Dear friends,

As the neighborhood's Community Development Corporation, we have a long history of responding to Capitol Hill's needs. We've helped revive the chamber of commerce, we made sure the community's voice was heard for Sound Transit's future light rail station, we launched the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict in 2012. And we've never wavered on our commitment to provide affordable housing for our neighbors.

We've also been working to preserve our unique arts ecology. Capitol Hill has a proud tradition as an arts destination but ballooning costs make it all but impossible for cutting edge artistry to stay on the Hill. We are developing 12th Avenue Arts in part to help preserve affordable performing arts spaces.

Later this month, our annual forum will focus on launching a Capitol Hill Arts District. An arts district will draw attention to the arts companies on the Hill and create a toolkit of preservation strategies. This community discussion with local arts leaders and remarks from Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata will feature a talk by Greg Esser. Greg is the founder of the Roosevelt Row Arts District, a Community Development Corporation that has successfully supported the arts around a light rail station in downtown Phoenix, AZ.

Please join us on May 20 for our 9th annual community forum for a conversation about keeping Capitol Hill's arts community strong and vibrant for all.

Best regards, 

• Special presentation by Greg Esser of the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Phoenix, AZ  
• Conversation moderated by Andy Fife, Seattle arts innovator, and a distinguished panel of guests
• Refreshments and opportunity to socialize