New Year Message from UDP

January 12, 2023

A Warm Welcome to the Year

Dear Friends of the U District,

As we welcome 2023, I want to thank all of you who continue to help make the U District amazing. The University of Washington students are back from their holiday break and their energy is already buzzing up and down the Ave with lines at the University Book Store and at favorite lunch spots around the neighborhood. We need only look up to see the cranes whirling above Brooklyn as new towers continue to pop out of the ground and take shape on our skyline. The year ahead brings the promise of opportunity. It also brings an ambitious agenda and work plan for us here at The U District Partnership.

The day-to-day cleaning work continues through rain, sleet, and snow–we had all three just last month! Our safety team is out in the district daily, with a new weekend security patrol–thanks in part to the generous support of community partners including the University of Washington, KUOW, UHeights, and Target. We also look forward to another action-packed event season this spring as we celebrate the best of the U District. First out of the gate will be the Cherry Blossom Festival, which will kick-off sometime in March, quickly followed by Seattle Boba Fest in April, and the 52nd U District Street Fair in May. Look below to learn how to participate in these promotions as a local business or a sponsor.

There is a lot to look forward to this year. In the meantime, please don’t be a stranger in the months ahead. You can reach out to us anytime if you need help with an issue in the U District or with the City. We have many programs to support property owners, businesses, and residents as we work together to make the U District a vibrant neighborhood that’s diverse, safe, and healthy.

Warmest regards,

Don Blakeney
Executive Director, The U District Partnership