Advocate to Help Secure $2.6 Million City Budget Bid for HPIC Rebuild

Image of a megaphone with text saying We need you! Use your voice, tell city council why HPIC matters to you.

Advocate to Help Secure City Budget Bid for HPIC Rebuild

UPDATE:  Budget Chair Dan Strauss has included $500,000 toward our Rebuild project! We’re thrilled to be included — but there’s more we can do.

City Council will vote to finalize the budget as soon as next week. So if you haven’t already, add your voice to the chorus and email the members of City Council to let them know why this funding is meaningful to you and our community. Use the language of support below to get started. 

IMPORTANT: Please individually address and personalize each email. Form letters often get filtered, so please customize your message.

Council members’ email addresses:

You can also send a general email to all members via council@seattle.gov.

Language of support for HPIC

Subject: Please Vote YES for HPIC Reconstruction Funding

Dear CM [Council Member’s Last Name],

I am writing to urge your full support for in approving funding for the Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC) Rebuild Project. The current proposal is for $500,000, but I encourage you to consider funding as much as possible — up to our full $3.1 million need.

Through this project we seek to rebuild the original home of HPIC that tragically burned in a 2021 fire. I am asking your help to make our rebuild dream a reality.

I am a resident of Highland Park and a dedicated member of the HPIC community. I believe this funding is critical right now because community connection is more essential than ever.

HPIC is essential to me because ***[briefly describe your personal connection and/or how HPIC benefits the City —e.g., community connection, improves public safety, etc]***

Funding the HPIC rebuild project will also:

  • Leverage $1.5M in State and private funding,
  • Rebuild an inclusive gathering place in an underserved neighborhood,
  • Celebrate diverse arts and culture, and
  • Foster community connection and resilience for the next 100 years.

Highland Park is a traditionally underserved neighborhood. We have no city community centers within walking distance of the HPIC site. The HPIC rebuild will help fill a critical gap in city services.

Investing in the reconstruction of the HPIC will ensure that we continue to have a vital, centralized hub for community life, arts, and emergency preparedness for every generation.

Please vote YES to support funding for the HPIC Rebuild project.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

[Your Address or General Neighborhood]

Original Post: October 27, 2025

We have a HUGE opportunity in front of us! Councilmember Rob Saka has put forward a budget amendment proposing $2.6 million in City funding assistance to rebuild the HPIC building!

But we need your help

City Council needs to hear directly from our community on the importance of the Highland Park Improvement Club and what the Rebuild project means to you. As a reminder, our Rebuild project goes far beyond just a new building. With the rebuild, we will:

  • Provide an inclusive gathering space and community center
  • Celebrate diverse arts and culture
  • Foster community connection and resilience for the next 100 years.

We try not to ask too much of our community, but now is a time when we need everyone to participate. Here’s how you can help.

In-person testimony is far more impactful than remote testimony or letters. We are asking every member who possibly can to attend one of the two key hearings below. 

Plan to speak for 1 minute on why HPIC is essential to you and our neighborhood, and therefore a benefit to the City.  When & Where:
  • Tuesday, October 28th at 9:30 am | City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers We encourage you to arrive one hour early (8:30 am) to get ahead of the expected large line of speakers.
  • Thursday, November 6th at 5:00 pm | City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers Please arrive between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm to secure your spot.
* Wear HPIC swag if you have it so your community members can find you *

You’ve checked your email today but, maybe you know another HPIC member who hasn’t. Please help us spread the word.

Call or text your neighbors, mention it when you’re out for a walk or clearing fall leaves… whatever it takes. This is moving quickly!

If you are unable to attend in person, please send individual emails to each Council Member. See the “Language of Support” below to get started. 

IMPORTANT: Please individually address and personalize each email. Form letters often get filtered, so please customize your message.

Council members’ email addresses:

You can also send a general email to all members via council@seattle.gov.