[NFBSea] FW: OPCD May Newsletter - North Aurora, ADUniverse, EDI Updates, and more!

Thu May 21 19:08:13 UTC 2026

Passing on for your information 

From: Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development <SeattleOPCD at subscriptions.seattle.gov> 
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 11:46 AM
To: jacobstruiksma at gmail.com
Subject: OPCD May Newsletter - North Aurora, ADUniverse, EDI Updates, and more!

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North Aurora Initiative Kicks Off With Two Community Connections Parties

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We're developing a Community Action Plan for the North Aurora Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods and we want your input! 

Join us at one of our Community Connections Pop-In Parties to meet with our staff, local organizations, and other City departments. Meet your neighbors, learn about future planning in North Aurora and help shape the future of your neighborhood. Food, fun, and face paint provided!

Wednesday, May 27, 5-7:30 PM
Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, 1330 N 90th St

Saturday, June 6, 11 AM-1:30 PM
Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N

Can't Make it in Person?

*	 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstorymaps.arcgis.com%2Fstories%2F50537489918b44249ec0e69653bf619f%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23_msocom_1/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/zF72zyb0ilQv6CpOiObDBvpFMst3BJ8S4XkrNRby1Lk=452> Explore our North Aurora Initiative Interactive Website
*	 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsurvey123.arcgis.com%2Fshare%2F6023edaca5ac4cf79d5fcb38ffefaa68%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/yH-373LZldbJJBLB524HvkY7zk6fcJAwt9MVe-qd4VI=452> Fill out our North Aurora Initiative Survey

Visit our North Aurora Initiative Website

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Fnorth-aurora-initiative%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/k7F2N75SyqlHebSOzO5YV4QEASiMisxHMkWYlcYkfVQ=452> North Aurora Initiative Website

OPCD in Community

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OPCD staff with the University of Washington's Elisa Renouard (back row, second from the right) at the CITY ERASED exhibit at UW's Gould Hall.

Our staff recently visited the University of Washington to see CITY ERASED, an exhibit created by students to explore the legacy of urban revision and displacement caused by the construction of Interstate 5 in Seattle. Using archival research, mapping, and digital reconstruction, the exhibit traces a swath from Eastlake to the Chinatown-International District, revealing the buildings, businesses, and everyday places that once stood in the freeway’s path.

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbe.uw.edu%2Fblog%2F2026%2F05%2F07%2Fcity-erased-connects-seattles-past-to-its-future%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/zN__iCcy0_AMTm0UBdGu6ItnZ1JjPnoW7_FlfneO__o=452> Learn more about CITY ERASED and  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbe.uw.edu%2Fnews-events%2Fevents%2F%3FtrumbaEmbed=view%253Devent%2526eventid%253D203093364%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/ySDtj3RP20a0FRgPl8BkCcqjlvHqn5EdD2gHt7YQ8ao=452> attend a reception at UW's Gould Hall on Thursday, May 28. The exhibit at Gould Gallery closes on May 29.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Updates

ADUniverse Call for Designs Now Open!

  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/WASEATTLE/2026/05/13724065/6905912/aduniverse-housingtypes_crop.jpg> The City of Seattle is now accepting submissions of ADU and middle housing designs to expand our gallery of pre-approved designs on ADUniverse. We invite architects, designers, and homebuilders to submit their work for consideration.

To submit, review our Submission Guide, which outlines all requirements, the submission process, and selection criteria. Submissions are due by July 3, 2026. Visit our website for more information.

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Fcurrent-projects%2Fencouraging-backyard-cottages%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/RiA4LPoM_3WY4sPlY263UIesBholLeoLGuhesL43UMA=452> ADU Website

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Our ADU Work Featured in Case Study

Our ADU work was recently used in Pew as a case study for how cities improve housing affordability.  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.pew.org%2Fen%2Fresearch-and-analysis%2Freports%2F2026%2F05%2Fpreapproved-building-plans-help-cities-improve-housing-affordability%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/4Ffn_VhgSY1QNf3Xjxz49aSqWpElgYg9dCZLUKDiwrY=452> Click here to read Pew's article.

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Nick Welch Earns Honorary AIA Seattle Membership

  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/WASEATTLE/2026/05/13724128/6905913/nickwelch_crop.jpg> Our very own Nick Welch will be the recipient of an Honorary American Institute of Architecture Seattle Membership this month at AIA's Seattle Parti event. Nick has led our ADU work for many years, and was instrumental in the creation of the ADUniverse app to help homeowners identify if their lots qualify for an ADU. The app received an award in 2020 from Architect Magazine. Congrats, Nick!

Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Updates

Request for Proposals Open

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EDI is accepting applications for its 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP)! This open and competitive RFP is open to new grantees and new projects working to develop real estate projects that address the root causes of displacement.

We are funding projects in two categories:

*	New shovel ready capital projects
*	New capacity building

Applicants must first complete an eligibility screening form to qualify. Apply by June 22, 11:59 PM. Info sessions will be held on May 13 and June 1. Visit our website for more information on how to apply.

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Fcurrent-projects%2Fequitable-development-initiative%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/sRUe7n7j6JDZNz5JnGSSjTM8-HINyVD4X9SWAC2FeKM=452> Equitable Development Initiative Website

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EDI Strategic Planning Kicks Off

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Last month, EDI kicked off its year‑long strategic planning process with a packed and energizing two‑day agenda. Our consultants from Urban American City and Agency Landscape + Planning flew in from across the country and joined local consultants from Environmental Works and EDI staff for a guided driving tour of Seattle neighborhoods experiencing or vulnerable to displacement.

The group visited several EDI grantee sites; including Rainier Beach Food Innovation Center, Ethiopian Community in Seattle, and Africatown Plaza and heard firsthand about the organizations work and partnership with EDI. The second day brought together our staff, EDI Advisory Board members, grantees, and community partners for activities exploring our shared understanding of anti‑displacement and equitable development. The consultant team also spent time learning more about OPCD’s broader efforts and how they intersect with EDI.

The day closed with an engagement design workshop that began shaping a community‑driven process for the strategic plan. Participants left excited for next steps, including a landscape analysis, deeper data review, and the first in a series of multi‑day sessions that will bring more City, grantee, and community partners together to evaluate the program and plan for the future.

Office to Residential Update

Seattle’s Office to Residential Program Hits Major Milestone

  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/WASEATTLE/2026/05/13724413/6905915/2601elliottavebuilding_crop.jpg> Our Office to Residential Conversion Sales and Use Tax Deferral Program has reached a major milestone, with 401 total units (including 42 affordable units) now in the pipeline across four conditionally approved projects.

Leading the way is our newest and largest project at 2601 Elliott Avenue. This project will fully convert the former RealNetworks/Zulily headquarters into 260 modern residential units (with 26 designated affordable). The development will completely replace the building's interior, add resident amenity spaces, and create 1,100 square feet of ground-floor retail, all while restoring key exterior elements to honor its history as a historic waterfront cannery.

For more information on this and additional projects, please visit our  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Foffice-to-residential%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/b4xd4vfytlXwCWNJZwK-yVrcGMGEUmF3J5jgwNzKe1M=452> Office to Residential website.

Seattle Climate Action Plan Survey

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Help shape  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fenvironment%2Fclimate-change%2Fclimate-planning-and-data%2Fseattle-climate-action-plan%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/KyPbNablwBylN5fP8KmUeqJAdkK20thxAeCZzUAYwrQ=452> Seattle’s Climate Action Plan update! The plan will map out strategies to reduce pollution, prepare for climate impacts, and build a healthier city for all. Your feedback will directly inform the draft plan and help identify community priorities, risks, and solutions that matter most. Take this 10-minute survey to tell us about the climate issues and solutions that are most important to you.

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fpages%2Fresponsepage.aspx%3Fid=RR7meOtrCUCPmTWdi1T0G1aRZF1slh9Kks5kzlNBuetUQ1ZCUUxBM1VYQzlLMkFYQVA2NDdBQTZaTS4u%26route=shorturl%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/bufdb_K_SvEngk6EX9oxJO19Vf9l2BKeDluJHJue7WY=452> Seattle Climate Action Plan Survey

Community Events

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Fnorth-aurora-community-action-plan%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23getinvolved/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/6vhRNmNWWnDNe4kAGpxF0FfzgS911mvduAVrgp8g03o=452> North Aurora Community Connections Pop-In Party, May 27
 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbe.uw.edu%2Fnews-events%2Fevents%2F%3FtrumbaEmbed=view%253Devent%2526eventid%253D203093364%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/ZGuIzyEcyp0AowIXgfVUPnLmiwgeCK95eDBv51PUd0s=452> CITY ERASED Exhibit Reception, May 28 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/7CdTk7dVFHJNEm0CPqs3avNQVnwFng9UVCxozIy9coc=452> 
 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.seattle.gov%2Fopcd%2Fnorth-aurora-community-action-plan%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23getinvolved/2/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/P7BorFvDoeTR7UybiTtlI9v__i6596YzDFhkqL-U_s8=452> North Aurora Community Connections Pop-In Party, June 6
 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDYP3cmhAWbn%2F%3Figsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%253D%253D%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019e4bdc3d55-ac056b29-9099-467d-a098-66189d6d564b-000000/M6_2WXKUtPHOtuXXr1pIpbI2erW9whVYf8_r9FjVAlw=452> Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Juneteenth Celebration, June 20

Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development

P.O. Box 94788

Seattle, WA 98124-7088

Phone: (206) 386-1010

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