University District Strategic Plan

Urban Design served as facilitator and project manager for a two-year strategic planning and implementation process for Seattle’s University District. The process engaged more than 100 University District stakeholders, including businesses, property owners, residents, the University of Washington, social service agencies, and faith communities. Five working groups and a Stakeholder Steering Committee shaped the process, which included a Strategic Plan, Urban Design Framework, series of “Community Conversations,” and development of a long-term leadership organization. The resulting University District Partnership grew out of the neighborhood chamber of commerce into a broad-based leadership organization with a multi-disciplinary public-private board of directors and a sustainable funding base.