Known for its quality of life and access to nature, Seattle has long prided itself on refusing to be “world class.” But rapid growth and a diversifying population mean Seattle is changing — whether it wants to or not. Booming biotech, software and gaming sectors are transforming the economy, new light rail and streetcar lines are expanding, and the city is about to reclaim its downtown waterfront from the shadows of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
On Friday, April 8, SPUR will host a lunchtime forum with Seattle City Planning Director Marshall Foster on the big issues facing the Emerald City as it continues to grow.
A longtime friend of SPUR, Foster is a former Bay Area planner known for his work on projects large and small for the San Francisco City Planning Department. SF’s director of City Greening Initiatives until 2006, Foster was instrumental in the Better Neighborhoods plans, the Rincon Hill Plan and launching the Better Streets Plan, “Pavement to Parks” and related greening efforts.
Come find out what he’s done since moving from SF to Seattle — and what these two West Coast cities can learn from each other.
Update from the Emerald City: Seattle Planning Director Marshall Foster
Friday, April 8, 2011
12:30 pm
SPUR Urban Center