Queen Anne News 02252026

Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919

Mayor Outlines Priorities in First State of the City Address

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson delivered her first State of the City address Tuesday at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, using the speech to outline her administration’s approach to public safety, homelessness, affordability, and preparation for potential federal actions affecting Seattle residents.

Wilson opened by thanking performers Northwest Tap Connection and emcee Ben Hunter, along with city, county and community leaders in attendance. She noted the Langston Hughes institute’s long history as a community cultural resource and said she chose the venue intentionally, tying it to a message of learning from history and building coalitions to solve current challenges.

Wilson also referenced Black History Month, the start of Ramadan and Lent, and Lunar New Year. She said the city is in a period when rights feel under threat nationally and that looking to history can help Seattle understand what progress has required in past difficult moments. Citing organizer Mariame Kaba, Wilson said, “Hope is a discipline,” describing it as something that requires practice, cleareyed realism, and consistent effort.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE

Wilson acknowledged recent violence in Seattle, including the killing of two Rainier Beach High School students who were shot while waiting for a bus after school. She also referenced recent deadly shootings in the Chinatown International District and Pioneer Square.

She said her administration coordinated quickly with Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools to increase security presence during times when students and families travel to and from school. She said the city is implementing a stabilization plan through the end of the school year in partnership with community organizations and city departments, with the goal of reducing conflict and preventing retaliation.

MAYOR, 8

Rain and All: Seattle Celebrates the First Winter by the Water Festival

Gray skies and steady drizzle set the scene

Saturday for the inaugural Winter by the Water, and somehow, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Seattle showed up anyway.

Hosted by Seafair in partnership with ExplorePNW and presented by the Downtown Seattle Association, the one-day waterfront festival made its debut February 21 along Alaskan Way, stretching between Pier 50 and Pier 66. Designed as a celebration of Seattle’s quieter season, residents were invited to rediscover the evolving waterfront through food, music, art, and a self-guided Passport Adventure.

And yes — it rained.

But as Emily Parkhurst, owner of ExplorePNW, noted with a smile, it felt very onbrand for the first Winter by the Water to arrive with classic Seattle drizzle. The damp air, low clouds, and glistening pavement only amplified the festival’s message: this city doesn’t wait for blue skies to gather.

Throughout the day, festivalgoers collected passport stamps

at curated stops featuring iconic waterfront bites, art experiences, public fire pits, and local businesses. Complimentary chowder, mini ice cream flights, and a pop-up oyster bar offered comfort against the chill, while indoor programming ensured the weather never dictated the mood.

One of the highlights happened atop the Overlook Walk,

where organizers staged the “Umbrella Uprising” — a smiling group photo of attendees raising their branded umbrellas in unison. Both playful and symbolic, they served as a reminder that Seattleites don’t hide from the rain; they accessorize for it.

Just before the photo op, the Dope Girl Movement energized the crowd with a powerful

dance performance, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on community-driven cultural expression. The waterfront, often associated with summer tourism, felt reimagined — intimate, activated, and distinctly local.

Councilmember Bob Kettle to Host Community Conversation on Comprehensive Plan and Neighborhood Priorities

Queen Anne residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from City Councilmember Bob Kettle and ask questions about key neighborhood issues during a community conversation on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

Hosted at Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park, the event will focus primarily on the status of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan legislation and what the proposed changes could mean specifically for Queen Anne. Organizers have asked Councilmember Kettle to provide an update on the city’s recently released “Centers and Corridors” proposal and accompanying zoning maps, developed by the Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development. The legislation builds on growth centers approved by the Seattle City Council in December and is now moving through the council for deliberation and public comment. A final vote is expected later this summer.

In addition to the Comprehensive Plan update, Kettle has been invited to address broader priorities identified in a recent Community Sentiment Survey. Those concerns include public safety and homelessness, ongoing housing pressures, transit access, parks, schools, litter and neighborhood cleanliness, and a desire for practical, problem-solving leadership.

The evening will begin with a briefing from the councilmember, followed by a question-and-answer session. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance to queenannecc@gmail.com.

Following the formal program, which concludes at 8 p.m., attendees are invited to stay for an additional 30 minutes to meet members of the Queen Anne Community Council board, share concerns and ideas, and connect with neighbors. Thanks to Aegis Living, coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.

The event will be held at: Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park 2900 3rd Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119 Space is limited and advance registration is required.

ADDITIONAL COMPREHENSIVE

PLAN OFFICE HOURS

Councilmember Kettle is also offering a series of Comprehensive Plan-specific

office hours throughout March and early April. Meetings will be held on a firstcome, first-served basis, with approximately 10 minutes allotted per constituent. Residents may attend whichever session best fits their schedule; district address is not determinative.

Scheduled sessions include:

• March 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. –Location TBD, likely The Shop by Porter, 1201 2nd Ave. #100 (entrance at 1st & Seneca)

• March 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Queen Anne Coffee Co. patio

• March 26, 5 to 7 p.m. – Magnolia Library meeting room

• April 1, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – KEXP

• April 9, 3 to 5 p.m. – Queen Anne Library meeting room (hosted by Policy Director Brent Lo and District Director Rebecca Duran; Councilmember Kettle will not attend)

As Seattle continues to debate how and where future growth will occur, these conversations offer residents an opportunity to better understand how proposed zoning changes and development policies could shape Queen Anne and surrounding neighborhoods in the years ahead.

Savvy Senior: Medicare Can Help Older Smokers Kick the Habit

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare offer any coverage that helps beneficiaries quit smoking?

—New Beneficiary

Dear New,

If you’re ready to quit smoking, Medicare can indeed help!

Medicare Part B covers up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year to help you kick the habit, and if you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, certain smoking-cessation medications are covered as well. Here’s a guide to help you get started.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 8.3 percent of Americans age 65 and older still smoke. Many older smokers indicate that they would like to quit, but because of the nicotine, which is extremely addictive, it’s very difficult to do. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness, responsible for an estimated one-fifth of deaths in the United States each year. But research shows that quitting, even after age 65, greatly reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and many other diseases. It also helps you breathe easier, smell, and taste better, and

can save you money. A $8 packa-day smoker, for example, saves about $240 after one month without cigarettes, and nearly $2,880 after one year.

HOW TO QUIT

The first step you need to take is to set a “quit date,” but give yourself a few weeks to get ready. During that time, you may want to start by reducing the number or the strength of cigarettes you smoke to begin weaning yourself. Also check out over-the-counter nicotine replacement products –patches, gum and lozenges – to help curb your cravings (these are not covered by Medicare). And just prior to your quit day get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work, and try to clean up and even spray air freshener. The smell of smoke can be a powerful trigger.

GET HELP

Studies have shown that you have a much better chance of quitting if you have help. So, tell your friends, family, and coworkers of your plan to quit. Others knowing can be a helpful reminder and motivator.

Then get some counseling. Don’t go it alone. Start by contacting your doctor about smoking cessation counseling covered by

Magnolia Branch to Close March 9–11 for Interior Upgrades

The Seattle Public Library’s Magnolia Branch will be closed Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11 while interior improvements are completed.

During the closure, the branch book return will also be unavailable, and all patron holds will be automatically extended. The library is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, March 12. Planned upgrades will focus on expanding and refreshing the children’s area. Improvements include new furniture,

FROM 1

Inside Pier 66, the BECU Vendor Marketplace offered warmth and bustle. Curated in partnership with Intentionalist, the marketplace spotlighted small businesses and provided a cozy counterpoint to the outdoor stroll. It was also home to one of the day’s biggest highlights: a preview of the 2026 Champions of Change celebrity pickleball event featuring Seahawks legends Michael Bennett, Doug Baldwin, and Cliff Avril.

The trio — former teammates and philanthropic activists — brought charisma and camaraderie to the exhibition match. Baldwin served as emcee and team captain, effortlessly working the crowd while keeping the energy high. Bennett showcased both athletic skill and theatrical flair, drawing cheers with his showmanship and surprising finesse on the pickleball court. Avril proved the consummate professional, stepping back to invite public participation and stepping up at key moments to

updated flooring and the installation of an ADA-compliant self-check station to improve accessibility.

A new mural will also be installed in the children’s section. The artwork, commissioned from a local Indigenous artist, celebrates interconnection with the natural world and is intended to create a welcoming, culturally reflective space for young readers and families. For additional information and updates, visit www.spl.org/Today.

close out plays with precision.

The blend of accessibility and star power underscored the festival’s broader goal: connection across community lines.

Throughout the day, Seafair President and CEO Emily Kang Cantrell could be seen bustling from activation to activation — greeting partners, checking logistics, and occasionally pausing

“Winter by the Water proved that Seattle’s waterfront doesn’t need the sun to shine.”

to take in the scene. Her visible presence embodied the festival’s hands-on, collaborative spirit. Winter by the Water marks a strategic expansion for Seafair, the nonprofit long associated with major summer events, into yearround programming that keeps the waterfront alive beyond peak tourist months.

As afternoon gave way to evening, the energy shifted indoors for a Concert Celebration at Pier 66. Seattle’s new mayor, Katie Wilson, offered remarks highlighting the importance of activating downtown spaces in every season. Then came the music: local favorites Smokey Brights and The Talbott Brothers delivered performances that transformed the pier into a warm, communal gathering space. A live raffle drawing for travel and experience prizes — including Alaska Airlines vouchers — added to the celebratory tone.

By nightfall, the damp chill still lingered outside, but inside, the atmosphere was unmistakably joyful. Winter by the Water proved that Seattle’s waterfront doesn’t need the sun to shine. With abundant indoor programming — restaurants, concerts, pickleball, vendor markets — and thoughtful outdoor moments designed to embrace rather than resist the rain, the festival demonstrated a simple truth: community isn’t seasonal.

If anything, it’s strengthened by showing up when the skies are gray.

In the Chinatown International District, Wilson said SPD will restore a late-night presence that she described as effective before it was discontinued last year. She also said the city is examining legal options against building owners connected to chronic nuisance properties.

Wilson said her office is developing a broader gun violence strategy, intended to be “robust” and “multi-pronged,” and built through collaboration among city departments, county partners, community experts, and families who have lost loved ones. She said the city will convene local and national experts to develop and launch a strategy tailored to Seattle’s needs.

AND SHELTER CAPACITY

HOMELESSNESS

Wilson said her administration intends to continue and improve efforts to keep public spaces open and accessible, and that encampment removals will be prioritized based on safety issues and neighborhood impacts.

She described visiting a Ballard encampment that was scheduled to be cleared and said she extended the timeline, believing better outcomes were possible for people living there and for the surrounding neighborhood. She said city staff were able to help some individuals transition into shelter or housing, including placement in a tiny house village.

Wilson said she does not believe the city’s overall approach to homelessness has been successful and said Seattle needs more housing, shelter and services. She said her administration will work with the Unified Care Team to improve outreach by engaging earlier and allowing flexibility when housing placements are close.

Wilson said shelter expansion is a central priority and referenced an executive order she issued to accelerate emergency shelter development. She said the city is identifying city-owned land for tiny houses and micro-modular shelter, exploring tools to speed development, and working to secure funding with the city budget office and philanthropic partners.

She said her administration will introduce legislation to City Council to fund shelter expansion and make shelter faster and easier to build. Wilson set a goal of adding 1,000 new units in 2026, with services matched to people’s needs.

Medicare and find out about the prescription antismoking drugs (bupropion and varenicline) that can help reduce your nicotine craving.

You can also get free one-on-one telephone counseling and referrals to local smoking cessation

PREPARING FOR FEDERAL ACTIONS AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Wilson said her office is preparing for potential threats from the federal government, including immigration enforcement activity. She said Seattle has not yet seen a surge comparable to activity in Minneapolis, but that the city is taking steps to prepare. Those steps include expanding outreach through the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, launching a centralized city webpage for policy and resources, clarifying SPD responsibilities to document unlawful federal actions, barring civil immigration enforcement from staging on city property, and encouraging private property owners to post notices stating federal agents may not enter without a warrant.

Wilson said the city also sent a staff member to Minneapolis to learn from community response efforts there and said one lesson was the importance of strong local organizing.

SURVEILLANCE AND CCTV CONCERNS

Wilson addressed the pending expansion of Seattle’s CCTV surveillance system, describing it as a contentious issue. She said she continues to have concerns about data security and potential misuse against vulnerable communities, while also hearing from families and communities affected by gun violence who view cameras as a tool for solving crimes and reducing profiling.

She said she does not want to rush a decision and intends to continue meeting with people holding different views to determine a path forward.

AFFORDABILITY AGENDA

Wilson said affordability is a defining challenge for Seattle residents across many income levels and that high costs affect workers, families, small businesses and the city’s economic stability.

She announced an “Affordability Agenda” focused on four areas: housing, childcare, food, and small businesses.

On housing, Wilson referenced a renter survey her office launched in 16 languages and said more than 6,000 people responded. She said respondents described frequent moves due to rising rents and frustration with fees and charges. She said her office plans to work with City Council on policies aimed at “deceptive and abusive practices” and will

programs through your state quit line at 800-QUIT-NOW or call the National Cancer Institute free smoking quit line at 877-44U-QUIT.

It’s also important to identify and write down the times and situations you’re most likely to smoke and make a list of things you can do to replace it or distract yourself.

engage landlords, developers and affordable housing providers in that work.

Wilson said Seattle needs to build more housing of many types and sizes and said she is committed to advancing additional legislation following last year’s comprehensive planning work. She also said building alone will not make homeownership affordable quickly for lower and middle-income families, and said she plans to expand programs supporting affordable homeownership, including backyard cottages, down payment assistance, partnerships with community land trusts, and support for legacy homeowners.

SOCIAL HOUSING FUNDING

Wilson highlighted social housing as a major recent development in her affordability agenda. She said City Council adopted an interlocal agreement that will allow approximately $115 million to begin flowing to the Social Housing Developer this spring, which she said is more than initially projected.

She said social housing is intended to deliver mixed-income, permanently affordable, publicly owned housing, and described it as a tool to create stability amid rising housing costs and displacement pressure.

Wilson said the city should treat childcare and early education as “public goods”

CHILDCARE AND EARLY EDUCATION

Wilson said childcare is another major cost burden and described Seattle’s existing preschool and childcare assistance programs as important progress. She said it is “unnerving” that Seattle is seen as a national leader because it highlights how far the United States lags behind other countries on family support.

She said her administration aims to bring down childcare costs, expand pre-K and enrichment opportunities, improve pay for childcare workers, and make it easier to site and operate childcare facilities.

Wilson said the city should treat childcare and early education as “public goods,”

Some helpful suggestions when the smoking urge arises are to call a friend or one of the free quit lines, keep your mouth occupied with some sugar-free gum, sunflower seeds, carrots, fruit or hard candy, go for a walk, read a magazine, listen to music or take a hot bath.

The intense urge to smoke lasts about three to five minutes, so do

similar to parks and schools, and said the city will pursue this vision as it implements the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise levy approved by voters.

FOOD ACCESS AND GROCERIES

Wilson said rising food costs and recent grocery closures have highlighted food access challenges, including the emergence of food deserts. She highlighted the Fresh Bucks program, which supports low-income residents purchasing produce at participating retailers and said the city has increased benefits, cleared the waitlist, and now supports more than 17,000 households.

She said city offices are exploring approaches with private partners and labor to protect jobs and expand food access, including alternative models such as a public grocery store.

SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Wilson said small businesses face affordability challenges, including high rents, complex permitting and the high cost of living affecting staffing. She highlighted city programs intended to cut red tape and help fill vacant storefronts, including the Small Business Expediting Program and Seattle Restored.

She also referenced the Back to Business Fund as a resource to help businesses address property damage and security needs.

Wilson told business leaders that their success matters to the city and said affordability is not solely a government responsibility, describing it as a shared economic imperative tied to the city’s competitiveness and quality of life.

WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2026

Wilson closed by previewing major projects and events in 2026, including reopening the Hiawatha Community Center, opening the South Park Community Center, transit expansion, transportation improvements, and preparations for the FIFA World Cup. She also referenced new waterfront investments and said the city should expand access to public bathrooms.

She acknowledged the city will face disagreement and public criticism but said she is hopeful Seattle can build a safer and more affordable city through partnerships and measurable progress.

what you can to wait it out. It’s also wise to avoid drinking alcohol and steer clear of other smokers while you’re trying to quit. Both can trigger powerful urges to smoke.

For more tips on managing your cravings, withdrawal symptoms and what to do if you relapse, visit 60plus.SmokeFree.gov. There are also a variety of helpful quit

smoking apps you can download like EasyQuit, QuitNow and Quit Genius.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.