Common Seattle is a nonpartisan civic accountability organization measuring government promises against outcomes — and making that information accessible to every resident, regardless of political affiliation.
Seattle's local elections determine your taxes, your schools, your neighborhood's safety. They're decided by razor-thin margins. And the information gap is most acute exactly where it matters most: down-ballot races and local offices where independent, credible accountability information is nearly nonexistent.
In 2023, the most consequential Seattle City Council election in a decade drew the lowest voter turnout in modern history. District 4 was decided by 235 votes. The civic networks that once helped residents navigate these decisions have largely dissolved — and nothing has replaced them.
We track what Seattle's elected officials promise. We measure what they deliver. We publish what we find.
Common Seattle is developing data and analytical capabilities that give residents on-demand access to government performance information — alongside regular published analysis and annual deep dives benchmarked against peer cities. Our goal is to make it easier for every Seattle resident to find the evidence they need to decide for themselves — and to find the common ground that Seattle's politics too often obscure.
We don't endorse candidates. We don't take policy positions. We lower the barrier to informed civic participation.
Common Seattle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Seattle in July 2026. Our nonpartisan commitment is a legal structure enforced by the IRS — not just an editorial policy.
We are in our founding stage — assembling our team, securing our founding donor circle, and building toward upcoming local elections.
If you're interested in Common Seattle — as a donor, advisor, or connector — reach out directly. The founding prospectus is available on request.
We'll send occasional updates as we build.