City of Seattle Mike McGinn, Mayor

Mayor announces investments in Southeast Seattle
City works with community to advance revitalization

SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels today announced his Action Agenda for Southeast Seattle to bring additional investment to the Rainier Valley for housing, jobs, education, arts and parks.

The unprecedented public investment in Southeast Seattle through the Sound Transit light rail line and the Seattle Housing Authority’s NewHolly and Rainier Vista projects as well as millions of dollars in City resources has created a rare opportunity to help shape the future of this vibrant, diverse community.

The Mayor’s Action Agenda – based on extensive community involvement – will guide revitalization efforts and target significant new resources to insure the current residents and businesses in the Rainier Valley benefit from the profound changes taking place.

“The light rail line will reconnect the city to the people of Rainier Valley and transform the 1950s-era highway running through the heart of the Valley into a thriving urban boulevard,” Nickels said. “We are going to harness that change for the good of everyone in Southeast Seattle by focusing our attention and resources on jobs, housing education, art and open space. Together, we will create the opportunities to grow and prosper that this community has wanted for so long.”

The City has already established a $50 million Rainier Valley Community Development Fund to encourage development and business growth along the light rail alignment and throughout the Rainier Valley. During a speech to community leaders this evening, Nickels outlined a range of new investments and initiatives for Southeast Seattle.

Highlights of the Mayor’s Action Agenda:

• Directing approximately $35 million of the Families & Education Levy dollars to build a stronger system of childcare and preschools;
• Increasing police presence and community-police relations programs;
• Directing approximately $4.4 million of Housing Levy dollars and other City resources to projects in Southeast Seattle to create additional affordable housing;
• Spending $2.1 million to create the Chief Sealth Trail for 3.5 miles of walking and biking path;
• Buying property to ensure the long term sustainability of the Hillman City P-Patch;
• Committing $2.5 million dollars in support of the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center;
• Building a Wi-Fi network for the Columbia City business district;
• Providing increased technical and financial assistance to business owners with limited English to utilize environmentally friendly business practices.

“This is an exciting time of growth and renewal for the Rainier Valley and its residents,” said City Councilmember Richard McIver. “The City Council will continue to work with you to make sure these major investments in light rail, housing and other projects will benefit the existing community.”

The Mayor worked with Southeast Seattle community and business leaders, community-based organizations and public and private sector organizations to develop the Action Agenda.

“The Mayor has shown that he is listening to the community and responding to the needs of our neighborhoods,” said Elaine Hayes, Rainier Beach Coalition for Community Empowerment and Co-Chair of the Education & Workforce Development Subgroup.

“The Action Agenda represents an effective community-City partnership in an effort to achieve our mutual goals,” said Geoff Spelman, Mt. Baker Housing Association and Chair of the Physical Development Subgroup.

For more information on the Mayor’s Southeast Seattle Action Agenda, please visit the

Mayor's website at www.seattle.gov/mayor or call 206-684-8811.

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