Seattle (Wash.). Dept. of Neighborhoods.

The Department of Neighborhoods was created in 1991 by consolidating staff from the Executive Department's Citizens Service Bureau and Office of Neighborhoods, the Community Service Centers of the Department of Human Resources, and the Neighborhood Assistance Division of the Department of Community Development. The Office of Urban Conservation, the City's historic preservation agency, was added in 1992. The following year, the department added a community development function by taking over projects in the Central Area, Southeast Seattle, and the Port of Seattle. In 1999, the Neighborhood Planning Office was abolished and its continuing functions were assumed by the Department of Neighborhoods. The Department's mission is to bring local government closer to the citizens by maintaining a responsive presence in Seattle neighborhoods, by responding to citizen concerns and complaints, and providing a communications link for neighborhoods on City issues that will have an impact on them. The department operates the Neighborhood Service Centers (Little City Halls), administers the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, staffs the Landmarks Preservation Board, and manages the P-Patch program.

From the guide to the Seattle Neighborhood Planning Implementation Records, 1996-2010, 2009-2010, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Programs Division Administrative Records, 1990-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Central Area Special Projects Records, 1976-1998, 1992-1997, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the African American Museum Project Records, 1984-2000, 1991-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Community Issues, 1991-2003, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Neighborhood Preservation and Development Director’s Records, 1998-2004, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Neighborhood Matching Fund Administrative Records, 1988-2009, 1988-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods 12th Avenue Development Plan Records, 1985-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Tree Fund Records, 5756-04, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Youth and Anti-Violence Grant Records, 1993-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the City/University of Washington Community Advisory Committee Records, 1988-2003, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Pike/Pine Project Records, 1983-1991, 1989-1991, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Surveys, 2001, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers Director's Records, 1973-1999, 1993-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Neighborhood Matching Fund Small and Simple Grant Project Records, 1990-2006, (Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Small Sparks Fund Records, 1999-2005, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Involving All Neighbors Project Records, 1995-2007, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Street Fund Records, 1994-2000, 1995-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle External Beautification Fund Records, 1996-1997, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Special Projects Records, 1974-1998, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Office of Education Records, 1988-2003, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Neighborhood Matching Fund Project Records, 1988-2005, (Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Neighborhood Development Managers Records, 1988-2004, 1999-2003, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Public Information Officer Records, 1991-2005, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the West Seattle Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1989-2010, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Greenwood Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1970-2010, 1988-2003, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Seattle Downtown Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1982-2010, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

The Neighborhood Planning and Assistance Program was established in 1988 with Resolution 27709, which was passed in 1987. The City Neighborhood Council (CNC) was created by the same Resolution, and part of its initial purpose was to implement the Neighborhood Planning and Assistance Program. The initial responsibilities of CNC were to review and make recommendations regarding City budget issues and provide advice on policies necessary to the first year implementation of the Neighborhood Planning and Assistance Program.

Composition of the CNC included two representatives from each District Council. The CNC was staffed by the Office of Neighborhoods, which was also established in 1988. Community Service Center areas were designated as the neighborhood districts from which the District Council members were chosen.

The resolution was amended in 1989 to add Downtown as a neighborhood district and to make District Council membership more flexible. The CNC's responsibilities included coordinating and reviewing the Neighborhood Matching Fund process, the Neighborhood Budget Process and Neighborhood Planning activities. It also provided a means for the discussion of common problems and their solutions. The CNC met monthly at locations rotated around the City.

In 1993, the role of the CNC was re-examined. Although disbanding the CNC was considered, the concept of using the District Chairs as the backbone of the CNC was approved. The resolution passed in 1994 designated the CNC representative to a single District Chair, opening the task force membership to all interested people. The functions of the CNC continued much the same and included reviewing Neighborhood Matching Fund awards and developing ways for neighborhood organizations to influence the City's budget and engage in neighborhood planning.

The CNC continues as a citizen-led advisory group, comprising elected members from each of the City’s thirteen Districts. Its purpose continues to be to provide city-wide coordination for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Neighborhood Budget Prioritization, and Neighborhood Planning programs. The CNC also continues to provide a forum for a discussion of common neighborhood issues and is available for advice on policies necessary for the effective and equitable implementation of the Neighborhood Planning and Assistance Program. Its monthly meetings are open to the public.

From the guide to the City Neighborhood Council Records, 1987-2009, (Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Fremont Neighborhoood Service Center Records, 1952-2006, 1990-2004, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Central Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1977-2011, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Greater Duwamish Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1980-2011, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Queen Anne/Magnolia Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1995-2007, 1999-2002, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

The Department of Neighborhoods was created in 1991 by consolidating staff from the Executive Department's Citizens Service Bureau and Office of Neighborhoods, the Community Service Centers of the Department of Human Resources, and the Neighborhood Assistance Division of the Department of Community Development. The Office of Urban Conservation, the City's historic preservation agency, was added in 1992. The following year, the department added a community development function by taking over projects in the Central Area, Southeast Seattle, and the Port of Seattle. In 1999, the Neighborhood Planning Office was abolished and its continuing functions were assumed by the Department of Neighborhoods. The Department's mission is to bring local government closer to the citizens by maintaining a responsive presence in Seattle neighborhoods, by responding to citizen concerns and complaints, and providing a communications link for neighborhoods on City issues that will have an impact on them. The department operates the Neighborhood Service Centers (Little City Halls), administers the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, staffs the Landmarks Preservation Board, and manages the P-Patch program.

The Citizens Service Bureau opened in 1965 as a central location in City Hall where citizens could obtain information, request City services and resolve complaints about City policies, procedures and service delivery. The Bureau was part of the Executive Department from its creation until it moved to the newly-formed Department of Neighborhoods in 1991. In 2007 the name was changed to Customer Service Bureau.

From the guide to the Seattle Citizens Service Bureau Records, 1988-2000, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Capitol Hill Neighborhood Service Center Records, 1968-2009, 1988-2009, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

The “original” Carkeek Park, was located on Lake Washington, around Sand Point. In 1926, the Carkeek family donated the area to the US Navy, as it was designated for a naval air station, and the current location was purchased for the park. The park was formally opened on August 29, 1929. It initially held vegetable gardens, zoo animals, and rental pasture. Original development and activity was halted once WPA projects took precedence. By 1931, the Civilian Conservation Corps, with the assistance of the National Parks Service, developed trails, a shelter, camp buildings, and a park entrance for work and training purposes. The buildings, except for one, were later removed in 1938. The army briefly reactivated the area in 1942 as an encampment during WWII. In 1949, the Greenwood Sewer District established a sewage treatment plant in the park, which was subsequently taken over by Metro in 1954. Later, municipal bonds enabled road and building improvements, and further park development. The Parks Department formally dedicated the park in 1955. In 1972 Forward Thrust funds enabled the purchase of the ravine.

The Piper’s Creek Watershed, and area of roughly 3 square miles, is located partially within Carkeek Park and throughout the mixed residential and commercial areas of Greenwood, Broadview, Crown Hill and Blue Ridge Neighborhoods. Restoration, preservation, and expansion of the watershed were initiated in 1979 when Nancy Malmgren founded a citizen’s organization, the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project (CWCAP). As an environmental working group, CWCAP sought to turn the area into a model watershed, and restore a healthy salmon habitat in Piper’s Creek. The Washington State Department of Fisheries granted the organization permission to begin watershed enhancement in 1980.

Since the mid-1980s, local community groups, state agencies, and various city departments collaborated to protect the watershed and salmon habitat; provide environmental education to the public; maintain, monitor, and regulate water quality; establish drainage and erosion control; and ensure the continuation of the CWCAP agenda. From the Action Project also arose the Carkeek Park Advisory Council (CPAC), to track and implement the work of the Watershed Project. The Carkeek Environmental Learning Center, a Salmon Committee, and Piper’s Creek Rehabilitation projects were also by-products of the Action Project. These were sustained by the support of Seattle Public Utilities, the Department of Neighborhoods, the Parks and Recreation Department, state agencies, and the help of numerous community organizations and volunteers.

From the guide to the Carkeek Park Advisory Council Records, 1984-2009, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)

Seattle has a network of Neighborhood Service Centers located throughout the city to provide citizens with information about Seattle services and programs. The customer service representatives assist more than 225,000 residents each year to obtain pet licences, pay City Light and Combined Utility bills, pay traffic tickets, apply for U.S. passports, and find information about city jobs. District coordinators are involved in neighborhood planning processes, serve as staff to the neighborhood district councils, and provide a wide range of information services to the community.

Seven Community Service Centers were established in 1973 under the direction of the Citizens Service Bureau to provide decentralized local government services to Seattle’s neighborhoods. The program was inspired by Boston’s successful “Little City Halls” concept, but budget constraints made it impossible to create as comprehensive a system. The original sites of the community centers were in the neighborhoods served by the Model City Program.

In 1974, the service center program was transferred to the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Under DHR, the service centers continued to provide decentralized City services, but also expanded into community-based social service delivery. In 1978, four of the centers were designated collection centers where citizens could pay utility bills and resolve billing issues. In addition, senior services, voter registration, animal licensing, and low income energy program assistance were instituted at the centers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the various service centers offered neighborhood legal clinics, IRS tax assistance, health and nutrition services, and a wide variety of other services.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) was created in 1991 and jurisdiction over community service centers was transferred from DHR. The Community Service Center Division was created within DON; in 1992 the division name was changed to the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) Division. In 1999, the Neighborhood Matching Fund and P-Patch Programs were merged with the NSC to create the Community Building Division. From the 1990s through 2010, the NSC program included staff in thirteen centers, including seven collection centers. Budget cuts forced the closing of six service centers in early 2011.

From the guide to the Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers Reports, 1994-2002, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)