Reimagining Aurora  

The Northern Lights Initiative envisions Aurora Avenue North as a vibrant corridor of inclusive, thriving neighborhoods. The initiative will focus on enhancing public safety, expanding affordable and market-rate housing, strengthening community engagement, and advancing coordinated City investments to transform the area into a welcoming space that fosters opportunity, resilience, and belonging.

Led by the Mayor's Office and Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), the Northern Lights Initiative brings together City departments, state and county agencies, and local residents to collaboratively shape a revitalized future for Aurora Avenue North through coordinated planning and investment.

Public Safety

• Implement "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED) strategies, including enhanced lighting, graffiti removal, and tree pruning to improve visibility.
• Install new security cameras in high-crime areas to discourage unlawful behavior and support law enforcement investigations, including images of vehicles whose drivers are suspected of soliciting sex workers.
• Invest $7 million to support victims of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking through emergency and transitional housing, counseling, and reintegration services.
• Restrict access to vulnerable side streets, helping prevent criminal activities from affecting nearby residential areas.

New Affordable and Market-Rate Housing

• The City is studying new affordable housing on City-owned land at 130th and Aurora. Community input will play a central role in shaping the final plan.
• To support anti-displacement along the North Aurora corridor, this planning effort will pursue zoning enhancements and will build on the presence of regional transit, i.e., RapidRide E Line, the busiest bus route in the state.  

Community Engagement

• Hired a Community Planner at OPCD to coordinate outreach efforts.
• The Mayor’s proposed budget includes funding for an external business liaison to support local businesses, safety measures, and cleaning initiatives.
  City Investments

City Investments

• The City of Seattle plans to transform the area around the Bitter Lake Reservoir, including vibrant public art installations, play areas, off-leash zones for dogs, outdoor games, an expanded P-Patch community garden, and a thriving food forest.
• The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is exploring transformative upgrades to Aurora Avenue, expanding sidewalks, adding bus lanes, improving bike infrastructure, repaving roadways, and enhancing overall transportation efficiency.
• Tree planting initiatives and beautification projects, including art murals and catenary lighting along the corridor.

Economic Development

• Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) plans to establish a new North One Water Facility in the area. This initiative will strengthen operational resiliency and ensure 24/7 staffing to enhance security.
• SPU is significantly upgrading drainage capacity, increasing the viability of future investments and housing currently hindered by outdated infrastructure.