Letter From the Seattle CityClub Team
Dear Community Members,
In a time when civic dialogue can feel increasingly fragmented, Seattle CityClub remains committed to its four decade old mission: bring people together to engage across diverse perspectives and strengthen the civic fabric of our region.
Over the past two years, CityClub convened thousands of community members through programs like Civic Cocktail, Legislative Preview, and our election debates. We created spaces where policymakers, journalists, community leaders, and residents could discuss the issues shaping our region. From conversations about the future of media and the role of artificial intelligence in governance, to discussions about climate innovation and economic resilience, our programs were grounded in a simple idea: democracy works best when people show up and participate.
These years also marked a period of broadening for CityClub. Our programs expanded their reach across digital platforms, our partnerships with civic and community organizations deepened, and our commitment to thoughtful, nonpartisan dialogue remained stronger than ever.
As the greater Seattle region faces complex challenges, from housing and public safety, to technological change and climate resilience, CityClub will continue to serve as a trusted civic convener.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Sincerely,
Jillian Youngblood
Board President, Seattle CityClub
Our Mission
Seattle CityClub’s 2024-2025 mission was to connect and engage people of diverse perspectives to strengthen civic health in our region. Through public conversations, civic education, and nonpartisan election programming, CityClub provides welcoming spaces where community members can explore issues and participate in democracy.
Our Impact in 2024–2025
Seattle CityClub continued to serve as one of the region’s most trusted civic conveners, bringing together policymakers, journalists, civic leaders, and residents to explore the issues shaping our communities.
Across programs, CityClub facilitated conversations on topics including climate resilience, artificial intelligence, media transformation, economic opportunity, and the future of civic engagement. These discussions not only informed the public, they created space for thoughtful dialogue across sectors and perspectives.
CityClub’s programming reached audiences both in person and online, ensuring conversations remained accessible to community members throughout the region.
Seattle CityClub board member Julie Kang
Civic Cocktail
Civic Cocktail: Conversations That Matter
Seattle CityClub’s flagship program, Civic Cocktail, continued to serve as a vital platform for civic dialogue in the region. Hosted throughout the year, the series brings together leaders from government, journalism, business, and community organizations to explore timely issues shaping our civic life.
In 2024 and 2025, Civic Cocktail programs tackled topics ranging from the evolving role of artificial intelligence to climate resilience and clean energy innovation. These conversations offered attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from experts and decision-makers while engaging with fellow community members in an atmosphere designed for thoughtful dialogue.
By pairing in-depth conversations with accessible programming formats, including moderated discussions, audience Q&A, and post-event networking, Civic Cocktail fosters civic curiosity and informed participation.
Legislative Preview
Preparing for the Year Ahead
Each January, Seattle CityClub convenes policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders for Legislative Preview, a long-standing tradition that helps the community members and business leaders understand the policy debates shaping the Washington State legislative session.
The program provides attendees with insights into emerging policy priorities, from housing affordability and transportation infrastructure to education funding and public safety, while offering a forum for elected officials to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the state.
By bringing together leaders from across the political spectrum, Legislative Preview reflects CityClub’s commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement and informed public dialogue.
Seattle CityClub board member Jill Jackson
Debates and Election Engagement
Seattle CityClub has a long history of convening candidate debates and election forums that inform voters and strengthen democratic participation.
In 2024 and 2025, CityClub continued this tradition by partnering with media organizations and community groups to provide nonpartisan platforms where candidates could discuss policy priorities and engage directly with voters.
These debates reflect CityClub’s enduring commitment to civic education and informed decision-making. By creating accessible spaces for candidates and voters to connect, CityClub helps ensure the democratic process remains transparent and inclusive.
Collaboration Across the Civic Community
At Seattle CityClub, collaboration is not a complement to the work—it is the work. We convene meaningful, nonpartisan dialogue through strong partnerships across sectors, each bringing distinct expertise, audiences, and perspectives. From shaping program content to amplifying conversations beyond the room, these relationships ensure that CityClub’s impact extends far beyond a single event.
Media partners play a critical role in elevating civic dialogue, helping translate in-room conversations into broader public understanding. Collaborations with local outlets and journalists strengthen the reach and relevance of programs, while civic organizations and community nonprofits deepen the substance of discussions by grounding them in lived experience and policy expertise. At the same time, partnerships with the business community bring forward perspectives on economic impact, innovation, and regional growth—ensuring that conversations reflect the full complexity of the issues facing Seattle.
Together, this cross-sector network allows CityClub to serve as a trusted convener—one that bridges divides, surfaces new ideas, and creates space for informed, constructive dialogue.
2024 & 2025 Financials
Our 2024–2025 financial information will be available here soon as we complete the review and compilation of our year-end data. As Seattle CityClub continues to expand access to civic dialogue, our community is relying on our on-demand videos and digital resources more than ever—making these investments in accessible, nonpartisan programming an increasingly important part of our mission.
Looking Ahead
Seattle CityClub board member Femi Adebayo
As Seattle and the broader region navigate a rapidly changing civic landscape, Seattle CityClub remains committed to convening thoughtful conversations that bring people together.
In the coming year, CityClub will continue developing its programming and deepening community partnerships. Because strong communities depend on informed, engaged residents—and conversations that bring us closer together.
Thank you to our 2024 & 2025 Partners!
Seattle CityClub’s work would not be possible without the support of our generous partners, sponsors, and community supporters.
Your investment in civic dialogue helps create spaces where people from across our region can learn from one another, engage with public issues, and strengthen the democratic life of our community.
We are grateful for your partnership.
Thank you to our Presenting Partner
Thank you to our Corporate Partners
Thank you to our Media Partners
Thank you to our current board members!
Ajay Chakrapani, Providence Health & Services
Andrew Gabel (Treasurer), Ballard Spahr LLP
Bobbie Nickel, Visit Seattle
Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta, Hawaiian Airlines
Cathy Jimenez, King County Metro
Denice Tokunaga, Seyfarth Shaw
Femi Adebayo, Microsoft
Jaki Brophy (Secretary), Compass Health
Jill Jackson, Monument Advocacy
Jillian Youngblood (President), Civic Genius
Julie Kang, Seattle University
Matthew Johnson, Torc Robotics
Michael McIntire
Milka Pantelic, Strategic Communication Professional
Sean La Marr, U.S. House of Representatives
