Art walks to sidewalks receive city grant money

The city of Seattle Thursday gave grants totaling about $157,500 to 18 neighborhood business-district associations in a bid to help build those communities.

Mayor Greg Nickels presented the awards in Georgetown. Office of Economic Development Director Susan Shannon said the money will let the associations support special events to market their neighborhoods and make improvements.

The awards ranged in size from $17,000, given to the Chinatown International District to pressure-wash its sidewalks, down to $4,900, to the Crown Hill Business Association, which will use the money to paint a mural, buy graffiti-removal equipment and improve some tree wells.

The average award this year was $9,205. Last year, the total was $153,600 and the average was $10,000, with 15 organizations getting grants.

The other recipients this year were:

African Business Association: $10,000 for outreach activities.

Central Area Chamber of Commerce: $6,000 for workshops instructing businesses on marketing plans and tax law.

Columbia City Business Association: $15,000 to improve tree pits along Rainier Avenue South.

Georgetown Merchants Association: $8,295 to market its monthly arts event, dubbed Art Attack.

Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce: $7,500 to plan an annual fundraising event and to fund the first one.

Greater University Chamber of Commerce: $9,800 to buy canopies for sidewalk vending during the annual event welcoming University of Washington students to the district.

Hillman City Business Association: $9,200 to develop a promotional plan.

Lake City Chamber of Commerce: $9,400 to organize a member recruitment program.

Madison Valley Merchants Association: $5,200 to buy holiday lighting for area buildings and trees.

Magnolia Chamber of Commerce: $3,000 to update its business directory.

Northgate Chamber of Commerce: $6,700 to establish an annual awards banquet honoring business excellence.

Pioneer Square Community Association: $6,500 to create marketing materials for the First Thursday Art Walk.

Rainier Chamber of Commerce: $9,000 to support the Rainier Valley Heritage Festival and to publish its annual membership directory.

Sodo Business Association: $10,000 to create a guide to help local businesses reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.

South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce: $10,000 to plan how to promote local businesses.

West Seattle Junction Association: $10,000 for a new logo and banners.