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.

Demographics reportDEMOGRAPHICS
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
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 reportView 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
screenshotVOTER’S GUIDE
The DSA’s 2012 Voter’s Guide provides explanations for DSA’s position on two very important measures which could impact Downtown Seattle. DSA has endorsed the following position on these two measures – ‘Approve’ on R74 (Marriage Equality) and ‘Yes’ on Seattle Proposition 1 (Seawall). We also asked Legislative candidates whose districts touch Downtown’s 12 neighborhoods to give us their take on a few issues key to making Downtown Seattle the best place to live, work, shop and play. The scorecard summarizes the remaining candidates’ responses relative to how they align with the policy priorities of the DSA.