UDF: Post-COVID Urbanism
Over one year has passed since the first U.S. outbreak of the Pandemic in our own Washington State. The impacts of COVID-19 over the past year have put a tremendous burden on the local economy. Small businesses and the food and drink industry have been particularly hard hit, where indoor spaces have severe capacity constraints or have been closed altogether, many permanently. In order to maintain economic stability and resilience throughout this hardship, temporary measures of tactical urbanism in our streets have become the new normal.
This roundtable event provides a platform to discuss opportunities and challenges regarding the tactical urbanism measures The City has implemented to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our communities. We will hear from the local community and The City of Seattle, including Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and a small business owner about the current measures in place to enhance community resilience during the pandemic, such as Stay Healthy Streets, Stay Healthy Blocks, and street closure permits for pedestrian access. We will assess the impact of these developments on our communities and how much of this new right-of-way infrastructure is here to stay.
As we prepare for a future beyond the Pandemic, we ask, “what is Post-Covid Urbanism?” How do we maintain a safe, healthy environment that provides a connected system of neighborhoods and that brings economic viability equitably to all businesses?
Click here to view a full recording of this program.
This program is presented by AIA Seattle’s Urban Design Forum. This live, online program is presented with full closed captioning. Please note in your registration if you would like to be contacted for specific accommodations to fully participate in this program. Contact Member Engagement Manager, Connor Descheemaker, with any specific questions or concerns.
Key Documents for Reference:
(Optional reading before the event)
- Healthy Business Streets (King County Health Department) Guidance for temporary changes to business district street design and use for COVID-19 response and recovery
- Guidelines for restaurants and other food businesses (King County Health Department)
- Temporary Outdoor Café, Merchandise Display, Vending, and Street Closure Permits (Seattle Department of Transportation)
- COVID-19 Assistance Programs (Seattle Office of Economic Development)
Panelists:
From Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT):
– Susan McLaughlin, SDOT Urban Design
– Alyse Nelson, SDOT Public Space Management, Manager
From Seattle Neighborhood Greenways:
– Robin Randels, Founder of Greenwood Phinney Greenways
– Terry Holme, Rainier Valley Greenways
From the small business community:
– Taylor McAtee, Owner Snapshot Brewing in Greenwood
From Duwamish Valley Safe Streets:
– Peaches Thomas, Lead Community Organizer
