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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November 17, 2026
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January 19, 2027
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What Just Happened? A 2026 Midterms Post-General Election Debrief
When the votes are in and we're past the excitement of Election Day, it is time to talk about what happened--and what's next. Join moderator Scott Greenstone of KUOW to dig into a post-election breakdown with a lineup of leading political minds including Sandeep Kaushik of Soundview Strategies and Stephen Paolini of Bottled Lightning Collective, and Katy Ozog, Executive Director, Washington Senate Democratic Campaign.
We'll unpack the results and what they mean. Are progressives again ascendant in Seattle? Are voters nationally falling back in love with Democrats, or is this just all about Trump's cratering poll numbers? And what will these results mean for the final two years of Trump's presidency? Also, Democrats aim to increase their majorities in Olympia and defeat three conservative ballot initiatives...and what's going on with our state Supreme Court?
We don't know the results yet, but we know there will be a lot to discuss. Join us to unpack the narratives, the surprises, the close calls and sift through the noise- it'll be a lively and insightful discussion.
Sandeep Kaushik, Political Consultant, Soundview Strategies
Stephen Paolini, Political Consultant, Bottled Lightning Collective
Katy Ozog, Executive Director, Washington Senate Democratic Campaign
Scott Greenstone, KUOW politics reporter, Moderator
Tuesday, November 17th, 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
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