Rooted in Community. Built for the Future.
The PhinneyWood District Initiative will strengthen what makes our district one of a kind.
PhinneyWood is a neighborhood people care about — and that care shows. Local businesses fuel our economy. Walkable streets and storefronts bring life to the community. Neighbors choose to live here because it feels like a place with character, energy, and potential.
But maintaining that momentum takes more than good intentions. It takes coordination, investment, and a shared commitment to the future.
The PhinneyWood District Initiative (formally the PhinneyWood Business Improvement Area (BIA)) is a new step forward. It gives local property owners and business leaders a way to directly invest in the long-term vitality of the district — and a structure to ensure those investments are guided by the people who know PhinneyWood best.
This isn’t about reinventing the neighborhood. It’s about strengthening what’s working, filling the gaps, and building the capacity to meet challenges head-on — together.
Support the PhinneyWood District Initiative
Sign the petition and help shape the future of our neighborhood.
Why now?
PhinneyWood is known for its strong identity and sense of place. But behind the charm and momentum, many local businesses still face real challenges: rising costs, changing markets, and a lack of coordinated support. At the same time, the neighborhood is growing — and with growth comes opportunity, complexity, and the need for intentional, locally guided action.
The PhinneyWood District Initiative ensures we don’t leave that future to chance.
It provides a framework to proactively invest in our public spaces, promote local businesses, and make PhinneyWood an even stronger destination — now and in times of uncertainty. It turns momentum into a strategy. Strength into structure.
Because success isn’t static. And thriving neighborhoods don’t happen by accident.
What Other BIAs Are Doing — and Why It Works
PhinneyWood isn’t starting from scratch. Across Seattle, 11 neighborhoods have formed Business Improvement Areas — and they’ve delivered measurable returns for property and business owners alike.
Ballard uses its BIA to coordinate street improvements, community events, and small business support — helping the neighborhood grow while staying true to its identity.
West Seattle turned a small sidewalk sale into a citywide summer festival that now draws 30,000 visitors and helps fund year-round improvements.
Other BIAs have created clean-and-safe programs, funded murals and signage, launched district-wide marketing campaigns, and provided free promotional support to small businesses. They’ve shown that when a district works together, everyone benefits.
These examples show how BIAs unify efforts, protect investments, and provide the structure and consistency that help neighborhoods thrive.
PhinneyWood is in a strong position to do the same — with a plan built by and for this community.
What the PhinneyWood District Will Do
The PhinneyWood District Initiative will turn shared priorities into visible action — providing the structure and funding to keep our neighborhood strong, vibrant, and welcoming.
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A clean, safe, and welcoming district
Vibrant streets and events
Seasonal events, pop-ups, and local arts programming. Activating public space to draw foot traffic and support local businesses.
Support for business growth
Unified advocacy and management
Representing ratepayer needs with the City. Transparent planning, reporting, and local oversight.
This is about investing in what works — and building the capacity to take care of the neighborhood together.
I’m In — Count My Property Toward the Petition
Who Pays and Why It Matters
The PhinneyWood District Initiative will be funded by commercial property owners within the district. These contributions aren’t donations — they’re investments. Pooled together, they create reliable funding for services that support long-term property value, business success, and a strong neighborhood identity.
There are approximately 165 commercial properties in the district. Each one contributes based on a fair and transparent formula that considers lot size and street frontage — so every property pays its share according to its footprint and visibility.
The PNA — a nonprofit with deep roots in the community — will be the single largest ratepayer. Like all participating property owners, the PNA will contribute annually and benefit from the collective impact these funds make possible.
Assessments go directly toward funding the services outlined above: street cleaning, marketing, business support, public events, and more. None of this replaces City services — it supplements them with resources we control locally.
Why it matters:
- Supports a clean, safe, and vibrant district
- Helps retain and attract successful tenants
- Strengthens property value through shared investment
- Ensures your voice is represented in neighborhood decisions
- Keeps the neighborhood strong – even in uncertain times
Assessments are an investment in property value, tenant retention, and a thriving community.
Led by the Community
The PhinneyWood District Initiative will be overseen by the people who know this neighborhood best: its property and business owners.
Learn More
A volunteer Ratepayer Advisory Board will guide spending, set priorities, and help ensure that services reflect the evolving needs of the district. Members will represent a diverse mix of property sizes, business types, and locations — so the full district has a voice.
The PNA will provide day-to-day management and administrative support. As both the BIA’s largest contributor and a trusted community anchor, the PNA is committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
All ratepayers will have the opportunity to give input each year — helping to shape priorities and keep the program responsive to real neighborhood needs.
This is local control in action — not a new layer of government, but a tool for neighbors to invest in their own future.
Want to Learn More or Get Involved?
Have questions? Want to talk it through? We’re here for that.
The PhinneyWood District Initiative is about working together — and that starts with clear, open communication. Whether you’re ready to sign on or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect.
Contact: Chris Maykut, Small Business Advocate
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206-297-0875
Ready to support the PhinneyWood District Initiative?
View and Sign the Petition
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