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Mayor Durkan Announces $9.8 Million to BIPOC-Led Community Organizations Through the Equitable Development Initiative

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Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced $9.8 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), the largest annual total since EDI’s first awards in 2017, to support the purchase of additional properties to house BIPOC organizations at risk of displacement. EDI is a central component of the City’s effort to support Seattle’s existing residents, businesses and organizations in high displacement risk neighborhoods. This year, the City is awarding $9.1 million to community organizations for site acquisition and major capital projects and another $750,000 for capacity-building support for organizations seeking to advance anti-displacement projects.

“The Equitable Development Initiative has helped community-based organizations in our city tackle the challenges of displacement and helped strengthen underserved communities and create economic vitality. The Equitable Development Initiative has a strong record of creating generational change by investing in affordable homes and community spaces for our City’s residents and non-profits,“ said Mayor Durkan. “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for our Black, Indigenous, and communities of color – that why we are growing our investments in this critical program as we build back better and more equitably.”

The EDI fund, administered by the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), was created to respond to the needs of marginalized populations, reduce disparities, and support access to opportunity in healthy, vibrant communities. The initiative is championed by community organizations concerned about displacement pressures and the historical lack of investment that has occurred in communities of color in Seattle. All 46 EDI partner organizations who have received $49 million in EDI funding to date are led by and serve people of color. OPCD and partner departments, including Office of Economic Development (OED), Office of Housing (OH), Department of Neighborhoods (DON), Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), and Office for Civil Rights (OCR), have coordinated the administration of the EDI Fund. The program was established in November 2016, using one-time funding. Mayor Durkan proposed a sustained funding source for the program in 2019 and has continued to grow the program.

“These projects are grounded in community-led vision for responding to displacement pressures,” said Rico Quirindongo, interim director of OPCD. “Census data show that Seattle continues to grow rapidly, but our shared prosperity isn’t reaching all neighborhoods and communities. Our vision for the future of Seattle must include a permanent home for these and other BIPOC organizations.”

EDI fosters community leadership and supports organizations to promote equitable access to jobs, education and childcare, outdoor space and recreation, cultural expression, healthy food, and other community needs and amenities. These partnerships are designed to support leadership and build capacity among the most historically marginalized groups in Seattle, sharing in decision-making and power, and working towards racial equity outcomes that allows all communities to thrive.

“We were thrilled to take ownership of the Central Area Senior Center when the City transferred the property to our organization last year.  CASC reflects a 51-year journey of the African American community, culture, and legacy in the Central District,” said Director Dian Ferguson.  “We celebrate this award and thank the Equitable Development Initiative Fund.  This EDI award will help us make needed improvements and tackle the deferred maintenance.  Furthermore, it will allow us to sustain this valuable community institution as a form of Black self-determination and to continue as a gathering place for seniors and the community.”

“We stand on the shoulders of many generations that came before us. Nurturing Roots and our community are extremely honored to receive this gift and opportunity of landownership,” said Nyema Clark of Nurturing Roots. This moment will solidify a place of healing, cultural education, and humanity. To grow, seeds need nutrients, grounding, and a place of belonging. This will ensure we never blow away. ASHE.”

An EDI Advisory Board grounded in community provides ongoing guidance for the program and developed recommendations to the City on the funding decisions announced today. Projects are evaluated on their ability to positively impact several equity drivers that lead to racial equity outcomes including:

  • Promoting economic opportunity through education, job training, and enhancing community cultural anchors.
  • Helping marginalized populations, businesses, and community organizations stay in their neighborhoods.
  • Enhancing health outcomes, access to healthy, culturally relevant food, and supporting safe environments.

Based on the advice of the EDI Advisory Board, the 2021 awards were designed to expand the EDI pool to include more organizations and offer capital funding for property acquisitions by new EDI partners. The cohort of five original EDI projects in 2017 was expanded to 15 projects in 2018 and 25 projects in 2019. The 2020 funding round was focused on Covid-19 relief efforts.

EDI Awards for Capital Projects

The following community-based organizations will receive awards totaling $9.1 million for site acquisition and major capital projects that advance anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities:

Central Area Senior Center ($1,038,000) – This funding will support the completion of deferred maintenance items in the facility, with the intention of stabilizing the building and extending its useful life. The center provides a core gathering place for seniors in the Central Area to remain connected to neighbors in the face of increasing gentrification.

Chief Seattle Club Northgate ($700,000) – This funding will support the construction of a Longhouse and cultural space as part of the joint development with Bellwether Housing on the North Seattle Community College Campus.

Delridge Neighborhood Development Association ($1,065,000) – This funding will support repairs and upgrades to the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in Delridge so the facility can continue to provide affordable space to Arts nonprofits and low-income housing.

Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association ($348,000) – This funding will support a pilot sustainability project generating energy from food waste and investing in a circular economy, while providing youth with experience and education in new sustainability and green jobs technology.

FAME Housing Association ($1,075,000) – This funding will support the development of the ground-floor space at Bryant Manor, an existing affordable housing project located in the Central Area, to support the expansion of Ashe Preparatory Academy onto the site to serve families in the expanded housing project.

Khmer Community of Seattle/King County ($1,075,000) – This funding will support the purchase of property allowing KCSKC to re-establish their community center after having been displaced from their previous location in White Center. The target site is located within the Seattle City limits in the Westwood/Highland Park area.

Nurturing Roots ($935,000) – This funding will support the purchase of the location on Beacon Hill, ensuring that Nurturing Roots and the Black Power Epicenter have a permanent home while allowing the farm to continue to provide a needed resource for food distribution efforts and youth education in Southeast Seattle.

Somali Health Board ($1,000,000) – This funding will support the equitable transit-oriented goals of the Graham Street Community-Action Team to acquire a site for a mixed-use development providing affordable housing and a range of other community serving uses in advance of the new light rail station.

Youth Achievement Center ($700,000) – This funding will support a partnership with Africatown CLT, Community Passageways, and Creative Justice to provide housing with wrap-around services for homeless and at-risk youth. The Columbia City property is currently owned by Sound Transit, which is working with King County to support transfer of the site to community ownership.

Two additional organizations are acquiring property using funds from a 2021 EDI award and are in the midst of real estate negotiations. Information about these projects will be announced when a purchase and sale agreement is completed.

The following organizations were selected for capacity-building awards of $75,000 to help support the development of additional anti-displacement efforts: AiPACE, Black and Tan Hall, Cham Refugees Community, Community-Owned Resource Development, Eritrean Community in Seattle & Vicinity, Estelita’s Library, Hip Hop is Green, Seattle Indian Services Commission, Stem Path Innovation Network, and Wa Na Wari.

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Mayor Durkan Announces $7.5 Million in Direct Investment in Community to Support Neighborhood Economic Recovery

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Investments include at least $1.2 million for community driven projects and up to $225,000 to 28 business districts throughout Seattle

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) announced $7.5 million in direct investments to support downtown and neighborhood economic recovery. Over 28 neighborhood business district organizations will receive up to $225,000 in funding to help stabilize small businesses and address community needs. These investments, which are in addition to direct assistance provided to small businesses through the Small Business Stabilization Fund, will support neighborhoods reopen, build e-commerce capacity, activate public spaces, address graffiti and vandalism, and promote community safety and community building events throughout their neighborhoods.

“Too many of our small businesses and neighborhoods have struggled during the pandemic. Since the initial days of COVID-19, we have worked to help small business owners and community organizations help keep their doors open. With funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, we can give our neighborhoods and small businesses the tools to build back better,” said Mayor Durkan. “As Seattle recovers from this pandemic, we must reactivate public spaces, restore neighborhoods, and bring our community back together.”

The Seattle Rescue Plan, launched in May, authorized $22 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to aid Seattle’s local community recovery from the pandemic and the COVID-related economic impacts. The City prioritized funds from today’s announcement for business district organizations, community partners, and equity districts to help address the economic needs of the neighborhoods they serve. The following neighborhood business district organizations will receive a direct allocation:

  • Alliance for Pioneer Square
  • Ballard Alliance
  • Beacon Business Alliance
  • Belltown United
  • Build Lake City Together
  • Capitol Hill-Broadway BIA
  • Capitol Hill Business Alliance/GSBA
  • Central Area Collaborative
  • Crown Hill Village Association
  • First Hill Improvement Association
  • For North Seattle
  • Fremont Chamber
  • Georgetown Merchants Association
  • Green Lake Chamber
  • Magnolia Chamber
  • Mount Baker Hub Alliance
  • Othello/MLK Business Association
  • Phinney Neighborhood Association
  • Rainier Beach Action Coalition/Economic Development Roundtable
  • Rainier Avenue Business Coalition (Hillman City and Columbia City)
  • Chinatown-ID: SCIDPDA/CIDBIA/Friends of Little Saigon
  • SODO BIA
  • South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce
  • South Park Business District
  • University District Partnership
  • Uptown Alliance
  • West Seattle Junction Association
  • West Seattle Chamber

Investments include $6 million for neighborhood organizations across the City – including at least $1.2 million available to community, arts, culture, and business organizations as part of a new Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund Request for Proposal (RFP). This also includes previously announced resources of$1.5 million to support downtown revitalization and workforce recovery.

“The inequities and disparities we saw exacerbated by COVID were seen in the experiences of individuals and families and collectively at the neighborhood level,” said Pamela Banks, Interim Director of OED. “In order for Seattle to have a truly inclusive economy, we must provide substantial recovery investments for our neighborhoods—particularly those who experienced the greatest economic, health and social devastation—to help our communities, businesses, and residents recover and thrive. This investment seeks to do just that by partnering with our organizations already doing this work, and welcoming the new ideas of others that are willing and ready to contribute to our collective recovery efforts!”

A $1.2 million Request For Proposals will be issued to support community, cultural or arts organizations, cultural districts, and small businesses such as community event producers, artists, consultants or a collection of individuals supporting neighborhood strategies with broadly shared benefits. Eligible applicants can submit project proposals to the Neighborhood Economic Recovery RFP for awards up to $100,000. Grants will fund recovery strategies and activities such as:

  • Public and commercial space activations, including outdoor seating, retail/vendor markets, public art displays, music events, community events and commercial space pop-ups. 
  • Digital equity projects, such as neighborhood digital marketplaces for local small businesses.
  • Communications infrastructure development to create websites, social media platforms, and contact databases to circulate community news and resources. These must share information local businesses and events to spur economic and social activity within a neighborhood.
  • Physical improvements in neighborhoods, such as lighting, sidewalk cleaning, murals, or façade to improve the quality of a neighborhoods physical space for the benefit of businesses, residents and visitors.
  • Community safety projects, including business block watches and community organizing.
  • Outreach to support businesses and connect them additional resources such as technical assistance and building partnerships between community organizations, service providers and residents.
  • Other economic recovery projects that are specific to a particular neighborhood’s needs.

“The Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund is a lifeline to our communities who were some of the first in the nation to feel the severe impacts of the pandemic,” said Don Blakeney, Executive Director of the U District Partnership. “Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods like the U District have been particularly vulnerable, but with this critical bridge investment, we stand ready to roar back as employees and students return to campus in the fall.”

In recent weeks, Mayor Durkan signed $30 million Equitable Community Initiative task force recommendations into law, along with new legislation to allow more flexibility in permitted use for empty downtown storefronts. You can find more information on the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts at www.seattle.gov/covidrecovery.

Individuals who need assistance completing the application, interpretation for the information sessions or have questions, please contact the Seattle Office of Economic Development at oed@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8090.

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Mayor Durkan to Sign Downtown Empty Storefront Legislation Into Law Following Unanimous City Council Vote

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Temporary Change Will Increase Permitting Flexibility for Uses of Empty Storefronts to Help Bring Businesses and Artists Back Downtown

Following unanimous passage by the City Council, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that she will sign into law legislation to allow more flexibility in permitted uses for empty downtown storefronts. The new temporary proposal will provide flexibility for businesses, artists, and other organizations to activate empty storefronts by allowing art installations, museums, and a greater variety of businesses, among other new options. Previously, downtown businesses on select streets had to abide by a much narrower set of permitted pedestrian-friendly uses for storefronts.

“Downtown is Seattle’s economic engine and heartbeat, and it’s up to us to help it build back better than ever for all those who live, work, or visit. As part of our effort to revitalize downtown, we’re making it easier than ever to pursue new, innovative uses for storefronts, like art installations or museums,” said Mayor Durkan. “This temporary change to allow more uses for our storefronts will help restore the vitality of our downtown. I appreciate the City Council for quickly passing this legislation and supporting the City’s work to help downtown small businesses, workers, and arts and cultural organizations recover.” 

“As downtown Seattle’s recovery continues, I was glad to work with my Council colleagues and City departments to provide more flexibility to fill vacant downtown storefronts. When COVID-19 first hit our community, I worked with Mayor Durkan and City departments to move our permitting process to a virtual platform, ensuring that permitting did not come to a complete stand-still. Later, I sponsored the Bringing Business Home legislation to provide flexibility to small neighborhood businesses operating out of homes, and championed street cafes to help restaurants stay open. This legislation builds on that work by giving downtown storefronts the tools they need to recover and restore the vibrancy of downtown,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6, Northwest Seattle).

For the next 12 months, the City will allow permit applications for new businesses to provide a wider range of activities and services, including medical offices, gyms, art installations, and bike parking. Businesses that received a permit and invested in a new storefront under this temporary law could remain indefinitely, but they would not be able to expand their footprint in future years.

This new flexibility will be available on the main shopping streets in the commercial core, Belltown, Pioneer Square, and parts of South Lake Union, where new options for permitted businesses would also include food processing, horticultural operations, and crafts manufacturing. Chinatown-International District businesses already have this kind of permitting flexibility through the International Special Review District.

Once these new rules go into effect in September, businesses and building owners will be able to apply for a permit from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to change the use of their storefronts in these areas. To get started with the permitting process, please visit this page on how to submit.

“Active storefronts support retail sales, dining and nightlife, and cultural events that will draw people Downtown, make the public realm more vital, and put more eyes on the street,” said Rico Quirindongo, interim director of the Office of Planning and Community Development. “This additional flexibility will open the door to new businesses who want to be a part of our Downtown community of residents, workers, shop owners, artists, and visitors.”

“Temporary flexibility for street-level businesses will allow for a wider range of storefront activities and encourage more to invest in our downtown,” said Nathan Torgelson, director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. “Our staff will be primed to support downtown recovery with streamlined permitting to improve our vacant storefronts.”

As part of the City’s $9 million investment in downtown recovery, the City will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to support storefront activations by providing resources for small businesses and arts and cultural organizations that want to come downtown and bring new life to the streetscape. In the coming weeks, the City will announce additional efforts to activate empty storefronts, including potential matchmaking services for small businesses or artists to find empty storefront space, as well as additional financial supports.

You can find more information on the City’s downtown recovery efforts at www.seattle.gov/covidrecovery.

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New Commissioner sought for the Seattle Design Commission

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Mayor Jenny Durkan is recruiting to fill a vacancy for the urban designer position on the Seattle Design Commission. The appointment will complete the existing term of a vacant position that ends February 28, 2022, as well as a two year term beginning in March 2022.

Established in 1968, the Seattle Design Commission advises the Mayor, Council, and City officials on design excellence in City funded capital improvement projects, projects in the City right-of-way, or projects constructed with City funds. You can see the scope of our work at www.seattle.gov/designcommission.

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The 10‐member commission is comprised of architects, artists, urban designers, urban planners, landscape architects, civil engineers, a member‐at‐large, and one member from Get Engaged, the YMCA Young Civic Leaders Program. Following completion of the first term, commissioners are eligible for a second two-year term.

Commission meetings are the first and third Thursdays of each month and occur in the day. During COVID-19, our meetings have been online – they will be moving to in-person in Fall 2021. In addition, members may serve on commission subcommittees and represent the commission on other City boards or commissions. Commissioners work around 15 hours a month. During the term as a commissioner, and six months following the end of the term, commissioners may not contract with the city on any capital improvement project reviewed by the commission. Commission members receive an hourly rate as compensation for their service.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Persons that have been historically under-represented in City boards and commissions are encouraged to apply, including people with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants. To be considered, please send a letter of interest and resume by September 1, 2021, to:

Mayor Jenny Durkan
c/o Michael Jenkins, Executive Director, Seattle Design Commission
City of Seattle – Office of Planning and Community Development
600 – 4th Avenue, 5th Floor
PO Box 94788
Seattle, WA 98124‐7088

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$30 Million in Upstream BIPOC Community Investments Recommended by the Equitable Communities Initiative Task Force Delivered to City Council

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To improve disparate outcomes for communities furthest from equity the Task Force developed 9 recommendations with 18 implementation strategies 

Upon Council’s proviso lift millions can be dispersed to community by end of 2021 

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan transmitted $30 million in investments recommended by the Equitable Communities Initiative Task Force (ECITF) to improve disparate outcomes for Seattle’s Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. The investments begin to correct disparities caused by government-sanctioned and racist policies, which negatively-effect the Black and Indigenous communities at disproportionate rates. The legislation was developed after Task Force members and city departments developed implementation plans for each recommended strategy. 

In 2020, Mayor Durkan requested that the City, for the first time, build the budget around $100 million in investments in BIPOC communities. The Mayor used all of the City’s resources to balance the budget during a historic shortfall, including: $73 million from the City’s emergency reserves, $20 million in reductions to the Seattle Police Department, a wage freeze for non-represented employees, redirecting voter-approved levy dollars to support basic city operations, federal relief assistance, and new City revenues. The Equitable Communities Initiative Task Force is one element of the overall $100 million investment. 

“Today, Seattle is delivering on its commitment to address generational wrongs that have had a devastating impact on communities of color. These impactful community leaders have fought for justice within their communities, volunteered their time, and expertise to make recommendations that are the first step towards righting past wrongs. The best ideas come from the community, and their work underscores that fact. By working together, they’ve shown what’s possible when the government steps out of the way so that community can step forward with real solutions. I look forward to seeing these investments serving the urgent needs of communities that have for far too long been grossly under-funded.” 

“The ECI Task Force focused on targeting investments to the most significant and pervasive systemic challenges facing communities of color in our city. Their recommendations focus on equity in business development, education, homeownership and healthcare. I applaud the members of the task force for their diligence and determination to find the best path to improve outcomes for generations to come,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez ex-officio Task Force member. 

The Task Force developed 9 recommendations with 18 strategies to strengthen communities of color so that they can thrive. The recommendations fall under the following four pillars: 

$7.5 Million – Building Opportunity through Small Business Support 

  • Provide Equitable Small and Micro Business Capital 
  • Offer Small Business Technical Assistance on Financial Health, Digital Tools, and Construction Support 

$7.5 Million – Developing Diverse and Culturally Competent Educators and Education Opportunities 

  • Fund Culturally Supportive Re-entry Programs for Formerly Incarcerated BIPOC 
  • Support Equity in Education with Students 
  • Provide Cultural Education for BIPOC youth 

$8.8 Million – Accessing Affordable Housing, Land Acquisition and Generational Wealth 

  • Establish a Generational Wealth Education Program and Resource Portal 
  • Identify Housing Strategies for Low- and Middle-Income Apprentices and Pre-Apprentices 
  • Broaden Priority Hire and WMBE Support 
  • Create Homeownership Supports and Development Opportunities 
  • Study the Feasibility of a Lease to Own Program 
  • Provide Ownership Retention Resources for BIPOC Families to Remain in Their Homes 

$6.2 Million – Improving Positive Health Outcomes 

  • Provide Holistic Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Healthcare 
  • Improve Access to Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Healthcare 
  • Sustain a Healthy Food Fund for Community-Led Projects Focused on Food Security 
  • Increase Farm to Table Access with a BIPOC Emphasis 
  • Support an Environmental Justice Fund for Community-Led Projects 
  • Address Barriers to BIPOC Professionals Entering the Healthcare Workforce 
  • Enhance Youth Career Exploration in the Healthcare Industry 

Recognizing it will take years of investment to address generations of disinvestment, Mayor Durkan has committed to including another $100 million in her proposed 2022 budget to further address systemic inequities facing BIPOC communities. 

“As we closely examined generational wealth, we found that many BIPOC communities not only don’t have access to housing, but they also don’t have access to the same financial support that many White-led businesses do. We wanted to create opportunities for BIPOC business owners to work with colleagues who resemble those they serve. Through Technical Assistance, we are providing a deeper level of support while they are at the table applying for funding, helping them analyze how much they need, and assist in completing applications,” said Task Force member Donna Moodie, owner of Marjorie. “We can invite them to turn a loan into a forgivable loan simply by attending Technical Assistance classes that would improve their business acumen. This is a win-win create esteemed people in our communities whose business behavior and success can be modeled.” 

“As housing prices continue to rise across Seattle, the Task Force used this opportunity to recommend steps to help address this crisis. Strategies like developing a lease to purchase program will help shift the mindset away from the thought that living in Seattle means that you can’t own. But we also took a broader approach because we know that access to good jobs and access to apprenticeships are also strategies to keep people housed,” said Task Force member Sharon Williams, Executive Director of CD Forum. “The City must also take an active role in developing educational programs that encourage longer-term strategies for families and individuals to create generational wealth. It is our hope that with these recommendations, over time, we will see more people on the path to ownership and remaining stably housed within our City.” 

THE PROCESS 

From December 2020 to June 2021, the Task Force of 26 community leaders met weekly for more than 60 cumulative hours in over 30 meetings. With decades of lived experience and professional expertise, the Task Force developed recommendations using the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) Equitable Development Community Indicators Report as background; tapping into the ingenuity of the Innovation Advisory Council by working with a team of Microsoft data scientists to further disaggregate race-based data within the report; and by taking a comprehensive look at current City investments into BIPOC communities, with an eye towards developing programs to fill gaps within the system and strengthening programs with proven success. 

Throughout April, and due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the task force facilitator, The Profitable NonProfit hosted a series of virtual stakeholder meetings inviting rank and file community members, peer organizations, business owners, and community-based organization leadership to ensure recommendations mirrored community needs and priorities. 

Following the announcement of their recommendations, the Task Force began convening weekly with City departments to help inform on the creation of implementation strategies that can be quickly launched so that millions in investments will begin landing in the community by the end of 2021. Task Force members thought deeply about systemic barriers to BIPOC organizations in accessing City funds and worked with the City to define ways to lower barriers that have blocked communities of color in the Requests for Proposals (RFP) process. Some of the strategies include: 

  • Being intentional about who the investments were targeting by giving priority to organizations led by people of color, and serving communities furthest from equity. 
  • Providing language access to reduce language barriers for potential applicants. 
  • Including technical support for prospective applicants and continued support throughout the process. 
  • Launching a simplified low-barrier RFP specifically targeting small organizations. 

After seven weeks of collaboration and discussion with the Task Force, eight departments developed implementation strategies based on Task Force recommendations, including the Department of Early Education and Learning; Department of Finance and Administrative Services; Department of Neighborhoods; Human Services Department; Office of Arts and Culture; Office of Economic Development; Office of Housing; and the Office of Sustainability and Environment. 

NEXT STEPS 

The $30 million investment was allocated in the 2021 budget, however, the funding is currently under Council proviso, meaning that recommendations cannot be implemented and money disbursed to the community until the proviso is lifted. The Task Force will present their spend plan with 18 investment strategies to the Seattle City Council Finance and Housing Committee on Tuesday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m. and request that the legislation is passed on to the full Council to lift the proviso. With swift Council action, City departments expect to begin developing RFP’s in the coming weeks with a surge of investments landing in the community by the end of 2021. 

Task Force members are in ongoing discussions with the City on continued engagement to ensure accountability and tracking of investment outcomes. Further, the City of Seattle recently launched a disparity study to identify and remove inequities in the City’s soliciting and procuring of contracts and awarding of public funds.

For more information on the Equitable Communities Initiative visit: seattle.gov/equitable-communities-initiative.

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Mayor Durkan Applauds City Council’s Unanimous Passage of Legislation to Authorize Acquisition of Land in South Park for Affordable Housing

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Legislation advances City efforts to achieve community-led equitable development and environmental justice goals 

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan’s legislation authorizing the Office of Housing to acquire two parcels in South Park for affordable housing development was passed unanimously by City Council today. Council Bill 120114 requires the housing developed on these parcels to be affordable to households making at or below 60 percent of area median income (AMI) which is equivalent to $69,400 for a family of four and $48,600 for an individual. Mayor Durkan plans to sign the legislation this week.  

Since 2016 the City has worked closely with community-based organizations in South Park, including Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition (DVAHC) and Duwamish River Clean-Up Coalition (DRCC), to understand the community’s vision for the rapidly changing neighborhood where many residents and businesses are feeling the pressures of displacement. The Duwamish Valley Action Plan, stewarded by the Office of Sustainability and Environment, outlines the community’s anti-displacement and environmental justice goals. 

“Our housing crisis has impacted every neighborhood in our City and we are called to use every tool available to address it with the urgency that this crisis demands,” said Mayor Durkan, “Most importantly, I want to congratulate the tireless South Park advocates who continue to push the City to make their vision of an equitable future a reality. South Park will be changed for generations to come because of the work of our community leaders who have been on the forefront of leading new investments in housing, environmental justice, and infrastructure.”  

“When I consider what this property acquisition will mean for this community it is almost impossible to overstate it,” said Robin Schwartz, member of the Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition. “It means that neighbors new and old can feel cared for, safe, and they can see that our systemic practices match our words.” 

“I am really thankful to Mayor Durkan and the Office of Housing for a bold and responsive action to support this urgent investment in our local vision for housing justice, rooted in racial and environmental justice,” said Paulina López, Executive Director of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. 

In direct response to the community’s stated vision, future development on these parcels will include units with two or more bedrooms to accommodate larger households and utilize Community Preference to support those most impacted by displacement. Plans for the development may also include community-oriented space on the ground floor, with additional goals to incorporate water- and energy-efficient sustainable building practices. Following the property closing, the Office of Housing will continue community outreach and engagement to inform a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an owner and operator for the affordable housing. 

In addition to this land acquisition for affordable housing development, the following are recent and upcoming major City investments in South Park: 

Seattle Parks & Recreation (SPR)

  • Duwamish Waterway Park Improvements: SPR purchased the 1.3-acre site from King County after a community-led process to make the property a permanent neighborhood riverfront park.  
  • South Park Plaza: SPR and the design team are finalizing the design of this site, which includes an open lawn, primary event space, play elements, seating terraces, accessible pathways, bio-swales, irrigation, and landscape improvements. 
  • Marra Farm: Following extensive community engagement to develop a new design for an accessible multi-use park, SPR awarded the construction contract to A1 Landscaping & Construction earlier this year. 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)

  • Drainage & Street Improvements: SPU and SDOT are partnering to build streets with drainage pipes in the northern industrial area of South Park. Construction will start in September. 
  • South Park Pump Station: To ensure the drainage pipes will function well with the tidal influence of the Duwamish River, SPU is currently constructing a pump station adjacent to the 7th Ave. S street end. 
  • West Seattle Bridge Closure: Residents of the Duwamish Valley have been heavily impacted by the West Seattle Bridge closure because of all the detour traffic moving through the neighborhoods. Community groups have worked closely with the City to identify projects to help mitigate environmental and safety impacts. 

Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD)

  • Community-Supportive Services: OPCD awarded $1M to the Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition to support the identification and acquisition of land to community supportive services.  
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Industrial and Maritime Strategy Council Delivers Comprehensive Recommendations to Support Jobs and Innovation

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Stakeholders deliver 11 strategies to renew commitment to Seattle as a maritime and manufacturing city, equitable access to living-wage jobs, innovative small businesses, and environmental justice in neighborhoods near industrial areas. 

Office of Planning and Community Development to begin environmental review process to study the creation of limited industrial innovation zones and areas to allow workers to live nearby 

 After careful deliberations, the City of Seattle’s Industrial and Maritime Strategy Council has developed 11 strategies to support the next generation of industrial and maritime jobs. The group’s recommendations aim to grow thousands of living-wage jobs, while providing equitable access to those opportunities for the BIPOC community and women. The strategies emphasize the need to provide stronger land-use protections for core industrial and maritime areas, while encouraging limited but expanded areas for modern, innovative high-density industrial development in walkable areas near light rail stations. The proposals also seek to create improved transitions between industrial areas and residential or mixed-use areas with affordable opportunities for small-scale light-industrial businesses, makers, and creative arts and provide new flexibility for industry-supportive housing to allow workers and entrepreneurs to live near their place of work.  

The Office of Planning and Community Development will author an EIS to study land use changes to: strengthen the future of maritime, manufacturing and industrial areas; encourage areas of high-density industrial development near transit; and create vibrant, healthy transitions from industrial areas with affordable, small spaces for local manufacturing and creative arts, including considering new flexibility for housing for workers. In addition, the EIS will study land use changes in areas of Georgetown and South Park to match neighborhoods goals and allowing lodging near the stadiums.  

The Strategy Council highlighted the importance of providing high-quality transit to access jobs; committing to environmental justice for neighborhoods most impacted by hazardous industrial pollution; and the need for ongoing community engagement from a diverse and comprehensive set of community voices and industry stakeholders.  

“Seattle can be a city of the future with a dynamic workforce and economy with thriving manufacturing, innovation across industries and arts, and strong maritime workforce. These recommendations help ensure that Seattle remains a leader in the maritime and industrial sectors. The strength of their consensus is a result of months of critical community engagement with a wide range of stakeholders,” said Mayor Durkan. “While I understand concerns with residential housing in industrial land, we can plan for high-density industrial development near transit while also creating more housing and lodging in transitional areas. On that premise, the Office of Planning and Community Development will be moving forward on the environmental review process to further our shared goals. In culmination, this work will lay the foundation, setting our city on a visionary path towards future development and expansion while taking another step towards building a more equitable city of opportunity where no matter what neighborhood you are from, everyone can thrive.”  

In November 2019, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan gathered more than 60 stakeholders, comprised of representatives from traditional and emerging industrial and maritime businesses, labor, developers, workforce development professionals, and community representatives from neighborhoods near industrial areas, to consider the future of Seattle’s Manufacturing Industrial Centers. Mayor Durkan laid out several guiding principles for the group’s work:  

  • Use the power of local workers and companies to chart a blueprint for the future using the principles of restorative economics to support the cultural, economic, and political power of communities most impacted by economic and racial inequities. 
  • Strengthen and grow Seattle’s industrial and maritime sectors so communities that have been excluded from the prosperity of our region can benefit from our future growth. 
  • Promote equitable access to high-quality, family-wage jobs and entrepreneurship for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color through an inclusive industrial economy and ladders of economic opportunity. 
  • Improve the movement of people and goods to and within industrial zones and increases safety for all travel modes. 
  • Align Seattle’s industrial and maritime strategy with key climate and environmental protection goals. 
  • Develop a proactive land use policy agenda that harnesses growth and economic opportunities to ensure innovation and industrial jobs are a robust part of our future economy that is inclusive of emerging industries and supportive of diverse entrepreneurship. 
  • Planning for the next generation of these lands as a key pillar for the Seattle of the future. 

In response, the group worked in smaller groups and as a full body to develop the following 11 strategies. The final proposal achieved a wide consensus with 85 percent approval among the Citywide stakeholder group. Detail on the 11 strategies and the list of citywide and neighborhood stakeholders who contributed to effort is available in the group’s report. 

Maritime and manufacturing activities have long benefitted Seattle by contributing to the city’s identity, supporting living-wage jobs, and promoting economic diversity. Seattle contains approximately 4,000 acres of industrial lands (11% of the city’s area) that generate nearly 100,000 critical living-wage jobs, of which two-thirds are accessible without a traditional four-year degree. Seattle’s maritime industrial economy is supported by the Port of Seattle’s cargo terminals and connecting infrastructure; manufacturing facilities in the Duwamish Valley, Elliott Bay, Lake Union, and the ship canal; and the nation’s largest fishing fleet, which is sewn into the fabric of Seattle culture. 

“The citywide and neighborhood groups wrestled with persistent challenges around business viability, worker training and availability, safety, infrastructure and conflicts between neighboring uses,” said Sally Clark, University of Washington, a co-chair of the Council. “Not everyone agrees on exactly what the future looks like, but everyone agreed that Seattle has a maritime and industrial future. Thank you to Mayor Durkan for convening this group and keeping us going through a difficult year.” 

“Seattle’s Maritime Industry has provided our community with family-wage jobs for generations. In this rapidly changing economy where far too many people are being left behind, it is essential that we preserve good, union jobs at the Port,” said Nicole Grant, a co-chair who serves Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MLK Labor, which represents more than 150 labor unions in King County. “The recommendations of the Industrial and Maritime Strategy Council lays out a blueprint for preserving careers in the maritime industry that will serve the next generation and help build a more equitable Seattle.” 

“The industrial lands stakeholders started this critical work before our city was engulfed by a global pandemic and a once-in-a-generation racial reckoning and forced us to be even more serious about the future of our industrial lands,” said Brian Surratt, co-chair of the group and Seattle community and economic development leader. “These twin crises demanded each of us to think beyond lines on a City land use and planning map. We had frank conversations with an eye toward future generations ranging from the compatibility of housing near our traditional industrial and maritime centers, how we must invest more in job training, and our glaring need for more equity and inclusion in these industries. The stakeholder’s diverse set of recommendations outline a framework for Seattle to remain a city committed to a prosperous and equitable future focused on maintaining our industrial and maritime clusters and encouraging more investment in these dynamic urban centers.” 

“We are so thankful to the neighborhood stakeholders who engaged with the City in the development of these strategies,” said Andres Mantilla, director of the Department of Neighborhoods. “Having the opportunity to thoughtfully engage with our neighbors in South Park, Georgetown, SODO, Ballard, and Interbay allowed us to ensure that the communities most impacted by Seattle’s industrial and maritime economy have a stake in its future prosperity.” 

Seattle companies emerging from the pandemic are already taking steps to encourage workers to consider new careers in maritime and industrial businesses. For example, Argosy Cruises is partnering with the Seattle Jobs Initiative, Seattle Maritime Academy, a program of the Seattle Colleges and the Office of Economic Development, to open the door to maritime careers to new workers – especially BIPOC workers who have been displaced from previous careers in the hospitality industry due to the global pandemic. Entry-level workers will have access to training and a job that is the first rung on a career ladder in the maritime trades. 

While the Mayor and City Council review the recommendations, successive measures to support these strategies may include amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to codify the group’s vision. As a next step, the Office of Planning and Community Development is beginning the environmental review process to consider the proposed land use changes:  

  • high-density industrial development near transit;  
  • housing and lodging in transitional zones;  
  • legislation to close industrial zoning loopholes; and  
  • formation of the stewardship group that will shepherd the recommendations.  

“Finding consensus within this group of people who often hold opposite opinions is an achievement in and of itself,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), chair of the Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee. “Adopting changes to our maritime and industrial areas will protect these lands and the family-wage jobs they support for generations to come. I look forward to receiving the legislation to enact these recommendations in my committee so I can move them from policy proposal to code.”  

“Thanks to all the stakeholders, whose commitment to this process ensured our success in reaching broad consensus,” said Rico Quirindongo, interim director of the Office of Planning and Community Development. “As we move forward, we will continue our work with the community to support a bright future for our city anchored by the working waterfront.” 

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City of Seattle and Sound Transit Enter New Phase of Visioning for Development at Mount Baker

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Community members are invited to provide feedback on development ideas for affordable housing and more through the month of June

Click on image to enlarge.
Image courtesy of Sound Transit.

After many years of community planning, the Mount Baker station area is entering an exciting new phase. The City of Seattle and Sound Transit are working in partnership with community stakeholders and a consultant team to develop preferred site features for the City’s Mount Baker sites and the Sound Transit East Portal site. The Mount Baker sites will provide affordable housing, childcare and an early learning research facility. Sound Transit seeks to redevelop its adjacent East Portal site for affordable housing. Both sites have opportunity for potential open space.

This transformational redevelopment opportunity fulfills longstanding City, Sound Transit, and community goals to create more affordable housing and a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area around the light rail station.

Watch this presentation about Transit Oriented Development in the Mount Baker area.

In addition, an online survey is available from June 9-23 for community to comment on the site design ideas and provide additional feedback. The survey is available in English, Amharic, Cambodian (Khmer), Lao, Oromo, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. 

The Mount Baker station area is a community of residents, small businesses, and neighborhood institutions that reflects the diversity of the Rainier Valley. Decades of planning have envisioned a station area as a vibrant neighborhood destination that is welcoming and safe for all. Planning efforts include the North Rainier Neighborhood Plan and Accessible Mount Baker. 

In June 2020, the University of Washington transferred three parcels next to the Link light rail station, including the former UW Laundry site, to the City of Seattle to redevelop for affordable housing, childcare and an early learning research facility.  Redevelopment of the City of Seattle Mount Baker sites and Sound Transit’s East Portal site will be a multi-year, multi-phase process. There will continue to be  opportunities for community engagement throughout the redevelopment of the sites. 

For more information, please visit the Office of Housing website or email Stephanie Velasco at Stephanie.Valasco@seattle.gov.

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$30 Million Strategic Investment Fund to Support Seattle Site Acquisition for Community Projects and Anti-Displacement Efforts

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Building off the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), Major Jenny A. Durkan announced today that Seattle’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) is seeking proposals for $30 million for land and property acquisition to respond to disproportionate displacement pressures impacting Black, Indigenous and people of color communities. Requests for Proposals are now open for organizations in high displacement risk neighborhoods, areas with low access to opportunity, and places where future public investments are likely to spur transformational change. In addition to ongoing funding provided by EDI and the Office of Housing, this investment is part of Mayor Durkan’s commitment for $100 million in funding allocated to support Black, Indigenous and people of color communities who face inordinate disparities due to systemic racism and oppression.  

“During the pandemic, Seattle continued to be the fastest-growing major U.S. city and we must continue to respond to the displacement pressures that are impacting BIPOC communities,” said Mayor Durkan. “In the years ahead, major public investments like new light rail stations will transform several Seattle neighborhoods. The Strategic Investment Fund is a unique opportunity to support equitable development so that all communities can continue to call Seattle home. Investments of this type will take years to right the wrongs of the past. That’s why I’ve committed to making another $100 million investment as part of my proposed 2022 budget.” 

The SIF was created to invest in community wealth building and capital projects that create opportunities for multiple community benefits. The fund will support site acquisition projects that could include: affordable housing, affordable commercial spaces, public open spaces, cultural spaces, and childcare facilities. The fund will consider proposals in areas with significant planned public investments, like light rail station areas and parks, where increased access to opportunities will likely increase displacement pressures.  

“Discriminatory practices in public and private investment, disinvestment, and public policy have significantly impacted BIPOC communities, as well as Queer and Transgender BIPOC, people with disabilities, and low-income families,” said Rico Quirindongo, director of the Office of Planning and Community Development. “The Strategic Investment Fund will support site acquisition for major community-led projects in growing and changing neighborhoods.”  

The primary objectives of the SIF are:    

  • Respond to immediate displacement pressures.     
  • Create long-term impact by strengthening community relationships and creating wealth in historically marginalized communities.     
  • Co-locate affordable housing with other community benefits, such as affordable commercial spaces, public open spaces, cultural spaces, and childcare facilities.  
  • Fill gaps in the existing development finance ecosystem. 

The Strategic Investment Fund has $30 million available with a maximum of $5 million per award. Sites must be in neighborhoods with high displacement risk and near existing or planned transit and parks investments. Proposals are due July 14 at 11:59 PM. 

Eligible Applicants include:  

  • Community groups at highest risk of displacement  
  • Commercial or residential tenants at risk of displacement 
  • Property owners in focus areas interested in discounting their land 
  • Developers or owners of affordable housing with vacancies in commercial spaces, who are interested in offering community ownership opportunities. 

Many urgent and qualified investment opportunities exist in Seattle, and the SIF is unable to accommodate them all. The City of Seattle has created a Community Advisory Group (CAG) comprised of community representatives with diverse experience and expertise in affordable housing, community development, and equitable development to assist in the process of investing SIF funds. The CAG will review land acquisition and investment opportunities to create a list of Recommended Funding Opportunities. This list will inform the Strategic Investment Fund Spending Plan that will be presented to the Mayor and City Council for approval later this summer.    

The Strategic Investment Fund is a City-wide effort the involves the Office of Planning and Community Development, Office of Housing, Office of Economic Development, Office of Arts and Culture, City Budget Office, Department of Neighborhoods, and Office of Civil Rights. 

For more information, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/opcd/strategicinvestmentfund. 

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Equitable Development Initiative Projects Share Their Stories of Service to the Community

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For Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Office of Planning and Community Development has partnered with youth filmmakers to create videos of two of our Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) projects. These videos seek to  uplift, empower, and educate  about the value of these community-led projects in a time when information on local resources can be scarce, especially during this current pandemic and increased xenophobia towards AAPI communities. 

“In Seattle, we are committed to empowering the AAPI community, embracing their vision for a positive future in Seattle, and lifting up their voices and stories,” says Rico Quirindongo, OPCD Interim Director. “We must respond to racial injustice and violence by honoring and recognizing the value of our many AAPI cultures — and by investing the City’s time, energies, and resources. The City as an institution has played a role in causing harm to the AAPI community, and we must challenge ourselves to repair past harm and prioritize healing practices in our future work with this community.”

Cham Refugees Community of Seattle video, courtesy of Remove the Gap Productions.

The Cham Refugees Community of Seattle is a nonprofit organization that provides Islamic educational, social, and cultural relevant services to Cham and other ethnic minorities in South Seattle and South King County for over 30 years. The organization plans to upgrade their existing location in South Seattle into a 12,000 square foot community center. The Development will be sharia-compliant and will expand programming for youth, the elderly, and disabled members of the community. 

Friends of Little Saigon video, courtesy of Remove the Gap Productions.

Friends of Little Saigon was formed in 2011 to promote, plan, and advocate for their neighborhood, located in the Chinatown-International District. The Little Saigon Landmark Project seeks to address displacement amongst local businesses and development pressures due to rising rents. The facility will be a gathering place that will bring together the district’s cultural, shopping, and culinary aspects in a distinctive physical anchor. The mixed-use project will include a cultural center, Southeast Asian grocery, Emerald Night Market, and restaurant. Each component of the development will reflect Vietnamese Americans’ rich culture, history, and future.

About Our Remove the Gap Productions Filmmakers:  

The video projects were created by Remove the Gap Productions (RG Pro), a youth-led film production company at the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF). RG Pro believes that to achieve equity and advancement in today’s film industry and creative economy, female gender non-conforming and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) filmmakers must be active participants in all aspects of media production. RG Pro provides training, mentorship, professional development, and early career production experiences. Their immersive and sustained mentorship model helps build lasting relationships with various film and media professionals.

Ha’aheo Auwue-Dekker joined RG Pro in 2017 as a participant in the Apprenticeship workshop, becoming an Intern for their Apprenticeship Program in 2018. They have worked on numerous projects for RGPro, and in many capacities such as creative ideation team member, camera operator and audio recorder as well as editing. 

Vivian Chuang recently graduated in Film Studies from the University of Washington and was a participant in RG Pro’s Apprenticeship Program in 2019. Since then Vivian has been a valuable contributor to their client’s projects. 

Camille Winslow is a Seattle native and is passionate about filmmaking and social justice issues. She holds a BA in Design from Western Washington University and a certificate in Film & Video Production from the University of Washington. She is a freelance video editor who has worked with Remove the Gap Productions since April 2020.

Video production was overseen by lead producer Laura Jean Cronin and NWFF executive director Vivian Hua. 

About the Equitable Development Initiative: 

The EDI addresses displacement and the unequal distribution of opportunities to sustain a diverse Seattle. The EDI fosters community leadership and supports organizations to promote equitable access to housing, jobs, education, parks, cultural expression, healthy food and other community needs and amenities. For more information, visit the EDI website. 

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