Smart Minds. Big Ideas.
Bold Solutions
for Seattle’s Future.
Seattle’s potential is limitless. We have the talent, innovation, natural beauty, and economic strength to thrive. Yet, our challenges remain complex and urgent.
But our opportunities are even greater.
When sharp minds come together, focused on real solutions, nothing is out of reach.
That’s The Block Table.
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Monday, October 19, 2026
November 17, 2026
December 15, 2026
January 19, 2027
February 16, 2027
March 16, 2027
April 20, 2027
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June 15, 2027
July 20, 2027
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Who Owns Our Attention?
The Shifting Media Landscape
and its Impact on the City
The news cycle never stops breaking, and everyone wants a piece of your attention. For years, the Seattle Times and The Stranger's editorial pages played kingmaker, shaping the region's politics and its sense of self. Today that power is split among legacy newsrooms, alt-weeklies, independent writers, influencers, podcasts, social platforms, and AI, all competing in an information ecosystem undergoing rapid and radical change.
So who actually shapes what Seattle thinks now? And is the public being informed, or just engaged?
Melissa Davis, Deputy opinion editor and member of the editorial board, The Seattle Times
David Hyde, Seattle journalist and podcaster, Blue City Blues and Seattle Nice; and former politics reporter for KUOW
Tim Keck, co-founder, The Onion, The Stranger, and the Portland Mercury; minority owner, Noisy Creek
Chirag Vedullapalli, Campaign Manager, Adam Smith for Congress, Moderator
Monday, October 19th, 2026
Doors at 5:00PM
Discussion 5:30PM – 7:00PM PDT
The Rabbit Box
94 Pike St
Recent Events
Can Government Work?
Lessons from The Bite of Seattle
Following the shocking tragedy at the Bite of Seattle at Seattle Center in July, different parts of our City government seemed to be following different playbooks. Public remarks from City officials were delayed for hours after the shootings. Police and City Hall sent conflicting messages in the days that followed. The police chief resigned with a hefty compensation package, and City Council members criticized both the City’s communications strategy and the Mayor’s decision to ask for the Chief’s resignation. It's clear that things aren't working smoothly, or effectively.
What can we learn from these communications challenges and the ensuing crossfire of public and online commentary? Does the left hand of the City government know what the right hand is doing? How can law enforcement and elected officials coordinate better during the next crisis? Join us as a panel of experienced experts break it all down.
Sue Rahr, national law enforcement leader; former King County Sheriff and Interim Chief of Seattle Police
Tim Burgess, former Seattle Deputy Mayor, City Councilmember, and Seattle Police Officer
Benton Strong, Director of Public Affairs at Vigor Marine Group, former Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
Steve Page, Associate Professor, University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, Moderator
Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
Doors at 5:00PM
Discussion 5:30PM – 7:00PM PDT
The Rabbit Box
94 Pike St