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Seattle Receives $600,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Continue Community-Led Health, Equity, and Climate Change Adaptation Work in the Duwamish Valley

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Funding will support the creation of a Resilience District focused on community and climate resilience

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has awarded the City of Seattle a $600,000 grant to work with community partners in the Duwamish Valley on a strategy that will improve health, increase community resilience, and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. This work will specifically deliver on key actions identified in the City-community shared Duwamish Valley Action Plan that was released in 2018.

“This award is a remarkable testament to the excellent foundation of trust and creative solutions the City’s interdisciplinary Duwamish Valley Program and community partners have built over the past few years,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. “We have seen that COVID-19 has magnified health and economic disparities, especially for communities of color. As we address the COVID-19 crisis and begin to recover, we must build a more equitable and resilient city. Through this collaboration, we can help advance a new model of how to address health, equity, and climate change for our residents and businesses.” 

Funding from RWJF will support the City with developing a Resilience District—a geographic strategy, inspired by global models, focused on adapting to flood risk and other climate change impacts as a key first step towards adapting to a changing climate, while taking a comprehensive approach that fosters community resilience. Specifically, the award will fund detailed scenario planning for a sea level rise adaptation strategy, research of financial models and equitable investment mechanisms, capacity building and partnership development across government institutions and community stakeholders, extensive communication and inclusive engagement, and implementation of “proof of concept” projects. More importantly, the approach will center the participation and decision-making of Duwamish Valley residents and businesses, embed a racial equity approach in each aspect of the project, and identify sustainable funding sources and investment mechanisms that will help prevent the displacement of impacted communities and foster health and equity.

The project team reviewed successful models of community resilience and scenario planning from across the world. Specifically, the team drew inspiration and lessons from successful projects in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. These projects offer guidance and strategies for sustainable funding mechanisms, tools for equitable distribution of benefits, community and cross-sector collaboration in creating a special planning district, and participatory decision-making in scenario planning—notably in communities that are vulnerable to earthquakes and flooding.

“We join our partners in the City of Seattle to celebrate this great news,” said Paulina López, Executive Director of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition. “For many years, we have worked together to address health disparities and racial inequities in the Duwamish Valley, centering the voice of community in decision-making, planning, and implementation of projects and investments—on issues that directly impact us. The work of this grant will also offer opportunities for equitable investments that will improve health outcomes and advance anti-displacement strategies, flooding prevention, and adaptation to a changing climate. I am really grateful for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s award and commitment to greatly improve living conditions in our community and for their support to ensure this work becomes a model for others to replicate in Seattle, in the U.S., and around the world.” 

The Office of Sustainability & Environment and the Office of Planning & Community Development lead Seattle’s Duwamish Valley Program, a multi-departmental effort to advance environmental justice and equitable development. The interdisciplinary team of 18 City departments is responsible for the ongoing implementation of the Duwamish Valley Action Plan, including the execution of this grant project. Seattle Public Utilities will also be taking on a leadership role in ensuring the success of the project.

“Since 2018, Seattle Public Utilities has been working with community partners to plan and design drainage and water management infrastructure to help alleviate stormwater-related flooding in South Park and Georgetown,” said Mami Hara, General Manager, Seattle Public Utilities. “However, as sea level rises, we will be challenged by overtopping of the Duwamish River, which will require additional mitigation. We are incredibly grateful for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s support because it will allow us to lead with addressing needs and aspirations of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Seattle’s lowest lying lands to begin long-term planning to adapt to sea level rise and other projected impacts from a changing climate.”

“Advancing equitable development and environmental equity in South Park and Georgetown has been a priority for the City of Seattle for years,” said Sam Assefa, Director of the Office of Planning & Community Development. “The Foundation’s support will allow us to expand this work by coordinating with industrial stakeholders working on the Seattle’s Maritime & Industrial Strategy. We are looking forward to helping our residential and industrial stakeholders stay and thrive in place despite projected climate change impacts.”

This project is part of a $3 million initiative from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to bring the most impactful ideas from across the globe to U.S. cities to address the intertwined issues of health, equity, and climate change. Through six projects funded through this initiative, RWJF is fostering learning and stimulating action in U.S. cities around smart, effective approaches from abroad that mitigate the unequal health risks posed by climate change.

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Mayor Durkan announces $1.77 million to 36 organizations from Equitable Development Initiative Fund for COVID Response

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Just days after announcing $5.65 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) to community organizations for projects and programs that respond to displacement pressures, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today awarded an additional $1.77 million to groups that are supporting communities of color and small businesses responding to the devastating economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

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. Mayor Durkan proposed a sustained funding source for the program in 2019. 

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 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. 

This year, the City is also awarding funds for COVID-19 relief and response to organizations working in communities of color to respond to the global pandemic and resulting economic disaster. The following 36 organizations are receiving one-time awards of up to $50,000 to support community-based responses to the current public health emergency:

ORGANIZATIONS FUNDED​SERVICES PROVIDED​
ACED​Artist Income Supports​
AlefBa Group​Community Center Feasibility​
Backpack Academy​Youth STEM Education​
Beacon Hill Council​Site Feasibility​
Black Star Farmers​Environmental Justice​
Central Area Collaborative​Job Training/Apprenticeship​
Chinese Information Service Center​Anti-Hate Crime Support​
Cultivate South Park​Community Organizing​
Denkyem Coop​Financing for Entrepreneurs​
Dominican Association of WA​Small Business Supports​
Equity Alliance of Washington​Affordable Commercial Space​
Eritrean Association of Greater Seattle​Youth Leadership Development​
Freedom Project​Re-Entry Covid-19 Support​
Garfield Superblock​Site Feasibility​
Gathering Roots​Health and Wellness Programs​
Horn of Africa​Childcare Infrastructure​
I Do This For You​Senior Meals​
Khmer Community of Seattle/King County​Community Center Feasibility​
KVRU​Civic Infrastructure​
Kwanzaa Preparatory Academy​Digital Literacy​
Langston Center​Artist Income Supports​
Muslim Housing Services​Housing Supports​
Nehemiah Initiative​Site Feasibility​
Nurturing Roots​Environmental Justice and Site Feasibility​
Paradise Avenue Souf​Youth Leadership and Artist Support​
Rainier Avenue Radio​Civic Infrastructure and Site Feasibility​
Rainier Valley Food Bank​Food Access​
Real Time Human Services​Varied Social Services​
Rooted ReEntry Collective​Re-Entry Covid-19 Support​
S2​Networked Support System​
Somali Health Board​Site Feasibility​
Tenant’s Union​Eviction Response and Tenant Organizing​
Tiny Art House Community​Artist Supports​
Union Cultural Center​Health and Wellness​
Urban Impact​Financing for Business​
Wa Na Wari​Site Feasibility and Artists Support​

The previously announced $5.65 million in EDI awards to community-based organizations responding to displacement pressures was for site acquisition, major capital projects, and organizational capacity building.

The Office of Planning and Community Development is currently seeking representatives for a new permanent EDI Advisory Board grounded in community to provide ongoing guidance for the initiative and provide input on future funding decisions. Applications are currently being accepted through Nov. 30, 2020. An interim board provided recommendations on the awards announced today.

Since November 2016, 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. Successful applicants must 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. 

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Mayor Durkan Announces $5.65 Million to Community Organizations Through the Equitable Development Initiative

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EDI organizations have secured more than $105 million in City-funded dollars since 2017 – Mayor signs property transfer to community ownership for Central Area Senior Center, 99-year lease for Fire Station 6

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced nearly $6 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), part of the City’s effort to support Seattle’s existing residents and businesses in high displacement risk neighborhoods. The City awarded $4.4 million to community organizations for site acquisition and major capital projects and another $1.25 million is intended to provide capacity-building support to existing EDI partners providing services during the current pandemic and economic crisis. The awards to organizations led by and serving people of color will be used for organizational capacity building, property acquisition, and capital expenses. In addition to the $36 million in EDI funds awarded, these community-based organizations leveraged that amount to more than $105 million in City-funded dollars since 2017. 

“To tackle the challenges of displacement, our City is investing in community-based organizations who are leading the way to empower and strengthen underserved communities and create economic vitality. The Economic Development Initiative has a strong record of creating the newest homes for our City’s residents, non-profits, and local small businesses through leveraging other city programs,“ said Mayor Durkan. “One of my most important priorities in this budget was to transform how the City invests in communities of color by centering the experiences of Black and Indigenous communities. Even in this difficult year, my budget set aside historic resources to meet the challenges of this moment and move us toward being the city we want to be when we come out of this crisis: stronger, more just, and more equitable.” 

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. Mayor Durkan proposed a sustained funding source for the program in 2019. 

“By hosting this important event we honor the priorities of our community members and the hard work they are doing to create the kinds of neighborhoods they want,” said Councilmember Tammy Morales, District 2. “In this environment especially, when Seattle is working on anti-displacement strategies and responding to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the nearly $6 million being awarded today will launch the kind of changes sought by organizations led by and for Black and Brown communities in neighborhoods like mine that are at high risk of displacement. I am proud of all the recipients today. I am especially grateful for the work of the Rainier Valley Midwives providing culturally relevant, holistic pregnancy care to a community with high infant mortality rates. Our community deserves medical care that centers their life experiences and celebrates their humanity. I’m excited that the Central Area Senior Center finally has control of their building so they can make the facility and grounds improvements they’ve been planning for so long. And I’m especially thrilled that a worn out building can be repurposed to make way for the development of the Food Innovation Center, which will create a healthy food industry in Rainier Beach, create job opportunities, and serve as a catalyst in a neighborhood that needs it most.” 

“We are so grateful to receive $1 million from the Equitable Development Initiative,” said Tara Lawal of Rainier Valley Midwives. “It is giving us the momentum to build a community Birth Center of our dreams. Thank you for believing in us and supporting our vision to provide equitable healthcare in South Seattle.” 

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 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. 

An interim board of community members provided recommendations to the City on the funding decisions announced today. The City is seeking representatives for a new permanent EDI Advisory Board grounded in community to provide ongoing guidance for the initiative and provide input on future funding decisions. Applications are currently being accepted through Nov. 30, 2020.   

“When community members advocated for the creation of EDI, it was with the intention of creating collaboration between community-initiated projects and the City to respond to historical injustices and increase community-ownership,” said Ubax Gardheere, EDI division manager. “The transfer of these properties and EDI investments are all important contributions towards creating a more equitable City.” 

Along with today’s award announcement, Mayor Durkan signed her ordinances, approved unanimously be the Seattle City Council, that transfers City property to Black-led community organizations in the Central District. The two ordinances permanently transfer the Central Area Senior Center (CASC) to community ownership and establish a 99-year lease with Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) for Fire Station 6, an EDI award recipient. These property transfers build on the September transfer to Byrd Barr Place, another Black-led advocacy organization. 

“In recent months, the City has proposed and passed the transfer of Black-led organizations including Byrd Barr Place, the Central Area Senior Center, and Fire Station 6 back to community. In recent weeks, the Sound Transit Board moved forward on transferring ten surplus properties in Rainier Valley to the City of Seattle at no cost, for 150 new affordable homes. Our City must make real on the promise of bold investments in the Black community and increasing community ownership of land. These places and organizations will uplift and support the Black community for decades to come,” concluded Mayor Durkan.  

Fire Station 6 will be the future home of the William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation (WGC), where ACLT will provide small business assistance, skills training and celebrate Black/African American culture and history in the Central Area. The City has committed $1 million from the EDI fund for tenant improvements to Fire Station 6. As a valued community partner, Africatown Community Land Trust has received $15.5 million in city funding, since 2017.  

“The proposed lease and reuse of Fire Station 6 as the WGC would directly carry and contribute to the EDI Wealth Building strategies and the accompanying EDI are critical to showing us a path forward, that our communities have solutions and that a more equitable Seattle is possible,” said Wyking Garrett, president and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust. 

CASC has served Central Area seniors since 1972, when it was founded as a nonprofit volunteer-supported organization. In 1975, the City purchased a facility in the Central Area where CASC continues to provide health and wellness, counseling, transportation, and meal services.  

“CASC is ready, and eager to accept the transfer of the property to the community. The gentrification of the Central District and the movement of Black people out of Seattle has been quite evident within the City limits. However, there remains a core of institutions that Black people and those who are now seniors, travel far and wide to reach. CASC is one of these locations.  It is a place of historical importance,” said Dian Ferguson, Executive Director of CASC. “We applaud Mayor Durkan for setting the stage for the transfer of this property to its rightful 50-year community-based partner. It advances a collective mission to move from business as usual to achieving real outcomes focused on equity with no strings attached to the seniors of our community and its African American founders.” 

The following community-based organizations currently working with EDI on anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities will receive awards from the $4.4 million for site acquisition and major capital projects in 2020: 

Africatown Midtown Plaza — $640,000  

Africatown will create between 5,000 and 8000 sq ft of affordable commercial space for Black-owned businesses in Midtown Plaza. The project also includes 130 affordable homes and art that reflects the African-American heritage of the neighborhood. 

Byrd Barr Place — $500,000 
Byrd Barr Place has been operating out of the City’s surplus Fire Station 23. The City transferred ownership of the property to the organization in September and the additional funds will support improvements to the building. Completion of this project would renovate the 100+ year old building to meet contemporary ADA and environmental standards, allowing BBP to expand the services it provides. 

Chief Seattle Club — $500,000 
The Chief Seattle Club is renovating the Monterey Lofts above their current facility and adjacent to the site of their new facility. It is designed to support the physical, cultural, and spiritual needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native community, with indigenous designs, 80 affordable homes, services, health clinic, and a café/art gallery space in Pioneer Square. 

Ethiopian Community in Seattle —$750,000 

The Ethiopian Community in Seattle is redeveloping its existing community center to include 100 affordable homes, childcare, and commercial space.  The awarded funds will be used to to finance construction expected to break ground next year.  

Multicultural Community Coalition — $842,000  

The Multicultural Community Coalition (MCC) will anchor several community organizations serving Seattle’s growing immigrant, refugee and people of color communities by creating a community-owned and operated co-working space and an essential Cultural Innovation Center (CIC). The CIC is envisioned as a vital heritage and cultural arts venue which will house year-round, cultural events and activities as well as serving as a Creative Economy space in which artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative small businesses will produce and distribute cultural goods and services that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life.

Rainier Valley Midwives — $1 million 
Rainier Valley Midwives has been operating out of a temporary location in the Rainier Valley Community Clinic that is becoming untenable due to escalating rents. The organization is working to acquire and build a permanent Birth Center in the Rainier Valley that will provide wrap-around services before, during, and after the birth process to people of color. 

Wing Luke Museum — $168,000 
The Wing is seeking to preserve the Homestead Home one block south of the Museum and to activate and develop its adjacent parking lot. This home is the most intact remaining single-family home in the Chinatown-International District, constructed in 1937 despite the Chinese Exclusion Act and discriminatory barriers to single family homes in the neighborhood. On the lot, the Wing intends to build 60 affordable apartments above a street-level community gathering space. 

The following existing EDI partners will receive new capacity-building awards of up to $75,000 in 2020: Black & Tan Hall, Byrd Barr Place, Central Area Youth Association, Cham Refugees Communities, Chief Seattle Club, Duwamish Tribal Services, Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition, Lake City Collective, Friends of Little Saigon, Queer the Land,  Rainier Valley Midwives, Rainier Beach Action Coalition, HomeSight, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Urban Black LLC, West African Community Council, and Wing Luke Museum. 

Additional awards to new EDI partners will be announced later this fall, including organizations that are supporting communities of color and small businesses responding to the devastating economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

Since November 2016, 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. 

Projects were 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. 

Successful applicants demonstrated 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. 

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Mayor Durkan Applauds City Council’s Vote to Transfer the Central Area Senior Center and Fire Station 6 to Black-led Community Organizations

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Mayor Jenny A. Durkan applauded the City Council’s unanimous passage of her proposed legislation to permanently transfer the Central Area Senior Center (CASC) to community ownership and establish a 99-year lease with Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) for Fire Station 6, two Black-led community organizations in the Central District. These property transfers build on the September transfer to Byrd Barr Place, another Black-led advocacy organization, and the first organization to complete the property transfer under the community requested criteria.  

“We must continue to act with urgency to increase opportunities for our communities that have been historically held back, and working with community in recent years, we have been able to transfer  properties in the Central District and Rainer Beach back to community. The Central Area Senior Center and Africatown will continue to provide much-needed services for the Black community,” said Mayor Durkan. “Building on the City’s work to transfer properties, stop displacement, and build more affordable housing, the Equitable Communities Initiative will provide $100 million in investments into communities impacted by systemic racism to promote true economic opportunity and equity across our City.” 

Community leaders came to the City asking for a consistent transfer criterion for Mutual and Offsetting Benefit properties, where non-profit organizations lease or transfer City-owned properties due to the benefit of the services provided. Born from that request was the development and implementation of a consistent mutual and offsetting benefits transfer process.  

“Mayor Durkan’s transmittal of legislation to the Seattle City Council for the permanent transfer of the Central Area Senior Center property back to the community and the Council’s vote affirming this transfer, ensures the vision of its African American founders and community partners keeping their promise to be good stewards to seniors and the community,” said Dian Ferguson, Director of Central Area Senior Center. “Collectively we celebrate our vision coming to fruition.” 

“We’re excited to bring this important space back into service for the community. The William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation & Enterprise will provide space for cultivating the genius and connecting our community’s legacy of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship with the economic opportunities and growth that is happening in the region as a part of the global economy,” Said K. Wyking Garrett, President & CEO, Africatown Community Land Trust. “This is a testament to the resilience of so many community members that have contributed over the last eight years and we look forward to working with the city and many more partners to remove systemic barriers and build the solutions we need for an equitable Seattle. This is a step towards a better future.” 

The Central Area Senior Center (CASC) and Fire Station 6 are in the heart of the Central District (CD), a community that has endured rampant displacement. In 1990 the CD had close to 60 percent black residents, today that number is closer to 25 percent. CASC has been a recreational home to Seattle’s African American elders, providing a social atmosphere that includes exercise programs, computer classes, recreational trips and more. Since 1975, the City has owned the Central building where CASC has called home. Fire Station 6 will be the future home of Africatown’s William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation, and will serve the community with small business assistance and skills training while celebrating the Black culture and history in the Central Area. 

Byrd Barr Place and Africatown’s William Grose Center were each selected as part of the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) receiving $1 million to upgrade facilities while on the path to ownership. The full list of EDI funding awardees is listed below. The EDI program was developed to fund capacity building and capital investments for community-based organizations working to address displacement pressures and supporting community health and vitality, and Mayor Durkan has proposed ongoing funding for this program. Since 2016, in total, $31 million has been provided to community organizations. In the coming weeks, the next $5.8 million in awards will be announced as part of 2020 awards.  

EDI currently partners with 25 organizations:  

·        African Women Business Alliance   

·        Black and Tan Hall   

·        Byrd Barr Place   

·        Central Area Youth Association (CAYA) Community Center   

·        Cham Refugee Communities   

·        Chief Seattle Club   

·        Daybreak Star Center   

·        Duwamish Longhouse  

·        Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition   

·        Ethiopian Community in Seattle   

·        Filipino Community of Seattle Innovation Learning Center   

·        Wing Luke Museum Homestead Home  

·        Hope Academy   

·        Lake City Collective  

·        Little Saigon Landmark Project   

·        Midtown Center Africatown   

·        Multicultural Community Center   

·        Opportunity Center @ Othello Square  

·        Queer the Land    

·        Rainier Beach Food Innovation District  

·        Rainier Valley Midwives Birth Center  

·        Refugee and Immigrant Family Center  

·        Urban Black  

·        West African Community Center   

·        William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation Africatown   

Last month, Mayor Durkan launched the Equitable Communities Initiative (ECI), to invest $100 million into Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities as part of the 2021 budget to address inequities caused by systemic racism and institutionalized oppression. This new investment, augments the City’s race and social equity investments that are ongoing.  

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Ahead of $100 million Investment in 2021 Budget for BIPOC Communities, Mayor Durkan Transmits Legislation to Transfer Fire Station 6 and Central Area Senior Center to Community

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Displacement risk monitoring data will guide future community wealth building efforts

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan transmitted legislation to the Seattle City Council to establish a 99-year lease with Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) for Fire Station 6 and to permanently transfer the Central Area Senior Center (CASC) to community ownership. Earlier this week, the City Council approved the transfer of ownership of the former Fire Station 23 to Byrd Barr Place, a Central Area community service organization that provides energy assistance, affordable housing, access to nutrition and financial counseling.   

“Building on the successful transfer of Byrd Barr Place, we are taking another step forward to transfer city properties to Black-led organizations that are playing an essential role in uplifting, supporting and advocating for the Black community. Our legislation will allow the Central Area Senior Center and Africatown Community Land Trust to provide resources in the Central District for decades to come. The community asked for a clear and consistent standard for transferring properties to our community organizations, which can be a model for years to come,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our City must make real on the promise of bold investments in the Black community and increasing community ownership of land. As part of my 2021 budget, I will invest $100 million into Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities to address the harm caused by centuries of systemic racism and make long overdue investments in education, housing, young people, and wealth building.”    

Fire Station 6 will be the future home of the William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation, where ACLT will provide small business assistance, skills training and celebrate Black/African American culture and history in the Central Area. The project is one of five original Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) demonstration projects identified in 2016 intended to reduce displacement of Seattle’s communities of color. The City has committed $1 million from the EDI fund for tenant improvements to Fire Station 6. The long-term lease allows ACLT to take possession of the building and begin the remodel, while the established process for permanent transfer of the property ownership to ACLT continues.   

“This is a positive step towards realizing the vision for the William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation that so many community members have contributed to over the last eight years. We have a lot of work to do to address the income and wealth gaps and make sure our community can thrive in the future of Seattle,” said K. Wyking Garrett, President & CEO, Africatown Community Land Trust. “Creating pathways to the creative and innovation economy by cultivating and connecting the genius and entrepreneurial spirit in our community to resources and opportunity is key. We look forward to working with the city and many partners to remove systemic barriers and build the solutions we need for an equitable Seattle.”  

CASC has served Central Area seniors since 1972, when it was founded as a nonprofit volunteer-supported organization. In 1975, the City purchased a facility in the Central Area where CASC continues to provide health and wellness, counseling, transportation, and meal services. The Mayor is transmitting legislation to the City Council to transfer ownership of the property to CASC.   

“CASC represents 50 years of the Black experience in Seattle and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equity in the service to seniors.  We salute the Mayor and her team for hearing and listening to our desire to own the facility and to continue in service to seniors and the community,” said Dian Ferguson, Director, Central Area Senior Center.     

This week, OPCD launched an Equitable Development monitoring program that includes a new  

Displacement Risk Indicators dashboard and Community Indicators of Equitable Development report. The City will be tracking areas where displacement risk for communities of color continues to rise, as well as monitoring housing affordability, economic opportunity, and other metrics. This ongoing program will provide data to City leaders and the public to help guide decisions to advance equitable development and mitigate displacement risk.  

To center the voices of community in future decision making, this month the City established a new permanent EDI Advisory Board to work with the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), Office of Economic Development, Office of Housing , Department of Neighborhoods, and other City departments to provide feedback on funding decisions aimed at combatting residential, cultural and economic displacement of BIPOC communities. In August, the City announced availability of the $5.8 million EDI fund, for organizations led by and serving people of color in high displacement risk neighborhoods. In addition to their efforts to combat displacement, projects will be evaluated for how they are supporting communities of color and small businesses to respond to the devastating economic dislocation caused by our current public health emergency. 

EDI currently partners with 25 organizations: 

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$5.8 Million Available from Equitable Development Initiative Fund

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Community-based organizations working in Seattle on anti-displacement strategies and responding to the economic impacts of COVID-19 are encouraged to apply to the City of Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) fund by Sept. 23, 2020.

For the 2020 EDI funding round, a total of $5.8 million will be available to organizations led by and serving people of color in high displacement risk neighborhoods. The funds will be used for organizational capacity building, property acquisition, and capital expenses.

New for this year, projects that apply for EDI funding will also be evaluated for how they are supporting communities of color and small businesses respond to the devastating economic dislocation caused by our current public health emergency.

Funding will be allocated to both existing EDI projects as well as new organizations within the following allocations:

  • $3.665 million for multi-year capacity-building support for existing projects to maintain levels of support and time-sensitive capital requests
  • $1.75 million to invest in new partnerships meeting the 2020 RFP criteria
  • $250,000 to partner with the Office of Sustainability and Environment’s Environmental Justice Fund
  • $225,000 will support communities, artists and creatives facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic insecurity and other inequities through mini grants distributed by Seattle Together, a collaboration between City Departments and community working to build a future for Seattle where BIPOC communities feel connected, rooted, recognized, prosperous, and safe.

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.

“COVID has disproportionately impacted our low-income Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Seattle, adding more pressure on those struggling against systemic racism and long-term disinvestment,” 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 continue to support community-initiated projects because they serve those most at risk of displacement and support community wealth building and empowerment that benefits Black people and other people of color in our city.”

As in years past, 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.
  • Priority will be given to proposals that build on existing community assets, leadership, and experiences and those that directly connect to liberation movements that actively seek to dismantle systemic and institutional racism

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 are intended to complement existing funding sources and address resource gaps identified by the communities most in need. Engagement with partner organizations will involve a multi-year process of building their capacity, developing a project, and overseeing implementation and reporting.

OPCD strongly encourages pre-application meetings and will accept requests for meetings until Sept. 17. Applications are due Sept. 23. Final contracts with successful applicants are expected to be completed by  December 2021. Please visit the EDI website to sign up for webinars related to the funding if you have questions about the application process.

EDI currently partners with 25 organizations:

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City of Seattle Provides $2.1 Million to Rainier Beach Action Coalition to Purchase Land for Food Innovation Center

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This investment is the latest step in a broader City effort to invest in BIPOC Communities

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced that the City will provide $2.1 million to buy land for the future home of the Food Innovation Center in Rainier Beach, a project of the not-for-profit community organization Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC). Funding was made available through Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI).

RBAC is a Black-led community organization that is actively seeking to address racialized economic disparity in a neighborhood where communities of color experience a high risk of residential and cultural displacement. With this funding, RBAC will proceed with closing on a site adjacent to the Rainier Beach light rail station.

“The best ideas come from community, and Rainier Beach Action Coalition is leading on bringing this much-needed and valuable resource to the community to address food insecurity,” said Mayor Durkan. “Rainier Beach for far too long has had to endure the negative impact of the displacement of families and businesses. Making these types of investments are critical to creating a just City with true opportunity for all of Seattle’s residents.”

RBAC’s Food Innovation Center is intended to create jobs and build on the many food cultures of Rainier Beach. The Center will support economic opportunity through new small food businesses, as well as education and workforce development for Seattle residents. The concept includes classrooms and teaching kitchens, an entrepreneurship center, a marketplace, food production facility, and community services. Plans for the site also include critically needed affordable housing.

“We’re excited that the City is taking this important step to the implementation of the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan and the long-standing (10 years) community vision for the Rainier Beach Food Innovation District. Securing the site for the Food Innovation Center will be a launching pad for so many communities in Rainier Beach to build on their unique food cultures and bring economic growth to the neighborhood,” Gregory Davis, RBAC Managing Strategist. “Investing in community-based organizations to secure ownership of land is critically important for mitigating the impact displacement has on disproportionally impacted BIPOC communities, this is building on the local cultural assets, and setting a new community control of land and development model.”

EDI funding for RBAC was allocated from the sale of the underutilized City-owned Mercer Street properties that was finalized in 2019. This year, approximately $15 million will be used to further support community-based organizations that are led by and serve people of color in the purchase property or to build new community assets.

The Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) was established in 2016 to provide investments in neighborhoods that support those most impacted by displacement and low access to opportunity.  The program’s objectives include the advancement of economic opportunity and wealth-building strategies, preventing displacement, and building on local cultural assets. EDI is coordinated by the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and guided by an external community advisory board representing impacted communities.

“We’re pleased that these Mercer St. revenues will be reinvested in ownership of land by a Black-run community organization,” said Sam Assefa, director of OPCD. “Not only are we hoping to support new small businesses in Rainier Beach, we’re celebrating the many food cultures of the neighborhood and preventing the displacement of cultural communities that call Rainier Beach home, including many immigrants.”

EDI provides grants to organizations for site acquisition, capacity building and other capital needs, and provides technical assistance to community-based organizations. To date, EDI has invested $25.5 million in 25 projects through an annual competitive grant process with some projects having received multiple rounds of funding, including:

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Mayor Durkan Announces $5 million to Community Organizations Through the Equitable Development Initiative

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Mayor’s “Housing Seattle Now” Establishes New $15 million EDI Revolving Loan Program

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced $5 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), part of the City’s effort to support Seattle’s existing residents and businesses in high displacement risk neighborhoods. Mayor Durkan announced the awards in Pioneer Square at the Chief Seattle Club, a human service agency that provides for the basic needs of their members, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is a recipient of this year’s funding.

“Seattle’s challenges of affordability have displaced far too many residents and businesses,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our vision is of a city where all communities can build a home for themselves and their loved ones. Through our Equitable Development Initiative, the City of Seattle is making critical investments in community-based organizations that are working to combat displacement and increase access to opportunity in neighborhoods across our city.”

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.

“All Seattle residents must have access to a positive future,” said Sam Assefa, Director of OPCD. “EDI takes its lead from the community leaders and organizations that best understand the realities of today’s displacement pressures. We’re proud to fund these grassroots initiatives that build resiliency and community ownership, and most importantly support racial justice.”

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 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.

“Thank you, Mayor Durkan for recognizing the importance of investing in community-grown, culturally-based organizations. The EDI program continues to empower and strengthen underrepresented communities by investing in organic, locally-grown programs across Seattle,” said Colleen Echohawk, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club. “Chief Seattle Club’s vision of affordable homes that support the needs of the American Indian and Alaskan Native community is further reinforced with this investment through the EDI program.”

As part of her Housing Seattle Now plan, Mayor Durkan is proposing to establish a new $15 million EDI revolving loan program funded from the proceeds of the sale of the surplus, city-owned Mercer St. properties. The new revolving loan program will provide funding to support additional land acquisition by community organizations in response to displacement pressures.

The following community-based organizations working in Seattle on anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities have been selected for funding in 2019:

Chief Seattle Club — $1 million
The Chief Seattle Club is seeking to purchase and renovate the Monterey Lofts above their current facility and adjacent to the site of their new facility. The project is designed to support the physical, cultural, and spiritual needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native community, with indigenous designs, affordable housing units, services, health clinic, and a café/art gallery space in Pioneer Square.

Byrd Barr Place — $1 million
Byrd Barr Place has been operating out of the City’s surplus Fire Station 23. The City is working to transfer ownership of the property to the organization and the EDI application will support improvements to the building. Completion of this project would renovate the 100+ year old building to meet contemporary ADA and environmental standards, allowing BBP to expand the services it provides.

Cham Refugees Community — $575,000
Cham Refugees Community is seeking to build an upgraded, 12,000 square foot community center at their existing location. They have a need for a sharia-compliant facility, as most of the other existing or proposed community centers will not meet that specific need. The facility will expand their programming while increasing the usability for youth, the elderly, and disabled members of the community.

Duwamish Longhouse — $575,000
The Duwamish Tribe is proposing to purchase property adjacent to the existing Longhouse to support the continued viability of the cultural space. The expansion will help visitors safely access the Longhouse.

Friends of Little Saigon — $225,000
Friends of Little Saigon are seeking to implement the Landmark Project at 1221 S King St, currently owned by Lam’s Seafood Market. Lam’s is seeking to redevelop the site and would remain as the anchor tenant. These funds will support staffing and feasibility studies, including developing a co-ownership and co-development structure with Lam’s.

Lake City Collective — $75,000
Lake City Collective uses a community ambassador model to preserve cultural heritage and increase the ability for local communities to become self-determining. They have been organizing community members to tackle the displacement challenges in the area and are starting to identify potential community development projects. LCC seeks to establish a location in Seattle’s Little Brook neighborhood that would allow them to expand services and establish partnerships that would preserve existing affordable housing sites in the neighborhood.

Queer the Land — $75,000
Queer the Land will use this funding to build its organization as it pursues its goal to create a cooperative of queer, transgender, and Two-Spirit Black/indigenous/people of color. The group seeks to establish a facility with affordable transitional and semi-permanent housing, co-working space, communal space, and a community garden.

Rainier Beach Action Coalition — $575,000
The Food Innovation District concept was developed as part of the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan in 2012. RBAC has worked with Forterra to secure property in the Rainier Beach station area; these funds will support predevelopment expenses. The Food Innovation Center will be a multi-purpose facility with a commercial kitchen, food production and training space, and areas to provide supportive services and education. RBAC is pursuing a joint venture with Mt Baker Housing Association, which will develop affordable housing on the site.

Rainier Valley Midwives — $214,700
Rainier Valley Midwives has been operating out of a temporary location in the Rainier Valley Community Clinic that is becoming untenable due to escalating rents. The organization is working to acquire and build a permanent Birth Center in the Rainier Valley that will provide wrap-around services before, during, and after the birth process to people of color.

Wing Luke Museum — $725,000
The Wing is seeking to preserve the Homestead Home one block south of the Museum and to activate its develop its adjacent parking lot. This home is the most intact remaining single-family home in the Chinatown-International District, constructed in 1937 despite the Chinese Exclusion Act and discriminatory barriers to single family homes in the neighborhood. On the lot, the Wing intends to build 60 affordable apartments above a street-level community gathering space.

Since November 2016, 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 been coordinating the administration of the EDI Fund.

The EDI Fund was established with $16 million in one-time funding from the sale of a property. As part of her 2019 budget, Mayor Durkan established consistent funding using a tax on short-term rentals that provides $5 million in ongoing annual revenues. The fund also receives $430,000 in annual funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant.

An Advisory Board helps guide the EDI and to provide feedback and approval of the criteria and decision-making processes for the fund. The board provided recommendations to the City on the funding decisions announced today.

Projects were 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.

Successful applicants demonstrated 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.

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Mayor Jenny Durkan Announces Plan for Transformational Investments in Housing, Jobs, Public Spaces, and Transportation Projects through Agreement to Sell Underutilized City-Owned Properties on Mercer Street

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Nearly $300 Million in Public Benefits from Agreement with Buyer Would Include 175 Affordable Homes on Site, Family-Wage Jobs on Site, New 30,000 Square-Foot Community Center on Site

Standing with community members in the heart of South Lake Union, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced her plan for transformational investments in housing, homelessness, family-wage jobs, a new community center, and transportation safety through the sale of underutilized City-owned properties along Mercer Street.

Under the agreement for the proposed sale of the properties, Seattle taxpayers would receive nearly $300 million in public benefits, including: 175 affordable homes on site; $5 million to combat homelessness; a new, 30,000 square-foot community center on site operated by Seattle Parks & Recreation; $78 million of the proceeds will invest in housing in communities across Seattle; and $16.7 million of the proceeds will support new and planned transportation projects to improve safety and increase options for getting around Seattle.

“This is a generational opportunity for Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan. “Cities our size rarely get the chance to take an underused property we own and make bold investments to create jobs, create more affordable and mixed income housing throughout the city, and build more safe transportation connections. I believe that years from now, people will look back at this chance and say we seized an incredible opportunity to make our City better by reinvesting the proceeds directly in housing across Seattle. I look forward to working with the City Council in the coming weeks to deliver these investments in housing, jobs, great public spaces, and transportation projects across Seattle.”

With new affordable housing in South Lake Union, new initiatives to combat displacement and the creation of new housing opportunities, the announcement is a key component of Mayor Durkan’s “Housing Seattle Now” initiative announced on July 24.

Mayor Durkan has transmitted legislation to the City Council to move ahead on the agreement with potential buyer Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.,  the first and longest-tenured which owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life sciences campuses in key urban innovation clusters. Alexandria has supported the Seattle life science cluster for more than 20 years with a number of notable office/laboratory properties, including the Lake Union Steam Plant at 1201 Eastlake Avenue East, the Juno Building at 400 Dexter Avenue North, and its most recently completed development at 188 East Blaine Street.

The nearly $300 million in public benefits that the City of Seattle would receive from Alexandria include:

  • $143,500,000 cash at closing, including a $5 million contribution to support strategies that address homelessness in Seattle;
  • 175 units of affordable housing on site that are affordable for families earning up to 60 percent of the area median income ($66,400/family of four) and will remain affordable for 50 years without any public subsidy;
  • A new 30,000 square-foot community center located on site that will be operated by Seattle Parks & Recreation with rent waived for up to 40 years;
  • Transportation improvements including the extension of 8th Avenue as a pedestrian right-of-way through the site between Mercer and Roy, and the extension of the two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Mercer Street between 9th Avenue and Dexter.

Of the $143,500,000 in cash proceeds the City would receive from the sale, Mayor Durkan is proposing to:

  • Invest $78 million in housing uses, including:
    • $57,200,000 to address displacement and create opportunities for equitable transit-oriented development through a strategic property acquisition fund and revolving Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) acquisition loan fund;
    • $15,000,000 to increase investments in permanently affordable homeownership; and,
    • $6,000,000 for a new financing tool to create more affordable accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages and in-law apartments for low- and middle-income homeowners.
  • Invest $16.7 million to support new and planned transportation projects to improve safety and increase options for getting around Seattle.

Other negotiated benefits of the potential sale would include:

  • A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to govern wages and working conditions on the initial construction;
  • Alexandria must meet or exceed the LEED Gold standard for building sustainability;
  • Labor harmony agreement requirements;
  • Alexandria will carry the responsibility of any environmental remediation, estimated to be at least $10 to $15 million; and,
  • Alexandria will make a Mandatory Housing Affordability payment to the Seattle Office of Housing, in an amount equal to the applicable code requirements for residential and commercial projects at the time of development.

Because a portion of the Mercer Properties was purchased with revenues from the commercial parking tax and gas tax, a portion of the proceeds is restricted for transportation uses only. The sale also delivers the resources needed to meet $29,100,000 in prior funding commitments by the City Council with funds to repay Interfund Loans for transportation ($24.8M) and homeless services ($4.3M).

“The sale of the Mercer Mega Block will help more people who work in Seattle achieve their dream of living in Seattle, too,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. “Seattle is experiencing growth that is almost unheard of elsewhere in the country right now. As a result, Seattle also needs more workforce housing. Today’s announcement builds on a body of work my colleagues and I began in 2013, long before so many investors were interested in this property.  I want to thank Mayor Durkan for brokering a deal that strengthens our City now and continues developing a South Lake Union that helps everyone in Seattle prosper from this opportunity.  I look forward to Council’s consideration of this proposal that offers millions of dollars we can invest in transportation, housing and homelessness priorities.”

“The South Lake Union neighborhood has been an incubator for inventors, artists, educators, engineers, writers, scientists and countless others (think: Paul Allen, PATH, Fred Hutch, Pearl Jam, Seattle Times, Amazon, Cornish, Seattle Children’s),” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “Through this transaction we will add hundreds of affordable housing units to this neighborhood– plus public amenities like a long desired community center.  The addition of more homes to this neighborhood, as well as improved connections to Seattle Center and Downtown, will make space for our kids and grandkids to live near where they work.  This is urban livability at its finest.”

“I’m excited that Mayor Durkan is investing strategically to promote permanently affordable homeownership in the Rainier Valley,” said Tony To, Director Emeritus and Othello Square Project Director at HomeSight. “These sites will help residents stay and thrive in neighborhoods that they have grown and grown up in and will continue to provide homeownership opportunities for generations to come.”

“This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we are grateful to see much-needed resources for transportation connections included in the vision of this project,” said Alex Hudson, Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition. “In addition to the projects improving safe routes for walking and biking included as some of the on-site benefits, we are thrilled to see Mayor Durkan include over $16 million from the sale of this property for multi-modal transportation projects.”

“We see every day what we see and celebrate today: Big solutions, big wins made possible through innovative partnerships that address our critical needs and create game changing opportunities for all residents of the city,” said Thatcher Bailey, President and CEO of the Seattle Parks Foundation. “As Seattle continues to grow successful partnerships like this will serve as touchstones, reminding us how much we can deliver to our communities when we work together.”

The properties include three parcels comprising of 2.86 acres of land in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Since 2014, the City has been in discussions on how to best utilize the properties to benefit all of Seattle.

In July of 2018, the City issued a RFP seeking a purchaser who could provide a proposal that met the City’s vision and criteria for the future of the properties.

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Opportunity Zones Convening, June 26

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The Federal Government has created tax benefits within “Opportunity Zones” that are designed to spur economic development. Seattle Foundation, King County, and City of Seattle would like to convene community organizations and investors to share information and discuss strategies to support equitable development.

Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Ethiopian Community of Seattle, 8323 Rainier Ave South Seattle, WA 98118
Free admission

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT.

For More Information:

Contact Ubax Gardheere at (206) 256-5415 or email ubax.gardheere@seattle.gov.

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