The Main Streets America program helps to empower grassroots efforts to take on major placemaking efforts, building vibrant downtowns that reflect and serve local communities. As our urban spaces change ever more quickly, we  find it easy to talk about the changes we do or do not want to see, but the urban landscape is largely experienced visually.

Local author, urbanist and land use lawyer Chuck Wolfe believes that this realm of missing visual expression helps citizens, design professionals and elected officials alike  get to the heart of what matters to them in changing neighborhoods. In his new book, “Seeing the Better City,” Wolfe details his urban diary technique, using close looking and photography from Seattle and international venues to see and understand their urban environment and how human experience intersects with the built world.

Wolfe will present a brief talk, based on his book, followed by a walk through CfAD's surrounding neighborhood demonstrating his urban diary techniques and inviting participants to begin their process to envisioning a better Seattle.

Attendance to the talk will be limited to 50, attendance to the walk is limited to 25. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera – or phone! – on the walk.

Photos: Courtesy of Chuck Wolfe