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Dear friends and neighbors,
The beginning of the year is a time for reflection on what an exciting time it has been for Seattle as well as the road ahead. The past two years have been marked by a new spirit of collaborative to unite around our common goals to make real, sustainable progress to change the direction of our city.
In 2023, we witnessed significant strides towards a brighter future for Seattle. My office put together a summary report that details our efforts to help people in need get indoors with access to supportive services; launch new innovative approaches to diversify our emergency response options; foster an equitable economic recovery that uplifts small businesses and entrepreneurs; and build a sustainable, climate-forward future for our city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The groundwork has been laid over the past two years ? now, it is time to showcase our results, amplify our efforts, and work even harder to make real our vision for a better city.
As we delve into 2024, we?re already starting the year off strong with projects and initiatives that will increase affordable housing opportunities, strengthen our public safety network, and make streets safer for pedestrians.
I look forward to collaborating with the new City Councilmembers to advance our shared goals. Together, let?s make 2024 a year of measurable achievements and continued progress to build a safe, equitable, and thriving One Seattle.
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Bruce A. Harrell
Mayor of Seattle
Working Together to Build One Seattle
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 The beginning of 2024 has included announcements driven by Mayor Harrell and his administration including new funding for affordable housing; investments in fast, reliable transit services; and pedestrian enhancements to connect downtown neighborhoods to the new Waterfront Park. Projects and initiatives include:
- With the State Legislature in session, Mayor Harrell shared key legislative priorities for his administration and the people of Seattle, reflecting his commitment to collaborate with partners at all levels of government to build safe, resilient, and thriving communities.
- Mayor Harrell announced that the City is advancing a Fort Lawton redevelopment plan that will transform 34 acres of underutilized lands into an affordable, livable community while also preserving and enhancing open space and parkland.
- Mayor Harrell joined community member to help break ground Pioneer Square East-West Pedestrian Improvements project which will provide a seamless connection between the Historic Pioneer Square neighborhood and the new Waterfront Park.
- Advancing efforts to build safe, reliable, transit options, Mayor Harrell joined local leaders to celebrate the Federal Transit Administration award of $64.2 million for the construction of the RapidRide J Line project.
- Mayor Bruce Harrell joined the Seattle Fire Department and City and community leaders to break ground on the future site of Fire Station 31 in North Seattle, expanding the city?s public safety network in this rapidly growing area.
- Mayor Harrell celebrated the announcement that Seattle will host six World Cup games in 2026, including matches with the U.S. Men?s National Team, which will showcase the city?s pride and enthusiasm for soccer.
- Mayor Bruce Harrell celebrated new investments in affordable housing totaling $66.7 million for the construction of 443 affordable rental homes and 114 future affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the city.
 The City of Seattle is celebrating Lunar New Year and ringing in the Year of the Dragon. Mayor Harrell joined community leaders and the USPS in the Chinatown-International District last month to kick off celebrations and unveil the official ?Year of the Dragon Forever? stamp.
Upcoming festivities celebrating Lunar New Year around Seattle include:
February 6 to 25: Lunar New Year Floral Display at Volunteer Park Conservatory
February 18: Lunar New Year Celebration at Westlake Park
February 24: Lunar New Year Celebration in Chinatown-International District
 Seattle is also honoring Black History Month with various art, food, and cultural events celebrating our city?s Black communities. Mayor Harrell joined City Councilmembers and community leaders this month to raise the Black Liberation Flag at City Hall.
Upcoming festivities celebrating Black History Month around Seattle include:
February 15: Black History Month Keynote at the Northwest African American Museum
February 16-17: BE Great Celebration at Occidental Square
February 19-March 3: The Black and Tan Collection at the Museum of History and Industry
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 Mayor Harrell participated in an assembly at St. Therese Catholic Academy and met with students to answer questions on leadership and government.
 Mayor Harrell celebrated India National Day with Consul General Prakash Gupta at the new Indian consulate in Seattle. ?This new location will add vibrancy and diversity to downtown while also providing timely services to Seattle?s Indian diaspora community.
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 Mayor Harrell met with the University of Washington Huskies new head coach Jedd Fisch to welcome him to the city and hear about his vision for the team.
 Mayor Harrell joined Governor Jay Inslee and Commerce Director Mike Fong the Wing Luke Museum for the unveiling of a newly installed healing mural in Seattle Chinatown?s Canton Alley. The City provided an investment to support repairs to the iconic Chinatown-International District institution following a hate crime.
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 Mayor Harrell joined the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Public Utilities to demonstrate the dangers of throwing away batteries in the garbage due to fire risk. A new rule clarifies that batteries should not be disposed in the trash due to fire and environmental risks.
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 Mayor Harrell joined the Oath of Office ceremony for Department of Neighborhoods Director Jenifer Chao, celebrating a new member of his One Seattle team with staff.
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 Stay connected with all of the latest news from Mayor Harrell's office on social media.
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