We're building a community of engaged Shoreline residents who use advocacy, social connection, and creative partnerships to make Shoreline the most liveable city in Washington.
The future we are building is:
Green. And so we push the city to be aggressive and creative in meeting its climate goals and becoming a leader for our region.
Affordable. And so we demand policies that create abundant and fair housing and services, ensure equity, and support small businesses.
Mobile. And so we advocate for infrastructure and policy that supports walking, biking, transit and equitable, accessible mobility.
Engaged. And so we make it easy for Shoreliners to understand, engage with, and effect change in the city they call home.
Joyful. And so we create opportunities for connection, fun, and inspiration in rediscovering the community and the place we share.
Join US! Our events are FREE and open to all
Screening of Join or Die
Sunday, December 8, 6-9pm
VENUE CHANGE:
Spartan Recreation Center
202 NE 185th StIn this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
Small Group Shoreline Advocacy MeetupsJoin our informal small-group meetup series to talk about advocacy in Shoreline and how you can get involved. We'll bring some info about upcoming opportunities for advocacy and community input, and some tips for how you can best made your voice heard to City Council and other decision makers. You bring your ideas and passion for making Shoreline more liveable!Sign up for the one that works best for your schedule. Groups will be capped as needed.
Evening Meetup
Tuesday, December 17, 7-8pm
Ridgecrest Public House
520 NE 165th Street
Breakfast Meetup
Tuesday, January 14, 9-10am
Blackbird Cafe
1843 NW 195th St
Lunchtime Zoom Meetup
Friday, January 17, 12:30-1:30pm
Online (will send link when you RSVP)
Urbanist Shoreline is a community group based in Shoreline, WA.
Website (c) 2024, Urbanist Shoreline.
About US
We're a group of Shoreline residents who believe that our city can be welcoming, accessible, connected, safe, green, and joyful. We believe civic life is for everyone, and that getting involved in your community shouldn't require any special skills. We believe in fighting hard for the liveable city we want to see, and in having fun and making friends along the way!
How we work
1. We advocate directly at the city, state, and county level for infrastructure and policies that will make Shoreline more liveable and more equitable. We deliver testimony and write letters, meet with decisionmakers, and build, train, and strengthen a constituency of actively engaged residents to make change. We compile data and stories from across our community and beyond to help build the case for urbanist policies.2. We create experiences and build community in support of a liveable Shoreline. Civic life should never be lonely, so we plan walking and biking tours and low-key social events (really just hangouts) that celebrate community, help create a sense of place, and show the possibilities in our city. Have an idea? We highly encourage others to lead experiences and events that help share unique perspectives.3. We support and amplify the work of others in our space.
We collaborate closely with other organizations and individuals in our region leading the way on safe streets, affordable housing, climate action, accessibility and more. We help get the word out about campaigns we are aligned with but are not leading. We share resources, opportunities, and gossip, with an aim to keep it loose, keep it nimble, and keep it collaborative.
Urbanist Shoreline is a community group based in Shoreline, WA.
Website (c) 2024, Urbanist Shoreline.
Volunteer Leadership
Urbanist Shoreline was started by Shoreline neighbors who wanted a way to connect with others who share our vision of a move liveable, more vibrant and more equitable future for the city we call home.Have ideas and/or time to spare? We are actively looking for others to join our volunteer leadership team!Contact us
Katie Lorah grew up in Seattle and moved to Shoreline in 2021 after nearly 20 years on the East Coast. She's spent her career at community organizations advocating for parks & open spaces, sustainable transportation, and civic engagement. She is currently the chair of Shoreline's Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services & Tree Board.
Tom Lang moved to Shoreline
with his family in 2024 after living 13 years in North Seattle. He envisions Shoreline streets that are safe for kids to play in, corner stores in every neighborhood, and neighbors who won’t be priced out. With a decade of experience in grassroots community organizing, he’s ready to make that happen.
Jonathan Garner lives in the Echo Lake neighborhood and enjoys riding his bike around our quiet little city. He's been a community organizer and city planner personally and professionally for a combined 20+ years, from small town revitalization to large city urban design. His dream for Shoreline is a charming city full of activity and connected through greenways, bikeways, civic spaces, neighborhoods, and friends.
Laura Zuchlewski is a Hillwood resident. She wants to help Shoreline build strong and connected local communities. Her dream for Shoreline is to become an affordable, walkable and vibrant city. During the day she's digging around datasets and in the evening she is usually digging in the dirt or has her nose in a book.
Screening of Join or Die
Sunday, December 8, 6-9pm
VENUE CHANGE:
Spartan Recreation Center
202 NE 185th StIn this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
Get Involved
Come to an Event!
It turns out, the best way to build community is in person! We try to have a variety of free public events each month to meet our neighbors and talk about what's interesting to people. We'd love to see you at our next Urbanist Shoreline Happy Hour, advocacy workshop, or bike ride!
Volunteer to Watch and Summarize Public Meetings
There's a lot going on in our city, we're all volunteers with busy lives, and we want to make sure we're paying attention to the issues we care about, even if we're not always in the room. We’re assembling a small group of volunteers to regularly (like once a month) tune into and summarize City Council and Planning Commission meetings.This is a great low-commitment way to dip your toes into local civic engagement - you can stream the meetings from home, and we will train you in what to watch for.
Join the Conversation on Discord
Yes, it’s another app. But it’s actually a pretty great way to have realtime conversations, share links and ideas, and just generally gossip about urbanist stuff.
Have Another Idea? Let Us Know!
We're super open to collaborating on events, hearing ideas, getting coffee to talk about your neighborhood, etc. Let's talk!
Advocacy Resources
Urbanist Shoreline's Quick Advocacy Tips Guide
Our top tips for making your voice heard at City Council & Planning Commission meetings and beyond. Includes links to Council agendas and several key planning documents. Email us if you have questions or want to see sample testimony.