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.
April 23, 2026. The Magnolia Chamber of Commerce is keenly aware that criminal activity affecting Magnolia has accelerated, and its impacts have been felt widely.
DATA SHOWS THAT MAGNOLIA AND INTERBAY SMALL BUSINESSES ARE HARD-HIT BY INCREASES IN CRIME. The Chamber has gathered information through surveys, in-the-field meetings with the SPD, and roundtable discussions with business owners, indicating that many of our small businesses are experiencing repeated break-ins, broken windows, ongoing vandalism, and waves of “smash-and-grab robberies,” leading to ever-increasing security and repair costs (see the reporthere.) Rising repeat criminal activity prompts our businesses to invest heavily in crime-prevention measures, including security systems, cameras, alarms, lighting, and deadbolts.Many of our small business owners are increasingly frustrated by the lack of police response and worried about the very survival of their enterprises. The cost of doing business due to rising crime is becoming intolerable, and the safety of our neighborhood business centers is at risk. For recent local news coverage of Magnolia crime, see KING 5, KIRO 7, and KOMO 4.
THE CHAMBER ADVOCATES FOR SMALL BUSINESS MEMBERS. The Chamber is working with the Magnolia Community Council(the Council) to strengthen collaboration, improve engagement with the Seattle Police Department (SPD), and support crime-fighting measures. The Chamber joined forces with the Council on April 21st for a meeting to explore ways the neighborhood can work together to support safety across Magnolia. The meeting featured Marc Garth-Green, our SPD precinct’s Captain, and Barb Biondo, our SPD precinct’s Crime Prevention Coordinator, who shared updates on neighborhood safety and crime-prevention programs. Chamber leadership was joined at the meeting by several of our members, who represented the business perspective on the impacts of increased criminal activity and continued its partnership.
CALL IN CRIME, EVERY TIME. In September 2025, the Chamber also attended an Interbay Safety & Security gathering hosted by the Seattle Storm and attended by several Interbay businesses. Former SPD Precinct Captain Rob Brown and former Mayor Harrell’s top public safety staff were in attendance. Captain Brown encouraged calling 911 for emergencies and 206-625-5011 for non-emergencies when reporting a crime. While SPD is short-staffed, the dispatch center is not. When a business calls, the dispatcher triages needs and logs data. This data helps police understand the magnitude and location of problems, and the city sets priorities. At the Council’s meeting on April 21st, Captain Garth-Green repeated the same message:call 911 or 206-625-5011 if a victim of crime – it is essential to improving police presence in Magnolia and Interbay.
RESOURCES TO HELP PREVENT AND FIGHT CRIME – BUSINESS FOCUSED. In addition to calling the SPD when a crime occurs, the SPD shared a number of crime-prevention activities. Following a March business roundtable hosted by the Chamber, Magnolia Village merchants organized a fledgling Business Watch to share information and best practices on crime prevention. We aim to organize a workshop on the value of the Business Watch concept in the coming weeks.
In addition, SPD provides digital resources to learn more about police activity and crime in the neighborhood: The digital maps show where “Calls for Service” are occurring and are as close to real-time as possible. There are also digital maps showing police responses from the last 24 hours, and a crime data map displays finalized crime reports from the past seven days. These maps demonstrate how vital it is to report every crime and to identify patterns of criminal behavior. SPD prioritizes and allocates crime-fighting and prevention resources based on this information. Call 911 or 206-625-5011 if a victim of crime.
Other programs and resources are available to help businesses address the effects of criminal activity. The Seattle Police Criminal Trespass Programis intended for private retail and commercial businesses open to the public to assist property owners in addressing crime occurring on their property. Businesses should contact Magnolia’s & Interbay’s police precinct to obtain a trespass authorization form: WPrecinctTrespassProgram@seattle.gov. Once the contract is processed, the SPD administrator will send a confirmation email and a copy of the completed contract, and a link to the Conditions of Entry (COE) sign(s) to post in clearly visible locations at all commercial/retail entrances.
The Office of Economic Development’s Back to Business programs offer substantial reimbursement for storefront repairs and security upgrades for victims of criminal activity. To qualify, businesses must complete a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security assessment with a certified expert, such as a Crime Prevention Coordinator from the Seattle Police Department. Only security measures purchased after the CPTED assessment is complete are eligible for reimbursement. A number of Magnolia/Interbay businesses have taken advantage of these programs, and we can connect interested businesses with those that have used these resources.
Below is a helpful graphic from our friends at the Magnolia Community Council. Please click on image below to access links provided in the body of the graphic. Thanks again to the leadership and collegiality of the Magnolia Community Council!
April 20, 2026. This past week brought a definite uptick in excitement as Seattle prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in our fair city. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the premier international men’s football tournament, held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including Seattle. It is the largest tournament ever, featuring 48 teams (up from 32 in years past), 104 matches, and 16 host cities. The tournament opens in Mexico City on June 11 and concludes in New York City a month later.
Lumen Field in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match. Key matches include a USA group-stage game against Australia on June 19, 2026, and a Round of 16 tie. You can visit Seattle FIFA World Cup to learn more. It is your one-stop shop for all the updates on activities happening in and around Seattle.
How Small Businesses Can Participate
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will support Seattle’s small businesses through specialized training and dedicated neighborhood liaisons. These initiatives aim to help small businesses leverage the influx of visitors, expected to boost demand across the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and SeattleFWC26 are providing a “Small Business Ready Playbook“—to help businesses with increasing visibility and prepare for an estimated $1 billion in regional economic impact. The city is also streamlining processes for hosting watch partieson private and public property. Visit Seattle is providing free branding materials to help businesses market themselves in accordance with FIFA’s trademark guidelines. Stay tuned for more information as we get ready for one of the biggest and most prestigious international events in Seattle.
Let’s Play SEA 26 and bring Washington to the world!
November 19, 2025. Seattle University has announced it is distributing the Seattle Public Safety Survey. The survey offers Seattle residents a place to express their safety concerns and share ideas for improving their community. Every voice matters in this survey!
The Seattle Public Safety Survey, conducted independently by Seattle University researchers, collects data at the micro-community level on perceptions of crime, public safety, and police-community interactions. Survey data is used alongside focus groups and police-community engagement to inform and revise public safety priorities and strategies. This information will then be used in conjunction with crime data to direct Seattle police resources and services to target the unique needs of Seattle’s micro-communities.
October 31, 2025. Nikki Demmert, Director of Operations at the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF), a nonprofit organization based in Seattle dedicated to serving Indigenous peoples and underserved communities through cultural, educational, and social programs, shared some critical information with the Magnolia Chamber yesterday.
UIATF is currently seeking food donations from local grocery stores and our extended community to support our community initiatives during these unprecedented times. Programs include their youth home Labateyah, the Unci Maka foster care program, the Elders support, and the homeless prevention program. They also help our Urban Indigenous peoples.
At this time, they are sourcing food and provisions for the Holiday and the coming months, with consideration of DSHS and SNAP supports on hold. The timing is imminent; they would appreciate your consideration. They welcome donations of:
– Non-perishable items – Fresh produce – Surplus or seasonal goods – Indigenous or culturally significant foods – Turkeys and Hams – Tax-Deductible Contributions: UIATF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. They’re happy to provide a donation receipt for your records.
If you’re able to contribute, UIATF would love to coordinate a pickup or discuss how your support can make a meaningful impact.
UTIATF thanks you for considering partnering with them to support food access and cultural wellness. Please feel free to reach out to Nikki directly at NDemmert@unitedindians.org.
United Indians Of All Tribes Foundation · Seattle, WA Tax-exempt since Nov. 1970 EIN: 91-0889016
October 27, 2025. We have heard from some Chamber members that there are growing concerns for those who rely on the federally funded, state-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP for food assistance and loss of funding due to the federal government shutdown and actions by the Trump administration.
October 6, 2025. The Seattle Police Department is developing a community security camera registry: Connect Seattle. This program aims to enhance community safety by identifying the locations of security cameras and providing contact information for camera owners, thereby increasing the efficiency of direct video evidence collection. In the event of an incident near you, an investigator from the Seattle Police Department may contact you via email if they need your assistance solving a crime.
Important: Registering your cameras does not allow the Seattle Police Department access to your live video stream – it only enables our investigators to know a camera is present at your location and easily request video evidence should an incident occur. You are under no obligation to provide video if requested.
The Connect Seattle website provides additional information.
The SPD thanks residents for considering participating in this new public safety program.
October 6, 2025. The upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4th, is of critical importance for Seattle and King County. Ballots start arriving in your mail beginning October 17th. The Magnolia Community Council is providing excellent opportunities to hear directly from several candidates in important races on issues that impact Magnolia and our fair city. The Council encourages all to register today before spots fill up! Ballots for the upcoming election will be mailed on October 17th.
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7th, from 5 to 7 pm. Location: Zoom. Sign up here. Agenda: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Mayoral candidates, Bruce Harrell (incumbent) & Katie Wilson, and 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm City Council Position 9 candidates, Sara Nelson (incumbent) & Dionne Foster
Thanks to our hosts, the Queen Anne Community Council, Uptown Alliance, and our friends and neighbors from the Magnolia Community Council.
Third on the docket is a City Council candidate event featuring the two candidates for the city-wide Seattle City Council Position 8.
Date & Time: Thursday, October 16th, from 6:00 pm to 7 pm Location: Zoom, sign up here Agenda: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Hear from the candidates for City Council Position 8, Alexis Mercedes Rinck (incumbent) and Rachel Savage.
Thanks to our hosts, the Queen Anne Community Council, Uptown Alliance, and our friends and neighbors from the Magnolia Community Council.
September 26, 2025. Progress and amendments to the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan were made by the Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on Friday, September 19th. The Seattle Comprehensive Plan serves as a 20-year roadmap for growth and is a requirement of the state’s Growth Management Act, initially passed in 1990. The plan helps to shape where and how the city allows for building housing, designing transportation systems, protecting open space, and guiding investment in neighborhoods. This plan will significantly impact the livability, affordability, and sustainability of Seattle in the decades to come.
On a 9-0 vote, the select committee approved Phase I of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan and HB 1110 compliance legislation (as amended). All 106 amendments, including Council District 6 Councilman Dan Strauss’s Amendment 43, were accepted for consideration. Councilman Strauss’s proposal adjusts the borders of Magnolia Peninsula’s two small neighborhood centers into one longer, more linear center that spans the length of the 34th Avenue W and W Government Way corridors. These corridors are currently transit arteries for greater Magnolia and position the single neighborhood center directly around and adjacent to Magnolia Village, Blaine Middle School, and the adjoining playfield, with a narrower focus extending north to the Government Way corridor.
The select committee also moved forward with additional topics, as well as over 100 amendments. All will need further discussion, debate, environmental review, and public comment period(s). Once those steps are complete, the full Council will vote on the final legislation—that vote’s timing is pending and not yet announced.
August 31, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember for the 6th Council District, Dan Strauss, is seeking input on his proposed amendments to Phase One of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan proposal. He is providing a survey to seek residents’ input on proposed Neighborhood Centers in Magnolia (one affecting the proposed Magnolia Village Neighborhood Center, one involving a newly proposed center called the Magnolia North Neighborhood Center, and a brand-new proposed “Magnolia Valley Neighborhood Center”). The newly proposed Magnolia Valley Neighborhood Center is based on feedback and suggestions from concerned neighborhood residents and the Magnolia Community Council.
Based on this feedback, Councilmember Strauss seeks your input on one of three possible versions for the newly created Magnolia Valley Neighborhood Center or “Magnolia Combined” proposal. The new proposed neighborhood center narrows the focus of growth—or upzoning—to the area along 34th Avenue. W. corridor from north to south and links growth in the valley from the Village, along 34th Ave. W., to the northern part of Magnolia near Discovery Park.
As noted, he has presented three different options for consideration under the new Magnolia Combined proposal. The main difference among these options is the width of the proposed Magnolia Combined zoning, which as already noted, extends from the proposed Village boundaries and moves north along the valley gradient, generally reaching W. Government Way. Please submit your comments on his three options for the updated Magnolia valley growth area boundaries to Councilmember Strauss here. He needs to hear your voice!
As a reminder of the process, the second phase of the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to launch next year. The city will specify new zoning designations (i.e., LR1, LR2, LR3, NC) within the new boundaries of the neighborhood centers. The Phase Two process will be limited to designating the total number of potential new units or housing types that can be built in the newly defined neighborhood centers. The public can weigh in on which specific blocks can be upzoned for different styles of housing, such as Mandatory Housing Affordability, Missing Middle Housing, and/or Neighborhood Residential zoning, as examples.
