or faxed by the application due date.

Seattle 2035: Discussing our Growing City

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is currently working on a major update to Seattle's Comprehensive Plan. As part of the process, they are hosting a series of open houses for the community to learn more about anticipated housing and job growth in Seattle over the next 20 years. DPD is especially interested in your take on the three planning alternatives (essentially different focus areas for how we plan for future growth) which will guide our update to the Comprehensive Plan.

Upcoming open houses:

April 14
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Miller Community Center
330 19th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112

April 15
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rainier Community Center
4600 38th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118

Want to learn more? This background report is a great snapshot of Seattle's demographics and why it's important to plan for future growth.

The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the City's environment and sustainability programs, partners, and initiatives. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues - contact Sara Wysocki.