February 15, 2023

City of Seattle

Chao

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he will appoint Jenifer Chao to serve as the next director of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON). Chao, a community engagement leader, currently serves as the deputy director of strategy and administration in the city of Seattle's Finance and Administrative Services. Working with the city of Seattle since 2009, Chao previously served on the Department of Neighborhoods' Outreach and Engagement team, where she focused on developing relationships in the Chinatown-International District (CID) through work on the CID Community Vision Workgroup and Sound Transit 3 planning. Chao also served as the interim director of the Office of Civil Rights' Race and Social Justice Initiative and worked in the Human Services Department where she supported the Seattle Youth Employment Program. Chao served five years at the Seattle non-profit Neighborhood House, where she supported people looking to achieve their long-term education and employment goals. Chao's nomination follows the selection of Greg Wong to serve as deputy mayor of external relations in August 2022. Wong served as the interim director of DON after being appointed by Harrell in February 2022. The Department of Neighborhoods provides resources and opportunities for residents to foster community and improve their overall quality of life. Popular programs include the P-Patch Community Gardening Program and the Historic Preservation Program. The department also invests in community-led projects through the Food Equity Fund and Neighborhood Matching Fund; supports numerous boards and commissions; and engages with neighbors to strengthen relationships.