By Gwen Davis

The annual Gathering of Neighbors event will take place on Sat. March 12. The theme will be 'growing pains' of West Seattle.

Taking place at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 4408 Delridge Way SW, at 9:00 a.m., VieWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement West Seattle), Southwest Youth & Family Services, and the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association will present the 2016 edition of the community-centered forum.

Focuses will include West Seattle's rapid growth in population, jobs, housing and the benefits and drawbacks that growth bring to the neighborhoods.

According to VieWS, this year’s event will feature "opportunities to learn about the recommendations by the Mayor’s Housing Affordability & Living Agenda (HALA) Committee, recent updates proposed for the 2035 Comp Plan, plans to renew and double the Housing Levy, what a Sound Transit 3 package might look like for your vote in November, and the recent declaration of a Homeless State of Emergency by Mayor Ed Murray and County Executive Dow Constantine."

All are invited to learn from experts about what is happening with housing, zoning, community centers, parking, transportation and more, according to VieWS. Participants will have part in shaping the impact these changes have on the community.

AGENDA

· 9:00am - Social/Refreshments
· 9:30am - Open House & Informational Tables: What are the Challenges Facing West Seattle?
· 10:30am – Welcoming Ceremonies
· 10:45am – Expert Panel: What is Being Done about Growth in West Seattle?

Moderated by Brian Callanan, Seattle Channel
Featuring a City Staffer, Urbanist, Elected Official, West Seattle Organization Leader and Homeless Advocate.

· 11:40am – Breakout Sessions: How Do I Get Involved in Shaping Our Community?
Ø North Delridge Action Plan update – David Goldberg (OPCD) & ACT Team members
Ø ST3 Planning – West Seattle Transportation Coalition + Rob Johnson, Seattle City Councilmember, District 4
Ø Land Use/Urban Village Growth – Cindi Barker and Deb Barker
Ø West Seattle Chamber conversation about business development
· 12:30pm - Facilitated Discussion: Are We In a Homelessness State of Emergency?

Moderated by: Lisa Herbold, Seattle City Councilmember, District 1
Ø Michael Maddux, 43rd District Democrats and former City Council candidate
Ø Hanna Brooks Olsen, Seattlish writer, Project Manager for Civic Ventures
Ø Mercedes Elizalde, Policy & Engagement Strategist for City Councilmember Debora Juarez