Small businesses are the heart of Rainier Valley, but a growing digital divide has made it harder for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs to reach new customers, keep up with technology, and stay competitive. That’s why the Rainier Avenue Business Coalition used funding from Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) in partnership… [ Keep reading ]
SEATTLE, WA — The City of Seattle’s Racial and Social Equity (RSE) Index has received the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri. The award was presented at the 2026 Esri User Conference and recognizes organizations that use GIS in innovative ways. The City demographer, in the Office of… [ Keep reading ]
Many DeafBlind adults in Seattle depend on technology every day, but most digital tools are built for people who can see or hear well. Staff at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. saw this problem up close. The gap in digital access made it harder for community members to stay… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle IT is launching a new series highlighting some of the innovative projects shaping how our department delivers services across the city. Each installment will offer a behind-the-scenes look at various teams’ work, the challenges they’re tackling, and the solutions they’re building to improve experience for staff and the communities… [ Keep reading ]
When the world’s biggest soccer tournament came to Seattle, our team decided to bring a little of that magic into the office. The result? Seattle IT FIFA Fever, our first-ever in-office competition, and honestly, something none of us will forget anytime soon. Why We Did It The 2026 FIFA World Cup meant… [ Keep reading ]
People in the Seattle area are uniquely vulnerable to hot weather. Because the region has historically experienced mild summers, homes and businesses often lack cooling systems. To help area residents during heat waves, Seattle IT launched a webpage for heat safety on the City of Seattle’s website at https://seattle.gov/heat. The City of… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) is one of the city’s most important investments in digital equity. Each year, TMF supports community projects that help people build digital skills, get devices, and connect to the internet. These projects tackle the gaps found in the 2024 Technology Access and Adoption Study. How… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Fire Department is proposing to add up to three drones to its fleet of emergency response apparatus. The Emergency Response Aerial Technology – or ERAT – would be used in a limited number of fire, medical or rescue responses where having an aerial view would provide greater safety… [ Keep reading ]
As Seattle welcomes local communities and visitors from around the world this summer for 2026 FIFA World Cup events, we’re reminded how important it is to be a City that includes everyone – regardless of their background or abilities. People rely on City websites, blogs, mobile apps, online forms, maps, videos, and social media to find information and access services…. [ Keep reading ]
Some lemonade stands sell a cold drink on a sunny day. Lil D’s Gratitude Lemonade serves something even sweeter: confidence, community, and a reminder that even the sourest lemons can become something worth celebrating. At this year’s City of Seattle Juneteenth event, one of the food vendors comes with a… [ Keep reading ]
