The U District Livability Partnership is a three-year strategic initiative to encourage investment for a vibrant, walkable University District neighborhood. The Steering Committee will hold a kick-off meeting on May 30th at University Heights. For more information or to get involved, please contact community@udistrictchamber.org

A new paper by Associate Professor of History Margaret O’Mara explores how the University District and the University of Washington are working together to create Seattle’s “next-generation University District” with attention to the physical landscape, economic potential, and the historic relationship they share.

Community, creativity, and innovation: The University District and the University of Washington

In a project led by Landscape Architecture Associate Professor Julie Johnson, 17 landscape design students appeared before the Ballard District Council meeting this week to present their concepts for a better functioning transit system that would also build a healthier and safer neighborhood.

Since 1979, the UW School of Law has offered students the opportunity to represent real clients or mediate real cases by working with faculty members through the Clinical Law Program, part of the School’s mission to provide “generous public service.” The Innocence Project Northwest (IPNW) Clinic grew out of a volunteer effort aimed at freeing inmates who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes.

Naturalists, kayakers and other volunteers are needed to look for as many birds, plants, insects, mammals and fungi as possible during the 24-hour Bioblitz 2011 at the Washington Park Arboretum. The event starts at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Volunteer by sending e-mail or calling 206-543-8801.

Active Options offers information on physical activity programs in your neighborhood, including free and low-cost classes and group and independent exercise options. The database can be searched by zipcode and activity type and was developed by the Health Promotion Research Center, part of the School of Public Health at the University of Washington.

In honor of Earth Day, members of  FUITS, the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students participated in the Annual Duwamish Alive Earth Day clean-up at the West Duwamish Greenbelt.  This event is one of many volunteer opportunities associated with UW Earth Day 2011 on Friday.

A panel of experts will discuss “Cognitive Health: Crossroads to Successful Aging” at The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging’s free Spring Lecture on Tuesday, April 5, 3 –4:30pm, at the Center for Urban Horticulture.  For more information, contact the de Tornyay Center at (206) 616-4276 or agingctr@u.washington.edu.

  Jerry Large, Seattle Times staff columnist

“Lowering walls and working together is how we solve tough problems” says Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large in a Sunday, Feb. 20 column about how UW service learning programs are getting about 900 students out of the classroom and into underserved schools this winter quarter to gain a deeper understanding of the community they live in.

The University of Washington partnered with the City of Seattle and University District Chamber of Commerce to provide free Wi-Fi access along the Ave. The goal of this pilot project is to attract customers to local businesses and provide additional incentive to live along the Ave.

The University provides internet connectivity through its PNW Gigapop organization. The City purchased & installed hardware and provides technical support. The Chamber pays for electricity and pole rental. In the first month of operation (April, 2005), more than 6,500 people used the free access.

Read the City’s press release about this partnership. Learn more about the City’s commitment to Wi-Fi access.

See a map of Wi-Fi coverage along the Ave.

Next Page →