First 'Creative District' Designated in Washington

A new creative district program in the state of Washington is modeled on the program in Colorado, among others.

1 minute read

January 25, 2019, 2:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Book Store

Spangler Book Exchange, in Edmonds, Washington. | J Brew / Flickr

Washington has its first state-designated creative district in the city of Edmonds.

Agueda Pacheco Flores reports that the designation is the first to result from legislation approved in 2017 designed to stimulate economic growth through the arts and culture sector.

"The legislation provides official highway signage and $5,000 to each designated creative district. It also funds a new position: a creative districts program manager at the state’s art agency, ArtsWA," according to Flores.

The article includes more information about the importance of the arts and culture sector to the economies of states around the country, the relative lack of funding granted to the arts and culture in the state of Washington, and some of the potential challenges (i.e., gentrification) that have faced other states with creative district programs.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Crosscut

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

1 hour ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

2 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.