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.

Join us.

Recent Events

WTH is up with the Seattle School District?

Declining enrollments. Unsustainable contracts. Big budget deficits. Academic stagnation. The elimination of the district’s gifted and talented program. Accusations of a lack of transparency. All topped off by a proposal to close up to 21 schools has sparked growing backlash. What is going on with the Seattle school system, and how did we get into this mess?

Join three former Seattle school board members who will share their insights into the current troubles and how we get on a better path.

  • Michael DeBell

  • Dr. Stephan Blanford

  • Vivian Song

  • Sandeep Kaushik, Moderator

Thursday, October 24, 2024
5:30PM – 7:00PM PDT

Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum
93 Pike St

A Ballot Full of Conservative Initiatives

This November, four major statewide ballot measures—backed by wealthy conservative activists and GOP power players—aim to roll back key victories of the Democratic-controlled legislature: repealing the capital gains tax, scrapping the cap-and-invest carbon system, gutting the public long-term care plan, and halting the push to clean energy. Join top journalists to dissect the high-stakes campaigns and explore whether these costly battles signal a new era of ballot measure warfare.

  • Claire Withycombe, The Seattle Times

  • Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard

  • Paul Queary, Washington Observer

  • Stephen Paolini, Moderator

Thursday, September 5, 2024
5:30PM – 7:00PM PDT

Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum
93 Pike St

Urbanism: A not-so-hidden force shaping life

Urban policy decisions shape our daily lives in visible ways - our housing and commutes for example - and not-so-obvious ways as well - our social and physical well-being, our children's educational attainment, and our city's economic potential. So what is urbanism? How have decisions in the past shaped our lives today and what's possible in the future?

Join experts across disciplines to dive into the economics, policy, and politics of cities and ourselves.

  • Patience Malaba

  • Rian Watt

  • Sarah Clark

  • Alex Hudson, Moderator

Thursday, July 18, 2024
5:30PM – 7:00PM PDT

Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum
93 Pike St

Our Vision

The Block Table is where Seattle’s sharpest minds cut through the noise—salon-style panels, real debate, no fluff, just fierce conversation tackling the city’s biggest challenges head-on.

Walk away with fresh insights, real connections, and the momentum to drive change—pull up a chair and be part of the conversation Seattle needs.

Contact Us

Got questions, ideas, or want in? Reach out and join our list to stay in the loop on Seattle’s sharpest conversations.