Daily Plan It Office of Planning & Community Development

The Daily Plan It Blog

A OPCD Blog

Our 2019-2020 Mayor’s Proposed Budget Announcement

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Dear Neighbors,

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has introduced her 2019-2020 Proposed Budget (http://www.seattle.gov/financedepartment) in her address on September 24, including her proposed two-year budget for the Office of Planning and Community Development.

In the coming year, OPCD will continue to pursue our mission to lead collaborative planning, advance equitable development, and create great places. We look forward to working with the Seattle City Council to support citywide implementation of Mandatory Housing Affordability program, advance the City’s community planning work program, work with neighborhoods to create equitable and transit-oriented neighborhoods, align comprehensive planning with regional partners, and support quality urban design and public open spaces throughout Seattle.

We are also pleased to announce that Mayor Durkan is proposing to expand OPCD’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI). EDI provides funding for community-based organizations that initiate, develop and operate programs that support racial and social justice and respond to displacement pressures.  The expanded program will build on the ten EDI projects that received capital funding and capacity-building dollars in 2018, in addition to the five projects that received funding in 2017. The Mayor is proposing to invest nearly $5 million of new Short-Term Rental Tax revenue annually to support EDI. Please see our web page for information about EDI Projects.

As part of Citywide cost savings needed to bring spending into balance with anticipated resources and to better align our staffing needs with OPCD’s core objectives, OPCD will eliminate two land use planner positions, and add a planning and development specialist who will focus on equitable development work. The Mayor is also reallocating funding to support our Language Access Action Plan to reach Seattle residents who speak languages other than English.

Now the Council will begin its process to review the budget, including public hearings and amendments, with final approval scheduled for November. We look forward to working with the community in the coming year to advance our vision of an inspiring city, in harmony with nature, where everyone thrives.

Regards,
Sam Assefa, Director

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Equitable Development Initiative awards $5.5 million to community organizations

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Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and the City of Seattle announced $5.5 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), part of the City’s effort to support Seattle’s existing community members and businesses in high displacement risk neighborhoods.

“Seattle is facing an affordability crisis, which has displaced far too many and left behind many of our neighborhoods and businesses,” said Mayor Durkan, who visited the Ethiopian Community in Seattle earlier today. “To tackle these challenges, our City is investing in community organizations who are leading the way in creating true economic vitality and opportunity within Seattle’s most underserved communities.”

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 historical lack of investment that has occurred in communities of color in Seattle.

“Our values call for a Seattle that all communities can call home, and where all residents have access to a positive future,” said Sam Assefa, Director of OPCD. “The community-based organizations EDI invests in supports resiliency in vulnerable areas. Our aim is to improve racial equity and knock down institutional barriers to create a city in which everyone thrives.”

EDI fosters community leadership and supports organizations to promote equitable access to jobs, education and child care, outdoor space and recreation, cultural expression, healthy food, and other community needs and amenities. These new partnerships are designed to support leadership and build capacity building 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.

The following community-based organizations working in Seattle on anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities have been selected:

  • African Women Business Alliance — $75,000 for capacity building to explore a permanent home for the Alliance and to support economic development of women-owned businesses.
  • Africatown — $1,075,000 for capacity-building and development expenses to include affordable commercial space to the Midtown affordable housing project.
  • Chief Seattle Club — $925,000 for capacity-building, project development, and construction of affordable housing, healthcare, and art gallery space serving the American Indian/Alaska Native community.
  • Filipino Community of Seattle — $1,000,000 for capacity building, pre-development, and construction of senior housing, technical learning center, and community gathering space.
  • Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition — $75,000 for capacity building to support a multi-use project that includes affordable housing, childcare, and community space.
  • United Indians of All Tribes — $1,075,000 for capacity building and development of the Northwest Native Canoe Center on Lake Union and rehabilitation of Daybreak Star Center.

Three additional applicants – Ethiopian Community in Seattle, West African Community Center, and Black and Tan Hall – have also been selected to support capacity building and project development needs. The three projects will receive funding from the remaining $460,000, with specific contract amounts for each project to be determined later.

[Read more…]

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Seattle Releases Environmental Justice and Equitable Development Plan for the Duwamish Valley

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Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan released the Duwamish Valley Action Plan, setting forth a series of actions and strategies to expand economic opportunity, make environment progress and increase investments in the South Park and Georgetown communities. The plan is the result of an 18-month process that engaged City staff, residents, workers, and businesses of the Duwamish Valley to create a framework that reflects their priorities. The plan will be used to guide the City’s work and investments for years to come.

“We are taking another important step together toward realizing the community’s vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant Duwamish Valley. As a City, we are standing together to say we will do more with a plan that brings together the community’s vision for economic opportunity and environmental progress with a plan for making it real,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “From the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund to the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps to the South Park Merchants Association to the Latino Community Fund, the City has committed partners in this effort to ensure real economic empowerment, public safety, and a healthier environment in the Duwamish Valley. In all our actions, we will strive to honor the special importance of healing and preserving the ecosystems on the land and in the waterways to the Native people, including the Duwamish Tribe, which gives the Valley its name.”

By applying an environmental justice and racial equity lens, the actions form an environmental justice, equitable development, and anti-displacement strategy that is focused on seven priority areas: Environment, Parks & Open Spaces, Community Capacity, Mobility & Transportation, Economic Opportunity & Jobs, Affordable Housing, and Public Safety. It includes:

  • 50 near-term (0-2 years) actions the City has already taken in South Park and Georgetown from 2016 through early 2018 to address community priorities, show responsiveness, and build trust;
  • 37 mid-term (2-5 years) opportunities, with specific strategies and actions, that the City will begin implementing in 2018; and
  • 5 long-term (5+ years) strategies with bold and ambitious goals related to Anti-Displacement, Workforce Development, Climate Change, Parks & Open Spaces, and Health.

 

In 2016 and 2017, the City invested approximately $500,000 in actions that advanced or addressed previously identified community priorities. For example, youth capacity building and training related to tree canopy enhancements; de-pave (removing asphalt) and tree planting in industrial areas; and capacity building for an emerging housing and anti-displacement coalition.

[Read more…]

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$5.5 million available from Equitable Development Initiative fund

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Community-based organizations working in Seattle on anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities are encouraged to apply to the City of Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) fund by March 5. In this round of funding, a total of $5.5 million will be available for capacity building, property acquisition, and capital expenses for community-based projects in high displacement risk neighborhoods.

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 was championed by community organizations concerned about displacement pressures and historical lack of investment that has occurred in communities of color in Seattle.

“We are looking forward to working with projects that decrease the risk of displacement and increase access to opportunity,” said Sam Assefa, OPCD Director. “Our aim is to improve racial equity and create a city in which everyone can thrive regardless of race or means. We will support community projects that are doing valuable work to address systemic racism and the institutional barriers that exist for communities of color.”

OPCD will evaluate applications based on their ability to positively impact several equity drivers, including:

  • Promoting economic opportunity through education and 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.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a deep relationship with the community they are seeking to serve and feature an inclusive community process, with community members serving in their organizational leadership.

OPCD, Office of Economic Development, Office of Housing , Department of Neighborhoods, and other City departments coordinate the administration of the EDI fund. An interim advisory board helps guide the EDI and provides feedback on funding decisions.

EDI funds, which may be grants or loans, are intended to complement existing funding sources and address gaps identified by communities in the existing resources available to them. Engagement with partner organizations will involve a multi-year process of building capacity, developing a project, and overseeing implementation and reporting.

The current funding round is making available $5.5 million for up to seven qualifying organizations.  Approximately $1 million will be awarded to support capacity-building efforts over a two-year period and $4.5 million will be available to projects for predevelopment, property acquisition, and capital expenses.

OPCD strongly encourages pre-application meetings and will accept requests for meetings until Feb. 14, 2018. Applications are due March 5, 2018. Final contracts with successful applicants are expected to be completed by June 2018.

The EDI fund was established with $16 million from the sale of the Civic Square property adjacent to Seattle City Hall. The fund also receives $430,000 in annual funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant. Seattle’s new program to tax short-term rentals will provide another $5 million in ongoing annual revenues beginning in 2019.

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Airbnb Revenues to Support Equitable Development

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OPCD’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) has a new funding stream to support community-driven projects and organizations: the short-term rental tax. When the new program to govern Airbnb and VRBO rentals in Seattle is up and running in 2019, an estimated $5 million per year will be available as an ongoing source of funding for EDI.

“EDI will now have the sustained revenues for community driven projects which advance economic and racial equity objectives by supporting capacity building, place-based project development, and entrepreneurship in communities facing high risk of displacement and low access to opportunity,” said Sam Assefa, director of OPCD. “EDI helps ensure that vulnerable residents can benefit from growth, rather than being displaced by it. In the years ahead, we look forward to constructive partnerships with grassroots organizations all across Seattle.”

The Seattle City Council approved a nightly tax on short-term rentals to respond to rising rents caused by the conversion of long-term apartment rentals, while still providing Seattle residents the flexibility to earn additional income by renting out their homes. After costs needed to collect the tax, all remaining proceeds will be used to support EDI and the City’s affordable housing programs. Seattle Finance and Administrative Services will administer the tax.

The City announced Round 1 funding decisions in September 2017 to three community-based organizations for projects intended to reduce disparities and achieve equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities. Applications for Round 2 of EDI funding are expected to be released by the end of the year.

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OPCD 2018 Proposed Budget Statement

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This week, Mayor Tim Burgess introduced his 2018 Proposed Budget in an address to the Seattle City Council. Now the Council will begin its process to review the budget, including public hearings and amendments, with final approval scheduled for November.

For the Office of Planning and Community Development, there are no major changes to our budget and mission. We will continue to lead collaborative planning, advance equitable development and create great places. We look forward to building on recent accomplishments, including the implementation of the Mandatory Housing Affordability program, the launch of the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) program, support for equity and excellence in the design of public spaces and facilities, and development of new public open space through our Outside Citywide initiative.

The proposed budget includes additional resources to build on our existing work:

  • Industrial Lands Environmental Impact Study: $50,000 to support the City’s Industrial Lands Advisory Panel recommendations to develop a new land use concept and comprehensive plan language for industrial areas, including an environmental impact statement.
  • Duwamish Community Capacity Building: $75,000 for capacity building related to the South Park Neighborhood Center (SPNC). The City is exploring the potential to transfer this City-owned property to a community organization.

For more information about Mayor Burgess’ proposed budget, visit http://www.seattle.gov/financedepartment/.

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Equitable Development Initiative awards first round of funding

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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:

[Read more…]

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Equitable Development Initiative Update

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Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) has received its first round grant applications for projects identified in the Equitable Development Implementation Plan and the Financial Investment Strategy. Last year, Mayor Murray announced a $16 million fund that will support community-driven projects in Seattle’s neighborhoods where communities of color are at highest risk of displacement. The first round focuses on projects in the Central Area, Chinatown/International District, and Southeast Seattle.

We’ll announce our grant recipients later this summer and provide more information about the second round of funding that should start in the fall. We are also in the process of hiring additional staff to join the EDI team in addition to our SYEP summer interns.

For more information, visit our EDI website.

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Loss of federal block grant would harm Seattle Equitable Development Initiative

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The proposed elimination of the Community Development Block Grant in the Trump Administration’s 2018 federal budget would harm Seattle’s effort to reduce the risk of residential, economic and cultural displacement across the city.

We have just launched our new Equitable Development Initiative to reduce the risk of displacement of current residents and to support access to economic opportunity in historically disadvantaged communities. The initiative will support community-based organizations, initially with capacity building and concept development, and eventually with capital investments to support new jobs, housing, and preservation of cultural institutions.

The City of Seattle has committed $16 million in local resources for this effort. Beginning in 2018, we are expecting to augment those funds with $430,000 of federal Community Development Block Grant funding annually on an ongoing basis. The loss of these federal funds would significantly limit the reach of the initiative and prevent significant ongoing actions to respond to economic and cultural displacement pressures in the Central Area, Rainier Beach, Chinatown-International District, and other at-risk neighborhoods throughout the city.

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OPCD Charts Path for Equitable Development Initiative

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The City of Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) is a set of strategies to address equity in our underserved communities and displacement as Seattle grows. Various EDI strategies will support the City’s efforts to:

  • Advance economic mobility and opportunity
  • Prevent residential, commercial and cultural displacement
  • Build on local cultural assets
  • Promote transportation mobility and connectivity
  • Develop healthy and safe neighborhoods

To support these goals, Mayor Ed Murray announced last October that the City will dedicate $16 million to establish a new EDI Fund. Several City departments are coordinating to support EDI communities and projects.

In November, Ubax Gardheere joined OPCD to manage the initiative. Ubax comes to us from Puget Sound Sage, and she brings experience in both policy development and community organizing around a diversity of issues.

Expect to hear more about the EDI Fund and decision-making processes soon.

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