City Hall in a Mall? A Qualitative Analysis on Incorporating Third Places within Government Spaces

Abstract

We all have places we feel safe and comfortable and often frequent or suggest others visit. While this place may have a special meaning to some, it may just be considered a physical space to others. For many people in the City of Bellevue, the office of Crossroads Mini City Hall is the place that encompasses all of the above meanings and values. This study intends to examine the impact of the Mini City Hall on the community it surrounds and serves. The study will determine how the positionality of this office influences access to social and governmental services among vulnerable communities. A research analysis of Mini City Hall and its services is instrumental due to the diversity of the city’s residents regarding their socioeconomic status, language spoken, level of education, age, and other demographic data. This study will include community voices along with stakeholder perspectives on the impact of Mini City Hall. Ultimately, the study urges local municipalities to consider establishing government offices within established third spaces by using Crossroads Mini City Hall as an example.