The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) has announced $385,000 in grant awards in the first round of funding under the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), the City’s effort to help ensure Seattle’s existing residents and businesses in vulnerable communities enjoy the benefits of development around the city, rather than being displaced by it.
“The Equitable Development Initiative is about sustaining an inclusive Seattle, where everyone has a place to call home and a path to a positive future,” said Sam Assefa, Director of OPCD. “By fostering local leadership and local organizations, we can help create stronger, more resilient communities. We are excited to expand this program in the coming months to reach other areas of the city.”
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. The goal of the initiative is to reduce disparities and achieve equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities.
EDI grants will be awarded to:
- SCIDpda/Friends of Little Saigon — $235,000 for capacity-building and predevelopment expenses in support of the Little Saigon Landmark Project.
- Multicultural Community Center — $75,000 for capacity-building efforts and to further the development of the Multicultural Community Center in the Rainier Valley.
- Rainier Beach Action Coalition — $75,000 for capacity-building efforts and to further the development of the Rainier Beach Food Innovation District.
