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City to Create a ‘Resilience District’ with Award from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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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

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.

Photo credit: Tom Reese

“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.

2019 Building Performance Data Published

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The City of Seattle recently published 2019 building energy performance data for Seattle’s largest commercial and multifamily properties. The data is available to view in Seattle’s Open Data Portal along with 2015 – 2018 building performance data. All five years of data can be downloaded and include energy performance metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use per square foot (EUI), ENERGY STAR score, building type, size, and more. Explore the building data here or summary statistics by building type here. Customized building reports for 2019 data will be available in early 2021 through our online mapping tool www.seattle.gov/energybenchmarkingmap.

Large Buildings Achieve High Compliance with Building Tune-Ups Requirement

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After more than two years of the new Building Tune-Ups policy, the largest buildings have achieved over 97% compliance. Congratulations! The first two ‘cohorts’ of buildings – Cohort 1 (200,000+ SF) and Cohort 2 (100,000-199,999 SF) – have completed 330 tune-ups to date, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the city and saving money on their energy bills.

Building Tune-Ups optimize energy and water performance by identifying low- or no-cost actions related to building operations and maintenance. When done properly, tune-ups can generate 10-15% in energy savings and contribute to our climate goals. Tune-ups are required every five years for non-residential buildings 50,000 square feet or larger in the City of Seattle.

HVAC Operations Dominate Commonly Found Deficiencies

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) measures dominate the most commonly found deficiencies, for both required and voluntary actions (see below). HVAC set point fixes were identified and made in nearly half of all buildings above 100,000 SF to date. Tune-Up Specialists identified HVAC control issues or sensors that were uncalibrated, not functioning, or located inappropriately in 43% of the buildings tuned-up.

Voluntary Actions Uncover Additional Opportunities to Save

Of the most commonly identified voluntary actions, inefficient lighting equipment was identified in 47% of buildings assessed, with approximately 13% of all buildings voluntarily taking action to improve the efficiency of lighting during or after the tune-up. The second most common voluntary correction identified was the presence of equipment reaching the end of its service life, found in 44% of the approved tune-ups and acted upon in 7% of buildings. These voluntary actions represent opportunities for buildings to achieve deeper energy, carbon, and cost savings.

Smaller Building Deadlines Approaching

Owners of smaller buildings must meet the new Tune-Up mandate, April 1, 2021 for Cohort 3 buildings (70,000 to 99,999 GSF) and October 1, 2021 for Cohort 4 buildings (50,000 to 69,999 GSF). In addition to saving energy and water, conducting a Tune-Up can also help with preparing your building for operation during and/or after the COVID-19 pandemic.

All work associated with a Building Tune-Up must be done by a qualified Tune-Up Specialist, the experienced professionals responsible for conducting the building assessment, identifying required Tune-Up actions, performing those actions, verifying the work is done correctly, and submitting a report to the City. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) has a directory of qualified Tune-Ups Specialists. This is a great resource for obtaining tune-up bids.

Compliance takes time, often between 6 and 12 months. Owners are encouraged to get started now to ensure there is adequate time to complete the on-site building assessment and follow through on required corrective actions.

Passionate About Environmental Justice? Join Seattle’s Environmental Justice Committee!

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Are you committed to centering community needs and improving environmental, health and economic conditions for our communities? Are if you interested in working toward shifting power to community to further advance the City’s environmental work? If so, consider applying to the Environmental Justice Committee!

The Environmental Justice Committee (EJC) centers community ownership in decision-making, environmental program/policy design and Equity & Environment Agenda implementation while enhancing partnerships with City departments and better connecting community-based solutions into government. Members increase their understanding of City environmental programs and receive funding to bring their learnings back to their communities.

Committee members will serve two-year terms from January 2021 to Dec 2022. Members will be provided the option to recommit for an additional year at the end of their term. Members participate in retreats, monthly meetings and leadership development opportunities and commit approximately 10 hours per month. 

Applications are due Friday, December 4 and interviews will take place on January 11 & 12, 2021. Contact equityenviro@seattle.gov if you have any questions.

Managing Seattle’s Urban Forest – Seeking Feedback

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Deadline for public comment is November 30, 2020.

Managing Seattle’s roughly 15,000 acres of tree canopy is no easy task. Urban trees grow on every landscape across the city – including public and privately-owned properties, street rights-of-way, and natural areas – all together making up Seattle’s urban forest. The City of Seattle relies on its Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) to guide policies and action toward maintaining, preserving, enhancing, and restoring this valuable public asset.

The City’s urban forestry team has been working on updating the UFMP and has solicited input from the community in a variety of ways in the past two years. The new draft plan includes goals and strategies to address racial equity, adaptation to climate change, public health and safety, and more. The draft is now available for public review.

Public input is being accepted through November 30, 2020, feedback can be submitted through the online comment form. Virtual presentations for your group or organization can be arranged by contacting Sandra Pinto at Sandra.PintoUrrutia@seattle.gov.

One thousand more Seattle residents in need will receive monthly food benefit with Fresh Bucks

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Fresh Bucks will add 1,000 new customers from the program wait list this October, providing a much needed food benefit as families across the city struggle to meet basic needs. This is in addition to 8,000 households already enrolled.

Virtual cooking class at InterIm CDA

Fresh Bucks, a healthy food program focused on getting more fruits and vegetables into the hands of families with low incomes, provides enrollees with $40 in monthly benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables from participating Seattle retailers.

Earlier this year Seattle residents applied for Fresh Bucks Vouchers through community enrollment partners or a public lottery application. Fresh Bucks initially enrolled over 8,000 customers and placed 4,800 applications on a waitlist due to limited funding. Now 1,000 families will be moved off the waitlist to receive Fresh Bucks healthy food vouchers. All 2020 customers, including the 1,000 new customers, will receive monthly Fresh Bucks benefits through the end of the program year in May 2021.

This monthly food benefit comes during a particularly difficult time as COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted low-income households and communities of color.

Eliza Guan from InterIm CDA, one of ten Fresh Bucks community partners said, “Fresh Bucks vouchers help our community in a number of ways. Clients are trying new recipes and cooking together in virtual settings, which promotes socialization and community connection. And vouchers are essential in helping families on a tight budget afford healthy food during the pandemic when grocery prices have been on the rise.”

In the Seattle area, food insecurity has nearly doubled in recent months with families reporting they do not have enough to eat or could not afford to buy more food. Enrollment for Basic Food assistance, more commonly known as food stamps, has also increased by 18% among King County residents, or 17,300 households. Latinx, Black, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities have disproportionately sought out food assistance compared to other groups.

“COVID-19 has presented many challenges and we know our community members are experiencing an increased need for food assistance,” said Jessica Finn Coven, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment. “Serving an additional 1,000 families with Fresh Bucks benefits will provide relief for families in need while the city continues to coordinate additional support during this ongoing crisis.”

Fresh Bucks is administered by the Office of Sustainability and Environment and funded by Seattle’s Sweetened Beverage Tax (SBT).

Fresh Bucks is one of many programs offering food assistance in the Seattle area. The city has collaborated with partners to provide additional food-related support such as meal sites, food box home delivery, funding for food banks, and more. Families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can visit the Mayor’s COVID-19 Community Resource Page for details, information and web links for City of Seattle, King County, Washington State, federal, and community programs and services.

King Conservation Grant Process Now Open

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Deadline is October 19

Each year the King Conservation District (KCD) provides funds through the Seattle Community Partnership Grant program to improve natural resources and advance environmental equity. The Office of Sustainability and Environment partners with KCD on the application process which opens today. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 19. Learn more and apply here.

Photo courtesy of King Conservation District

OSE and KCD staff are offering technical assistance to help project leaders fine tune project ideas and submit a strong application. Additionally, OSE is offering two online information sessions to learn more about the application and project review process. Those sessions are September 30 and October 2 and you can RSVP here.

The COVID-19 pandemic does not change the need for improved natural resources and access to healthy food and open space, and in many cases, it amplifies that need.  The focus of this year’s grant round continues to be investing in natural resource improvements that are led by or in deep partnership with communities disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and systematic racism. We know COVID-19 has also disproportionately impacted many of the same communities. This year’s grant will take into consideration unique needs to continue doing natural resource and environmental justice work amidst a pandemic. 

Projects must focus on equity and the environment, addressing at least one natural resource priority area and related action and at least one Equity and Environment Initiative strategy. You can see an overview of these requirements in the grant guidelines posted on the KCD website.  

Benchmarking Enforcement Action Delayed for Non-Compliant Buildings

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In response to the ongoing pandemic, owners will have until 1/1/2021 before enforcement action is pursued. At that time, owners that remain non-compliant with SMC 22.920 will be subject to 2nd quarter fines based on building size. See the Energy Benchmarking enforcement page for more information. 

If you need help complying or have questions about benchmarking, contact he help desk at energybenchmarking@seattle.gov or 206-727-8484.

Environmental Justice Fund Now Accepting Proposals

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The Environmental Justice Fund is a grant opportunity for community-led projects that improve environmental conditions, respond to impacts of climate change, and get us closer to acheiving environmental justice. The application process is now open. Deadline is Friday, September 25.

OSE staff are offering technical assistance to help project leaders fine tune project ideas and submit a strong application. Additionally, OSE is offering two online information session to learn more about the application and project review process. Those sessions are Thursday, September 10 at 11 am and Monday, September 14 at 5:30 pm. RSVP for either session here.

Seattle’s Environmental Justice Committee plays a critical role in the oversight of the fund. The Committee’s goal is to deepen the influence of communities fo color in City environmental programs to ensure that the stories, experiences, and policy priorities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color shape Seattle’s environmental work. The Committee is guided by the Equity & Environmental Agenda, a roadmap to advance race and social justice within Seattle’s environmental work.

This year $500,000 is available for projects thanks to a $250,000 match from Seattle’s Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD). Projects will be awarded no less than $10,000 and no more than $60,000 for an 18-month period beginning January 2021. We thank our colleagues at OPCD for their contribution to the Fund with aligns with the framework of the Equitable Develoment Initiative.

Environmental Justice Leadership Spotlight: Pah-tu Pitt

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Pah-tu Pitt G. is the Co-Chair of the Environmental Justice Committee and currently works on advocacy for indigenous climate change resiliency, sustainable economic development, and grassroots organizing at regional and local levels in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle.

What motivates you in your work in the environmental justice sphere?
More broadly, I think people often think of environmental justice as the connection between marginalized people and their experience of environmental pollution. But I think it goes beyond that, into our relationship with the land and the beings within it. I noticed that you’d need credentials to have any type of stature in advocacy, because too often environmental work doesn’t address environmental justice, like the health of people in an area. Once when I was young, I went to the senior center at my tribe, where a woman from the Yakama Nation spoke with us. She recounted how many times she had beaten cancer. I knew that at some point, she would not beat it. This moment was very impactful for me. I felt it would be important to do work to make sure that this would never happen to our people, especially her being from one of our sister tribes. I felt a very strong commitment to her story, and I wanted to promote the health of our people through environmental work.

What does environmental leadership look like to you?
When I was in college, I made a webinar about Billy Frank, Jr. from the Nisqually tribe. He’s famous, but many people in his movement worked collectively. The issues we’re facing now are global ones, one individual alone isn’t going to solve them. I think looking for silver bullets is a very Western idea; whether it’s one idea or one person. As far as environmental leadership, being able to see beyond yourself, thinking about the future but also looking to the past, are all great qualities of real environmental leadership. I also think not enough people are being called environmental leaders, when they do make small actions toward helping the environment. These steps often go uncredited.

How has your background prepared you for a leadership role within the EJC?
I think part of my background is the education I have, but more than that is my own life experience. I’ve lived in polluted spaces, and my tribe experienced the collective trauma of the damming of the Columbia River. I know what it means to be hurt by “progress,” or “the greater good of society.” All of these things have helped form me into someone who can stand for my own truth, while also recognizing that within this space, I stand up for other people as well. Within the EJC, there is that sentiment that though we all have our own individual community issues, we won’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

How do you see your community coming together in response to COVID-19?
Because I have a baby and my husband’s an essential worker, I’ve been keeping to myself more than usual. But through my environmental justice professional connections, and Daybreak Star, I was immediately offered assistance. Daybreak Star has a doula program, and they’ve done organizing around making sure that folks have access to groceries and baby essentials; then Unkitawa, an Indigenous cultures nonprofit, also offered me medicine bundles. I’m seeing community really coming together in the online realm, even if we can’t be together in person. At home, I’ve been doing a lot of gardening, native plants and some abundantly producing crops so we have some to share. I’ve seen a lot of generosity happening within the BIPOC farming community, and by the family or household level, of connecting with and helping heal our landscapes. We’re all part of a larger fabric, and the more we can all see beyond ourselves, the better. 

What do you hope to see EJC accomplish in the next year?
We’re trying to create more visibility for issues identified through our own analysis, pushing community-driven solutions and finding support for them. There’s amazing environmental justice work being done in Seattle, and they unfortunately don’t always receive enough visibility. The EJC can shine a spotlight on these efforts. It’s exciting for me to see how all the different communities in Seattle are able to come together to create these solutions, and I’m glad to be a part of it.