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Nisqually at 25: The Earthquake We Survived – And Preparing For The Next One
February 26 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This February marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, a moment that reshaped how Seattle understands earthquake risk and public safety. Join the City of Seattle, earthquake scientists, emergency managers, and building experts for an evening discussing quake damages, what we’ve learned since, and what it will take to be ready for the Big One. Learn more about the event and the Fix the Bricks campaign.
The free event will feature remarks and presentations from those who experienced Nisqually firsthand and those working today to prevent future tragedy:
- Ryan Molenkamp, artist, will exhibit a selection of his haunting series “Fear of Earthquakes,” capturing the emotional weight of living with seismic uncertainty.
- Brian Surratt, Seattle Deputy Mayor, will deliver opening remarks on the city’s resilience efforts and the path forward.
- Harold Tobin, Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), will discuss the science of the Nisqually quake and what we know about future earthquakes.
- Jon Siu, Seattle’s Building Official during Nisqually, will recount the building damage, closures, and structural lessons learned in the quake’s aftermath.
- Jim Mullen, Seattle’s Emergency Manager during Nisqually and former Director of Washington State Emergency Management, will speak about leading emergency operations that day, and the long-term challenges of statewide preparedness.
- Kyle Steuck, President of the Washington Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), will connect Seattle’s risks to global earthquake losses and what modern engineering tells us we must still do.
- Amanda Hertzfeld, Seattle URM Program Manager, will provide an update on Seattle’s recent URM retrofit actions, and why the failure to act at the state level is so consequential.
When:
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6 – 8 PM
Location:
Seattle City Hall Bertha Knight Landes Room
(Floor 1 of City Hall, Fifth Avenue Entrance)
600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Registration:
Register to attend
Event Contact:
Amanda Hertzfeld
amanda.hertzfeld@seattle.gov