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October 20, 2026. The Seattle Department of Transportation has reached out to share information about upcoming bridge inspections that will require temporary traffic shifts on the Magnolia Bridge and is of interest to the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce and its members who work or reside in Magnolia.

The project will keep the Magnolia Bridge in reliable working condition through structural repairs and rehabilitation to the portions west of the railroad tracks. This project will also evaluate potential improvements to the bridge’s seismic resiliency, depending on available funding.

Upcoming temporary traffic shifts. As part of the project’s ongoing preservation activities, crews will inspect the bridge and the area underneath it from October 26 through November 6. Here’s what you need to know:

The work will require both westbound and eastbound temporary single-lane closures, with one lane remaining open in each direction at all times.

The narrow south-side sidewalk will also be restricted during the eastbound lane closure, with traffic control personnel escorting pedestrians around an inspection truck.

Flaggers will be stationed below the bridge on 23rd Ave W and will intermittently stop traffic while work is completed under the bridge.

Details:
– Westbound lane closure: October 26–30, 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
– Eastbound lane closure: November 2–6, 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
– Under-bridge inspections: October 26–November 6, 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SDOT asks all drivers to follow posted signage and traffic control instructions and slow down when crews are present. You can sign up for email updates to stay informed about future notifications and other project progress. The Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project is listed under Traffic & Construction. 

October 20, 2026. The city has contacted the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce to update the community on two upcoming projects in our neighborhood: the Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project and the W Dravus St Bridge Planning Study.

Over the years, through community engagement, SDOT has heard a need and desire to improve connections between Magnolia and the rest of Seattle. These two efforts respond to that need and are funded by the 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy, which includes commitments to keep bridges and structures in reliable working condition and to prepare for future bridge projects.

We expect SDOT to work closely with the community and engage both the Magnolia Chamber and Magnolia Community Council, among others, as they advance planning and the resulting projects. Below are brief descriptions of the Dravus St Bridge planning study and the Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project:

W Dravus St Bridge Planning Study
The W Dravus St Bridge Planning Study is evaluating long-term options to rehabilitate or replace the 90-year-old W Dravus St Bridge over the BNSF Balmer Rail Yard to meet future functional and structural needs. The study will help SDOT identify the best options to create a reliable, resilient connection between Magnolia and Interbay that reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs. The study will account for future transportation needs, including seismic resilience, vehicular traffic, and access improvements that will help people walk, bike, and roll to the future Interbay Link Station. The study is currently reviewing data, conducting traffic counts, and assessing the condition of the existing structure. This work will lead to a set of alternatives, which will be refined through 2026 and 2027.

The Dravus Bridge Planning Study will be driven by public engagement, offering opportunities for the community to join online open houses, request project briefings, and share insights to help mitigate the impacts of future construction and to shape a regional infrastructure investment that supports the entire Magnolia-Interbay-Queen Anne corridor. Residents can anticipate a virtual public meeting and an online open house where the community can comment on the study.

Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project
SDOT is advancing the Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project, which will keep the bridge in reliable working condition by completing structural repairs and rehabilitating portions of the bridge west of the railroad tracks.

The repair work is expected to potentially include concrete and steel repairs, structural strengthening, bridge deck restoration, and expansion joint repairs. As part of this project, we’ll also evaluate and consider improvements to the structure’s seismic resiliency. Implementing those improvements will depend on funding. Starting October 26th, commuters using the bridge will see crews working around it as SDOT conducts surveys and field investigations to inform future construction. The project schedule is as follows:

· Fall 2026 – Initial existing structure assessment and field inspection (click here for impacts to bridge traffic from Oct. 26 through Nov. 7)
· Spring 2027 – Alternatives development and evaluation
· Summer 2027 – 30% design
· Spring 2028 – Final design, followed by contracting and construction (timing TBD)

October 5, 2026. Sound Transit Board members, agency leaders, and state and local officials will host an informational event on the Ballard Link Extension on Monday, Oct. 19th from 6 to 9 pm at the National Nordic Museum to share more about the latest timeline update, how the team is approaching cost reductions to deliver the project, and what to expect next. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts. To learn more, click here.

September 22, 2026. This invitation welcomes Seattle residents and invites them to share their perspectives on a new Seattle Police Chief. Community Engagement Coordinator, Central Region, Najim Sheikh is the contact for the three sessions. To learn more, contact Najim.

Hello Community members,

The Seattle Neighborhood Group invites you to share your perspective at the upcoming Police Search Community Listening Sessions.

There are three upcoming sessions:

• 📍 Van Asselt Community Center — Saturday, September 26, 12–2 PM
• 📍 Seattle University — Monday, September 28, 6–8 PM
• 📍 North Seattle College — Wednesday, September 30, 6–8 PM

Please register if you’re able to attend and take the opportunity.

Kind regards,

Najma Sheikh

Community Engagement Coordinator, Central Region
City of Seattle, Department of Neighborhoods
M: 206-305-7546 | najma.sheikh@seattle.gov
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September 13, 2026. Addressing local crime has been a major focus for the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, especially in 2026. Property crime has been a pressing issue for many small businesses, particularly in the early spring of this year. The Magnolia neighborhood is not alone in addressing these concerns. Today, the Seattle Times provides insight into crime rates across the city. The article finds that overall crime in Seattle has decreased in recent years, though sharp neighborhood disparities and recent high-profile incidents, including those at the Bite of Seattle and shootings in Belltown, continue to drive public safety concerns.

At a macro level, there has been an overall decline in total criminal offenses reported to the Seattle Police Department, down 16% from 2018 through 2025. In the first half of 2026, citywide shootings dropped by more than 20%, and homicides fell by more than 30% compared with the same period in 2025. Data also shows that crime in downtown Seattle’s commercial core has dropped significantly compared with 2018 levels, aided by increased foot traffic, downtown ambassadors, and rising police staffing.

However, while downtown commercial areas have improved, surrounding neighborhoods have seen mixed results, with some increases in specific metrics for violent and property crime. To learn more, check out the Seattle Times article, which is chock-full of data and analyses on criminal activity in Seattle.

September 11, 2026. On Thursday, September 10, 2026, major Seattle business leaders issued a joint open letter demanding that Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council implement a 100-day public safety action plan to address crime. The coalition of 38 prominent business and tech executives, including leaders from Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom, the Seattle Mariners, and Alaska Airlines, signed the letter. The group asked for measurable benchmarks, including faster 911 response times, increased foot and bike patrols, and actions to shut down open-air drug markets. The business leaders’ letter also said they want the city to turn CCTV cameras back on in the Stadium District and Pioneer Square, as they were during the World Cup, held this summer. To learn more, click here

July 23, 2026. For those who did not make the fabulous Diamond Jubilee event celebrating 75 years of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, we missed you at the beautiful Bell Harbor Conference Center on May 11th.

But not to worry!

Please click here to get a taste of the exciting night, see photos, and view the gorgeous venue and beautiful attendees.

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July 23, 2026. Being prepared for a disaster such as an earthquake, extreme heat event, or landslides due to heavy rain is vital. Magnolia residents are lucky to have a group of volunteers who are helping our community prepare, and if a disaster occurs, self organize with information and communication.

Magnolia Village Emergency Hub serves as the neighborhood’s emergency communication and coordination center and is located at the southwest corner of West Smith St. and 32nd/33rd Ave W. Local volunteers help neighbors share information and match resources after a major disaster. A second emergency hub, titled the Magnolia Manor Park Hub, is in development and will be located at 3500 28th Ave W.

The emergency hubs are independent of the City of Seattle and run strictly by neighborhood volunteers, using two-way radios for area communication. The hubs will share news and status updates with nearby hubs like Queen Anne and Interbay and help connect people who need assistance with neighbors who have tools, medical skills, or supplies. And the hubs offer free local training, drills, and preparedness

The hub volunteers will have a booth at Magnolia Summerfest and encourage Magnolia residents to stop by their booth from July 31st through August 2nd. On Saturday, August 8th, please join a trial setup of the Magnolia Village Emergency Hub at the south end of the Magnolia Playfield at 33rd Ave W. and W. Smith. Learn how the Hub will be set up following a major disaster, talk with Hub operators, and discover how to get more involved.

Click here to learn more and be engaged in emergency preparedness!

July 2, 2026. Washington Saves is a state-facilitated retirement program, created by legislation passed in 2024, to expand access to workplace savings tools. The program enables workers to save through automatic payroll deductions into an individual retirement account (IRA). Employee participation is voluntary, accounts are portable, and there are no employer fees or fiduciary responsibilities. Certain employers will be required to facilitate access for their employees if they meet specific criteria, including not offering a qualified retirement plan. The program is overseen by a public Board, with administrative support provided by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.

The program just released an educational flyer designed to assist employers in helping their employees access it; it is easy to facilitate, with no fees and no fiduciary responsibility for business owners. Just a chance to encourage your employees to save for their future.

To access a Washington Saves Employer Flyer, click here.

April 28, 2026. Donna of Don’s Daughter’s Donna’s Barber Shop is seeking generous donors to help raise funds to purchase grocery gift cards for underserved families with children attending Lawton, Magnolia, and Blaine schools, all located in the Magnolia neighborhood. The Summer Break Community Pantry is a joint philanthropic effort by Donna’s barbershop and the Magnolia Community Support Group.

Since November 2025, Donna’s philanthropic leadership, in partnership with other caring Magnolians, has generated over $3,000 to purchase grocery and Visa gift cards for under-resourced families. The new drive to raise funds recognizes that many families need support and a lending hand during the “school break” months of June, July, and August. These families will no longer have access to the free breakfasts and lunch programs provided by Seattle Public Schools’ Student Meal Program. Donna and others want to ensure the summer break does not result in the loss of access to healthy meals for so many families attending our local elementary schools.

Donna shares that you can drop off your donations at Don’s Daughter, Donna Barber Shop, located at 2814 Thorndyke Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199. Or you can donate through their GoFundMe page. Please join Donna, the Magnolia Community Support Group, and caring donors to help families in need with groceries this summer.