FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept 2, 2026
Contact: Sarah Graves
Phone: 206-643-2106
Email: sarah.graves@seattle.gov
SEATTLE, WA — Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announces $7.4 million in new community-led anti-displacement building project awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI). EDI is a part of the City’s effort to support community property ownership of cultural and commercial spaces in Seattle neighborhoods with high risk of displacement.
A cohort of eight new grantees join the EDI following a review by a community expert panel and approval by the EDI Advisory Board. This round of funding also adds to critical allocations made earlier this year to move some existing EDI projects toward completion.
“As Seattle’s economy and population continue to expand, we have a responsibility to support and sustain the vibrant communities that have given our neighborhoods their historic character, and that continue to make our city what it is today,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “This diverse set of new capital projects funded by the City’s Equitable Development Initiative will allow communities in impacted areas to realize collective visions and break ground on place-based solutions together.”
Administered by the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), EDI was created in 2016 to respond to the needs of marginalized communities, reduce disparities, and support organizational capacity-building, property acquisition, and capital expenses. The initiative was and is championed by community groups concerned about displacement pressures and historical lack of investment and access to opportunity in communities of color in Seattle.
“I’m excited to welcome this cohort of new projects as we celebrate 10 years of equitable development awards and strategies integrated into Seattle’s planning ecosystem,” said Rico Quirindongo, Director, OPCD. “The people of Seattle know best what they need to thrive, and these organizations are presenting an inspiring range of approaches for stabilizing community, from childcare to small business support to uplifting legacy homeownership,” he continued.
What the EDI Community is Saying
“I proposed the MLK Commissary project because I’ve watched too many of our neighbors, elders, and small businesses get pushed out of the very community that shaped us. This project is my way of fighting for us—our culture, our food, our stories, our stability, and our future,” said Michaya Pollard, Director, Food Resource Network- MLK Commissary Kitchen Project. “Seattle’s real estate market poses major challenges to nonprofit, community-centered organizations like ours, and EDI has shown the City to be a nimble and flexible partner in navigating these hurdles with us. I look forward to getting shovels in the ground in Georgetown!”
“Our community sorely needs a permanent home for Casa Jardin family development and cultural center. This award takes us one big step closer to that goal. And it supports our collective power to develop equitable community-scale solutions for South Park and the surrounding area,” said Analia Bertoni, Executive Director, Villa Comunitaria.
“As an EDI grantee and advisory board member who sees community benefits provided from our historic Central District building on a daily basis, I can attest to the unique power of EDI awards in helping nonprofit organizations enter and compete in the development market,” said, EDI Advisory Board co-chair and Byrd Barr Place Director of Strategic Initiatives Tiffany Kelly-Gray.
2026 Capacity Building Awards – $75,000 each
Sovereignty Rises, Labateyah Native Youth Community Development Hub, Crown Hill
Villa Comunitaria, Casa Jardín, South Park
Beacon Business Alliance, Beacon Hill Community Resilience Hub, Beacon Hill
Service is a Lifestyle, Black Legacy Homeowners Community Stewardship Village Demonstration Project, Central District
2026 Capital Awards
MLK Commissary Kitchen Project, Food Resource Network, Georgetown – acquisition award
El Centro de la Raza Community Center, El Centro de la Raza, Beacon Hill – $1,000,000
WELD Reentry Center, WELD Seattle, Chinatown International District – $1,200,000
Spirit Journey Healing Village, Family House, Mother Nation, Skyway – $1,208,599
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