We urgently request the City of Seattle resume the North Aurora Planning Study, which the city halted due to staffing constraints from the citywide hiring freeze. This study plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges our community faces, and further delays will jeopardize the long-term health, safety, and vitality of the North Aurora corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.

Comprehensive community planning studies are standard practice for large-scale urban projects, especially those impacting transportation, safety, and economic development. Aurora Avenue North urgently needs a coordinated, thoughtful plan that addresses the full spectrum of community needs—from public safety and transportation to fostering a vibrant business environment and an inclusive, connected residential community.

We cannot afford further delays. Continuing the work that has already begun is essential to creating a shared vision that will guide future investments and improvements. Without this study, we risk missing key opportunities to foster a livable, safe, and sustainable community. The study provides a roadmap for addressing critical concerns, including:

• Public safety: Creating safer streets and public spaces, and reducing crime in the area
• Transportation safety: Coordinating with SDOT to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, and reduce congestion along the corridor
• Economic development: Supporting the business community in building a vibrant local economy
• Inclusivity and livability: Ensuring that the evolving neighborhoods along North Aurora support the diverse needs of their residents, with access to essential community resources like parks, community centers, and services

We urge the City of Seattle to allocate the necessary funding in the upcoming budget to complete this vital work. Further delay to this study makes it harder to address both the urgent and long-term needs of the communities along the North Aurora corridor. Moving forward now will provide a strong foundation for coordinated investments and sustainable development.