It’s the second round of funding from the city’s Equitable Development Intiative
The City of Seattle announced today that nine community organizations in neighborhoods with a high risk of displacement would receive a total of $5.5 million in funds from the city’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI).
The fund was first created in 2016 to address displacement in a growing city, and gets revenue from a variety of sources—it was established with $16 million from the sale of Civic Square, a block of property in front of City Hall, but it also gets ongoing federal funding. Various city departments, including the Office of Economic Development, the Office of Housing, the Department of Neighborhoods, and the Office of Civil Rights, collaborate on spending and strategy.
This funding round, six applicants got contracts for specific projects. African Women Business Alliance will receive $75,000 for finding a permanent home and supporting women-owned businesses. Africatown gets $1.08 million to support commercial space at the Midtown block development. Chief Seattle Club’s contract includes $925,000 for projects that include affordable housing, healthcare, and an art gallery space. Filipino Community of Seattle will receive $1 million for projects including senior housing, a technical learning center, and a community space. Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition got $75,000 to support a multi-use project including affordable housing and childcare. And United Indians of All Tribes received $1.08 million to develop a Northwest Native Canoe Center on Lake Union and to rehab Daybreak Star Center in Discovery Park.
Three other organizations—Ethiopian Community in Seattle, West African Community Center, and Black and Tan Hall—will also receive money, although those contracts aren’t finalized. One more project is in the middle of a real estate deal, but will include a childcare center.
This funding round was the first one that stemmed from an open application process. Previous funding announced last September went to SCIDpda/Friends of Little Saigon, the Multicultural Community Center in the Rainier Valley, and Rainier Beach Action Coalition.