What exactly is a “hackathon?” Is it legal? In this context, yes. Despite its name, this “hackathon” isn’t so much concerned with leaking private photos of celebrities as it is trying to improve the quality of life for Seattleites.
Hack the Commute is a community project presented by the City of Seattle and Commute Seattle, where teams of digital wizards are invited to come together and “hack” tech-based solutions for problems arising from our city’s constant growth. Mainly: transportation.
New apps, improvements on existing apps, data management solutions, design ideas—all are welcome so long as they help improve biking, walking, parking, driving, or using public transit. Tech solutions developed by each team will be judged and winners decided in March.
Next week’s kickoff event will provide more information, including scheduling and registration details. Make sure to RSVP.
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods sets aside a rather large chunk of change, $100,000 to be exact, for projects that aim to bolster neighborhood community. These can be tangible things (a community garden, for instance) or projects in education or culture, for example. Last year, the Ethiopian Community in Seattle won the award to renovate a commercial kitchen space for a community building project.
They aren’t going to just hand out the award to anyone, though. For one, you have to attend one of six public workshops before even applying. I know, homework sucks. But these workshops provide valuable information on the fund as well as what types of projects they are looking for.
February Mainstreet MeetupEvery second Wednesday of each month, councilmember Sally Bagshaw hosts a forum for downtown businesses, police, community organizations, and individuals to get together and talk shop about supporting the local economy and public safety.
Concerned about the amount of police activity in the area? Lots of abandoned cars showing up of late? Just want to show your support in the community? All are welcome to this “resource sharing” session, but you must RSVP to attend.
Associate Editor
Darren Davis is the arts and culture editor at Seattle Met. He also edits Habitat, the design and architecture department.
A Southern California native, Darren received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. His essays on technology and video game culture appear online and in print across various journals and magazines. His tweets can be found @_davisdarren
