Town Hall’s name recalls town-meeting democracy and is emphasized by the intimate, curved, amphitheater-style seating of the Great Hall. Town Hall is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and relies on rentals, membership, volunteers, and fundraising to sustain its many activities. As a nonprofit organization with deep roots in Seattle’s civic life, Town Hall’s mission is to serve as a common home for dozens of Seattle’s midsized nonprofit organizations.

In 2009, Island Press partnered with Town Hall Seattle to offer the “Soundings: Island Press at Town Hall Seattle” speaking series in Seattle. Local, national, and international programs and performances are scheduled year-round in the Great Hall, in the Public Room, and Downstairs at Town Hall. Many of Seattle’s cultural and civic organizations use the facility for a busy schedule of concerts, lectures, meetings, and fundraising events.