The First Hill Improvement Association has released its first-ever annual report, taking stock of 2017.

FHIA ranks 2017 as one of its most successful years since its formation 60 years ago. Membership is up nearly four times what it was in 2014, according to the report, and a number of projects were successfully pushed forward in 2017.

That includes the Sunlight Over First Hill public art installation on 72 columns under Interstate 5, between James and Cherry streets; a final painting party is planned for Sunday, Jan. 14.

Four Little Free Libraries were also set up around the neighborhood, the First Hill Park renovation design reached 65 percent, 10 signal boxes along the Park to Park Path were covered with art by Nathan Watkins, who also designed Sunlight Over First Hill, and FHIA developed community principles around Sound Transit’s 1400 Madison land transfer for the first high-rise affordable housing transit-oriented development project in the city.

The Sound Transit Board approved the zero-cost transfer of land to Plymouth Housing and Bellwether Housing for a joint housing project to create nearly 300 affordable units in First Hill back in November.

FHIA held more than 20 community gatherings and 100 meetings in 2017, including bringing back an urban petting zoo that had been a hit in summer 2016 and the First Hill Fidos dog show.

Two cleanup parties held in First Hill during spring and fall removed 520 and 430 pounds of trash, respectively, according to the report. FHIA and First Hill residents also participated in a Find It, Fix It walk with former mayor Ed Murray back in July, pointing out areas that could use improvement.

FHIA reports the neighborhood is in for more growth and density, with 20 residential projects underway and a 68 percent population increase projected to take place in the next five years.

Read the full report below.

2017+FHIA+Annual+Report+(1) by branax2000 on Scribd