Issues and Advocacy

Since founded in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) has worked to revitalize and develop Downtown Seattle into a thriving, world-class destination.

The strength of our advocacy programs is driven by the work and support of distinguished volunteers who lend their expertise to the achievement of our mission to champion a healthy, vibrant urban core.

To learn more about DSA’s current goals and priorities, view a summary of our Strategic Plan, a five year roadmap for the DSA and Downtown Seattle.

DSA members can find additional information about current issues and advocacy efforts in the DSA members section by logging in here.

Peer City Review screenshotPEER CITY REVIEW

The Peer-City Review presents a comparison between Downtown Seattle to eight other peer U.S. cities. Cities were evaluated across four key indicators of growth: living, working, shopping and playing. The findings reveal exactly where Seattle ranks on these series of metrics against its peer cities.

View 2011 Peer City Review report

View 2011 Peer City Review PowerPoint
Urban Environment screenshotURBAN ENVIRONMENT REPORT

The Urban Environment Report explores key factors that reflect the urban experience – from public safety figures to the number of sidewalk café permits issued. Combined, these elements create a picture of Downtown Seattle’s urban lifestyle and environment.

View 2011 Urban Environment report
2011 Candidate ScorecardCANDIDATE SCORECARD
The 2011 Candidate Scorecard (pdf) features DSA’s evaluation of the Seattle City Council candidates running in the November election. Five incumbent City Councilmembers are running for re-election.

In early June, City Council candidates were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire asking where they stand on issues ranging from transportation, to growth and density, to public safety and parks, and more. The scorecard summarizes the remaining candidates’ responses relative to how they align with the policy priorities of the DSA.
2010/11 Elected Officials AssessmentELECTED OFFICIALS ASSESSMENT
The 2010/11 Elected Officials Assessment (pdf) measures elected officials against priorities for Downtown and DSA, including transportation, urban environment and economic competitiveness issues. Assessments were determined after analyzing positions taken by elected officials on issues for which DSA advocated over the past year.

Demographics screenshot

DEMOGRAPHICS REPORT

Over the past 20 years, Downtown Seattle has experienced a significant increase in population. The Downtown Demographics report explores Downtown Seattle’s changing demographics and how these trends compare to surrounding Seattle neighborhoods. The report looks at residents across several metrics – the overall change in population, residents’ age, income and where they are employed. Combined, these characteristics illustrate a picture of the changing face of Downtown Seattle.

View 2011 Demographics report