I will post specific opportunities as they come up, but the “Centers and Corridors” maps are currently under review by the City Council. If we want to move the line on 39th Ave SW, we need to reach the people who hold the “pens” and the “votes.” Here is the breakdown of who to contact and how to frame your message.
1. The Technical Lead: Brennon Staley (OPCD)
- Role: Strategic Advisor and lead author of the zoning maps.
- The Technical Architect: Brennon Staley and the One Seattle Plan – Save 39th – Morgan Junction
- His Interests: Technical accuracy, meeting state mandates, and data-driven “boundary adjustments.”
- The Approach: Be professional and technical. Mention topography, infrastructure gaps (sewer/stormwater), and specific street constraints. He is the most likely person to move a line if you prove the 2D map is physically inaccurate.
- Email:
brennon.staley@seattle.gov
2. The Political Voice: Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
- Role: Your direct representative for West Seattle.
- Key Council Decision Makers – Save 39th – Morgan Junction
- His Interests: Constituent services, public safety, and common-sense neighborhood transitions.
- The Approach: Focus on neighborhood stability and anti-displacement. Remind him that as a District 1 resident, you expect your representative to sponsor an amendment that protects the “residential buffer” of Morgan Junction.
- Email:
rob.saka@seattle.gov
3. The High-Level Strategy: Writing to Mayor Katie Wilson
- Role: The architect of the city’s vision. She holds the ultimate executive authority over the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD).
- Mayor Katie Wilson’s Role in the One Seattle Plan – Save 39th – Morgan Junction
- Her Interest: She is deeply invested in Anti-Displacement and Social Equity. If she believes a rezone will displace people rather than house them, she will listen.
- The Approach: This is where the “heartfelt” meets the “policy.” Neighbors should tell her that they support her vision for a dense, vibrant Seattle, but that LR2 on 39th Ave SW is a “planning mismatch” that actually harms her anti-displacement goals by encouraging the teardown of older, naturally affordable homes.
- Email:
mayor@seattle.gov
4. The Review Body: Vanessa Murdock (Seattle Planning Commission)
- Role: Executive Director of the Commission providing the formal “Letter of Recommendation” to Council.
- What is the Planning Commission? – Save 39th – Morgan Junction
- Her Interests: Equity, environmental stewardship, and the long-term vision of the One Seattle Plan.
- The Approach: Frame your argument around Anti-Displacement. Ask the Commission to recommend a “targeted correction” for 39th Ave SW in their formal letter to the City Council to protect naturally affordable housing.
- Email:
vanessa.murdock@seattle.gov
Quick Tips for Your Email:
- Subject Line: Always include “39th Ave SW – Morgan Junction Rezoning” so it gets filed correctly.
- Be Specific: Mention the stretch from Morgan to Raymond.
- The “Ask”: Explicitly ask them to “Maintain Neighborhood Residential zoning” for this block.