People Streets and Public Spaces: How Seattle's DOT is Elevating the Role of Streets and Sidewalk in the Central Mission of the Department

Patrick Pirtle

Senior Public Space Planner, City of Seattle Department of Transportation

Patrick is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in campus planning, landscape architecture, and public space planning. Currently serving as a Senior Public Space Planner for the Seattle Department of Transportation, Patrick has made significant contributions to the urban landscape of Seattle. With a strong background in campus planning, Patrick played a pivotal role in the development of the University of Washington Urban Forestry Management Plan, where he helped create sustainable and ecologically responsible strategies for the campus's tree canopy. As the Landscape Project Manager for the new Population Health Building at UW, Patrick ensured that the project integrated innovative landscape design solutions that aligned with the University's and design team's goals. Furthermore, he led the design for Pathways Park, a groundbreaking all-inclusive park in Seattle, designed to be accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities. Patrick is known for his dedication to creating thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable public spaces that enhance community well-being and contribute to the urban fabric of Seattle.

Alyse Nelson, AICP

Alyse Nelson is a dedicated public servant with a passion for creating livable, sustainable, and equitable communities. With extensive experience in both urban and suburban contexts, she brings a unique perspective to her work as the Interim Street Use Division Director at the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). Prior to joining SDOT, Alyse worked for the City of Poulsbo, a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula, where she served as an Associate Planner. In that role, she reviewed commercial and residential developments and worked on long-range planning efforts including Comprehensive Plan and zoning code updates. At SDOT, Alyse is responsible for managing public right-of-way spaces throughout Seattle. She manages a dedicated team of planners, program and policy specialists, permit reviewers, and inspectors who work with Seattle residents, community groups, and businesses, to manage mobility and access, help enhance neighborhoods, strengthen communities, enliven public spaces, and promote economic vitality. In addition to her professional work, Alyse is an active member of the community, serving on the board of a non-profit devoted to encouraging and improving bicycling in her community. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor's degree in Community Development from Portland State University.

Ian Macek

Senior Public Space Planner, City of Seattle Department of Transportation

Ian Macek is and urban designer and transportation planner with over 15 years of experience delivering design strategies, masterplans, guidelines, and built projects across urban, regional, and rural contexts. He has worked in the public and private sector and is currently the Principal Urban Designer at the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). As an urban designer in the public sector, Ian's work largely focuses on shaping public spaces via interdisciplinary collaboration and extensive community engagement. He is leading Seattle’s citywide effort to plan and implement low-pollution neighborhoods and was a co-author and leading implementation of the city’s new People Streets and Public Spaces Element of the Seattle Transportation Plan. Ian is fueled by his passion for collaborating with communities to design streets and spaces that serve all people and support livable, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods.