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One Duwamish Valley: Celebrating Community Resilience and City Investments

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Come to the South Park Pump Station grand opening event to recognize the completion of the pump station and to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of the Duwamish Valley Action Plan!

Seattle Public Utilities will present information about the upcoming wet weather season and what you can do to help prepare yourself for flooding, as well as updates on the City’s broader flood response work. Other City departments will provide updates on ongoing work in the Duwamish Valley. There will be brief remarks by public officials and community leaders, followed by time to explore the area.

You can take a self-guided walking tour of the campus and the drainage and street improvements in the area. Lunch is provided for free!

Saturday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
South Park Pump Station 636 S Riverside Drive, Seattle, WA 98108

Celebrate the 5th year anniversary of the release of the Duwamish Valley Action Plan, the opening of the South Park Pump Station, and the completion of the first phase of major roadway and conveyance improvement projects. It also marks approximately 6-8 months since high tide inundation greatly impacted part of South Park.

There are three overlapping goals for this event:

  1. Highlight the essential role of community leadership in identifying priorities for continued City investments to improve South Park and Georgetown.
  2. Engage with residents and businesses on flooding-related investments and on flooding preparedness actions. 
  3. Enjoy the day!

Here is what to expect throughout the event:

  • Opening remarks by invited dignitaries
  • South Park Pump Station and the Roadway/Conveyance Project Phase 1 completion celebration
  • Tabling and information sharing
    • “Why does it flood” demonstration
    • Duwamish Valley Action Team (IDT)
    • Flood Preparedness information
    • CIP Project info (SPWQF, Roadway/conveyance Ph 2)
    • Arts celebration (1% art funded pieces)
  • Food and entertainment by local artists
  • Self-guided tour of pump station and drainage and conveyance work
  • Duwamish Valley youth engagement

We hope to see you all there!

¡Únase al evento de inauguración en el South Park Pump Station para reconocer la finalización de la estación de bombeo y para celebrar el quinto aniversario del Plan de Acción de Valle Duwamish!

Seattle Public Utilities presentará información sobre la próxima temporada de lluvias y que se puede hacer para prepararse para las inundaciones, así como actualizaciones sobre el trabajo de respuesta a inundaciones de la Ciudad. Otros departamentos de la Ciudad presentarán información sobre el trabajo en curso en el Valle Duwamish. Habrán comentarios breves por funcionarios públicos y líderes comunitarios, seguido de tiempo para explorar el área.

Puede realizar un recorrido a pie autoguiado por el campus y las mejoras de drenaje y calles en el área. ¡El almuerzo se proporciona gratis!

Cuándo: Sábado 30 de septiembre, 11 a. m. a 2 p. m.

Dónde: South Park Pump Station 636 S Riverside Drive, Seattle, WA 98108

Seattle awarded $12.9 Million to plant trees, create jobs, advance climate justice, and restore forested places near schools, parks and low-income housing

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In a major boost to Mayor Harrell’s ongoing efforts to expand tree canopy, Seattle will receive federal funds from the USDA Forest Service for a 5-year effort to expand access to trees and forested places in the City.

Seattle – Recognizing the City’s leadership on advancing tree equity and a healthy canopy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service recently awarded $12.9 million to the City of Seattle to plant and maintain trees where people live, learn, and play to combat extreme heat and climate change, improve access to nature, and support green careers for young people. Seattle’s two funded projects, covered by the Justice40 Initiative, were made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment in history. 

“This transformative grant will help support and grow Seattle’s vital tree canopy, a priority for this administration as we plant the next generation of our urban forest that is so critical to our efforts to address the climate crisis and build healthy communities,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This investment will make meaningful improvements in tree-planting efforts in historically underserved communities, improving equity in canopy distribution so that every neighbor has access to green spaces while also fostering exciting green economy employment opportunities for youth. We know that growing canopy cover takes time, but our urgency and action today reflect a healthier, greener Emerald City tomorrow. I want to thank our Congressional delegation for their support in securing this investment and look forward to their continued partnership to build a climate-forward future for our city and state.” 

“We need to grow and diversify our urban canopy now to keep up with our rapidly changing climate. This funding helps us with our forward thinking to invest in climate resilient tree species as the tree canopy we have today may not survive in tomorrow’s climate,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6, Northwest Seattle). “Thanks to the USDA Forest Service and President Biden, we will be able to boost dollars the city has already invested to grow the canopy in historically marginalized neighborhoods.” 

Earlier this year, Seattle released the 2021 Canopy Cover Assessment which found that neighborhoods that experience racial and economic inequities have 27% less canopy than more advantaged neighborhoods. This award is an opportunity to address canopy inequities by focusing planting and tree care in these neighborhoods. By funding projects aimed at engaging community in areas where trees get planted, improving the tree canopy in neighborhoods that suffer most from extreme heat, poor air quality, and health disparities, and expanding access to nature near schools and housing, cities like Seattle can deliver tangible economic and ecological advantages to overburdened communities.  

Seattle’s winning projects include: 

  • $12,000,000 for Community-driven urban forestry and job training will leverage longstanding partnerships with organizations like Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) to improve the health of Seattle’s urban forest and people by funding community planning, tree planting and stewardship across priority neighborhoods, training youth with green economy skills and connecting them with employment, and restoring forested spaces in parks, near public housing, and around public schools. 
  • $900,000 for the Delridge Native Forest Garden will enhance approximately four acres of City-owned parcels and unimproved rights-of-way in the Longfellow Creek basin in West Seattle. The project will remove invasive species and plant native conifers and understory plants with cultural significance to regional Tribes. The project will include a footpath, and planting will be coordinated with local communities to provide educational and volunteer opportunities.  

This funding will be directed to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Seattle Department of Transportation, and utilized by taking a coordinated One Seattle approach. Together, City departments will improve tree planting and maintenance, work to increase equitable access to nature, improving air quality, and promoting food security, public health, and safety. 

This investment builds on the significant work the City is leading to plant trees, grow canopy, and improve equity through the new tree protection ordinance which went into effect July 30. Under the new ordinance, the City added protections for over 157,000 trees and will address inequities in canopy coverage by planting new trees in historically underserved neighborhoods. 

Read more about the $1 billion investment USDA made in 400 projects around the country to expand access to green spaces here. 

What People are Saying:

“We know that more neighborhood green spaces mean happier residents and lower temperatures in the heat of the summer—especially in big cities like Seattle. The federal dollars I fought to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act are going to make a real difference for families across the city—expanding Seattle’s tree canopy and supporting local organizations that offer community tree planting, skills training programs, and more. Too many people lack easy access to green spaces, and these grants are going to help change that.” 

Senator Patty Murray 

“Planting more trees in our cities is an important part of climate resilience, and I’m thrilled to see Seattle receiving millions of federal dollars to expand our urban forests and fight the climate crisis. These efforts will help decrease pollution in the neighborhoods that need it the most, like those who have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. By using this funding to expand tree cover, improve air quality, and train young people in climate-focused careers, we are making Seattle a cleaner and greener city.” 

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal 

“This game-changing investment from the Biden administration will help us create a greener, healthier and more equitable city that is better prepared to stave off and stop the worst effects of climate change. Research shows that neighborhoods with more trees are associated with improved physical and mental well-being for people, reduced extreme heat conditions, and more economic opportunities. This grant will improve the lives of everyday people, like seniors and infants in homes without air conditioning, children who play at schools without trees, and workers with jobs outdoors.”  

Jessyn Farrell, Director, Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment   

“Seattle’s parks and urban forests represent a large portion of our city’s landscape and plays a significant role in the overall health of our city. Yet, we know that to address the very real impacts of climate change on our communities we must work across jurisdictions and on green job pipelines to truly change the tide. We are grateful to the Biden administration for their acknowledgement of these efforts, and for enabling us to partner with community-based organizations to make bold steps forward in creating a City and a connected and thriving environment that improves the lives of current residents and for generations to come.”

AP Diaz, Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation

“I’m dedicated to growing Seattle’s tree canopy and this grant is making it possible to offer more green space. Trees improve our health and make our neighborhoods cooler, friendlier places. The Delridge Native Forest Garden will be a space to foster community by planting native plants with cultural significance to regional tribes.” 

Greg Spotts, Director, Seattle Department of Transportation

“The plant world represents to us, as our oldest traditional teacher, the lessons of patience, diversity, strength and generosity.  Trees and salmon are iconic to the Pacific Northwest and it is not a coincidence that the two species depend upon each other to thrive.  Trees naturally filter the water that the salmon depend on, and the salmon become nutrients for the trees.  With this funding opportunity we will provide a visible and viable investment into our Natural Resources which will benefit our personal values and promote safe and healthy neighborhoods.” 

Donny Stevenson, Vice-Chairman, Muckleshoot Tribal Council

“Achieving Tree Equity in Seattle will save lives and lungs while creating more equitable economic opportunity for all residents, and thanks to today’s transformational federal investment, these goals are within reach. In the wake of the tragic deaths during the 2021 Northwest Heat Dome, we applaud Mayor Harrell and the City of Seattle for advancing Tree Equity to cool and cleanse the air where needed most working through municipal programs, partnerships with frontline leaders, and leadership within the new Washington State Tree Equity Collaborative. The Emerald City is demonstrating for both the state and nation how we can deliver health equity and green jobs through a commitment to urban and community forestry.”

Jad Daley, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Forests

“Through our relationship with the Green Seattle Partnership, ECOSS has worked with community members of South Seattle to increase and improve the access of outdoor spaces for BIPOC communities and create accessible, relevant, and relatable event opportunities to engage in urban forest education and restoration. This funding will provide stability to our ongoing community partnerships and support the creation of new ones in South Seattle in order to establish co-powerment at the forefront of achieving equitable canopy coverage.”

Chiyo Crawford, Executive Director, Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS)

“Funding from this grant will provide critical stability for building trust-based community partnerships in southeast Seattle. Together we will be able to deliver solutions specially designed to meet the tree canopy needs of the community, with a focus on increasing equitable planting and maintenance of trees, green job training and education programs, and restoration projects.”  

Jon Hoekstra, Executive Director, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust 

City of Seattle Announces New Pilot Program to Incentivize Heavy Duty Truck Electrification

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City seeking drivers operating in the Duwamish Valley to apply for 40% rebate to apply to the cost of electric drayage truck

SEATTLE (August 16, 2023) — Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) today announced a new Electric Trucks Pilot aimed at supporting local truck drivers’ transition to electric freight vehicles and improve air quality in the port-adjacent communities of the Duwamish Valley where heavy freight activity is one of the largest contributors to air pollution.

The program will operate as a point-of-sale rebate for new electric trucks operating in the Duwamish Valley and covers 40% of the cost to drivers (up to $180,000 per truck) for eligible drivers and fleet owners for a total of $1.7 million in electric vehicle incentives.  

“Seattle is proud of our roots and our future as a port city – with new jobs, housing, and thriving industrial and maritime lands – but we also know that its neighbors who bear the brunt of the diesel pollution that comes from heavy-duty trucks moving goods throughout the Duwamish Valley,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Reducing diesel emissions is a top priority of our One Seattle Climate Justice Agenda because it means tangible impacts, recognizing the disproportionate impact of diesel pollution on health, particularly in areas most affected by the impacts of climate change, while ensuring we support workers in the transition from fossil fuels. Together, we are supporting workers and our economy, health and climate justice, and a more sustainable future.” 

Transportation is responsible for 61% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 9% coming from freight. Seattle aims to achieve 30% zero-emission goods delivery by 2030, in line with the City’s Transportation Electrification Blueprint. The Electric Trucks Pilot program is a step towards this goal and the City’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

“There are 4,000 trucks serving the Port of Seattle, and right now all of them are running on high-polluting diesel engines,” said Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “Through the Electric Trucks Pilot, we aim to support drivers in bringing the first electric trucks in the City by 2024, while working in partnership with State and Federal governments to further bring down the cost of zero-emissions vehicles and creating the needed infrastructure to support them.”

Drivers and Fleet operators will have until October 16 to fill out an application to participate in the incentive pilot. Participants will be notified of their selection in early 2024. The City encourages women- and minority-owned businesses and drivers, as well as those who operate primarily in the Duwamish Valley, to apply. For more information about the program and how to apply, applicants may use the following materials:

The Pilot program was developed at the recommendation of the Green New Deal Oversight Board and in partnership with organizations like the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Seattle City Light, Duwamish River Clean Up Coalition (DRCC), Seattle Department of Transportation, and the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest (ACCPNW), Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The rebate was designed and will be administered in partnership with the Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition, a Pacific Northwest clean fuels industry expert helping fleets transition to cleaner fuels and technologies.

What partners are saying:

“Drayage trucks significantly contribute to localized air pollution and directly impact port-adjacent communities like the Duwamish Valley. Studies have shown that the Georgetown and South Park communities face up to 13 years shorter life spans than other areas in Seattle because of cumulative environmental pollutants. DRCC supports the City’s Electric Trucks Pilot’s aim to reduce the impact of diesel pollution in our communities and our hope is that with this incentive, plus increased port, state and federal investments, we can move towards a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future in the Duwamish Valley.” – Paulina Lopez, DRCC

“Truck drivers operate on thin margins, and the price tag for an electric drayage truck can be a major deterrent. The African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest believes we can foster a sustainable future that benefits drivers and communities alike and is proud to have helped develop the Electric Truck Pilot to bring down the cost of electric drayage trucks and ensure the viability of trucking as a career where drivers can support their families. We look forward to partnering with the City to seek state and federal funding to make zero-emission trucks affordable for all the drivers serving the Port.”  – Peter Gishuru, President African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest.

“Last fall, I tried an electric truck – it was powerful and quiet – but I also learned they are expensive! Drivers who operate trucks at the Port often buy their trucks 2nd or 3rd hand for $60,000, but a new electric drayage truck can cost more than $400,000. As a truck driver, I support the City’s new incentive for purchasing electric trucks. As we transition to electric vehicles, I believe it is possible to lower the operating costs for drivers and ensure we are not harming communities as we transport goods in the City.” – Dawit Habte, Afar Trucking Driver

“Embracing a Green New Deal for Seattle means not just reducing transportation emissions, but also focusing on air quality improvements for communities most impacted by cars and trucks and creating new career opportunities for workers and drivers. This Zero Emissions Trucks pilot, inspired by community partners in the Duwamish Valley and developed at the recommendation of the Oversight board, showcases our commitment to a sustainable future, where innovation drives progress while supporting careers in goods-delivery, fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure construction.” – Nina Olivier, Green New Deal Oversight Board.

“The ICCT is pleased to see the City of Seattle launch a purchase incentive program for zero-emission port trucks. We are proud to bring to this work decades of international experience and a successful research partnership that underpins the design of this promising initiative. These trucks are commercially available today and can perform the same work as diesel trucks. Drivers benefit from significantly lower operating costs, saving more money the more they drive electric, and Duwamish Valley residents benefit from fewer diesel emissions and lower childhood asthma rates. I am confident that the lessons learned from Seattle’s program will point the way toward a fully zero-emission Puget Sound Gateway so all near-port residents can breathe clean air.” – Ray Minjares, The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

“Transitioning heavy-duty trucking away from fossil fuels to carbon-free electric power means more than just the critical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It means that we’re directly benefiting the communities that are and have historically been most impacted by the local air quality from heavy-duty trucking pollution. City Light applauds the efforts of the Heavy Duty Trucks Electrification Pilot program, and is standing by to power even more electric freight and fleet vehicles to eliminate harmful tailpipe emissions in the communities we serve.” – Emeka Anyanwu, Energy Innovation & Resources Officer at Seattle City Light.

“SDOT is pursuing a ‘Right-Size, then Electrify’ approach to our own fleet, and we’re delighted to partner with OSE to help commercial fleets decarbonize.” – Greg Spotts, Director of Seattle Department of Transportation

“The Port of Seattle and The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma marine cargo joint venture) applauds the City’s Drayage Truck Electrification Incentive Pilot Program. This initiative is well-timed to also leverage significant state and federal funds that will be needed for the wide adoption of electric trucks serving our Ports by over 4000 drivers of many nationalities.”– Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. 

Apply to Join Seattle’s Green New Deal Oversight Board by September 18! 

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The Office of Sustainability and Environment is seeking applicants to serve on Seattle’s Green New Deal Oversight Board (GND Oversight Board). The following 3-year term seats are available:  

  • environmental justice organization representative 
  • representative with experience in greenhouse gas reduction and/or climate resiliency strategies relevant to cities 
  • youth representative between the ages of 16 and 25 who is directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices 
  • representative directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices

How to Apply 

Complete this application by September 18. The application will ask you to submit your resume and respond to two short answer questions. Click here for more information, including Board Member roles and responsibilities.  

Time Commitment & Compensation  

GND Oversight Board Members are expected to spend 6-8 hours a month on Board activities. Stipends are available for Board Members.  

About the Green New Deal Oversight Board 

Seattle’s Green New Deal seeks to eliminate climate pollution by 2030 while creating jobs that advance a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy by prioritizing investments in communities most harmed by economic, racial, and environmental injustices.  

The City of Seattle is seeking passionate individuals to serve on the Green New Deal Oversight Board (GND Oversight Board) to provide budget, policy, programmatic, and project recommendations to advance Seattle’s Green New Deal and collaborate on climate solutions that promote justice and equity for frontline communities who are most affected by the climate crisis. 

Click here for more information about the GND Oversight Board’s work to date, including Board resources and recommendations.  

Email equityenviro@seattle.gov with questions or to learn more. 

King Conservation District (KCD) and OSE Announce 2023 Community Partnership Grant Program

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King Conservation District (KCD) and Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) are excited to announce that the 2023 Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program is now accepting applications!

Applications are due Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. 

The King Conservation District (KCD) Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program invests in natural resource improvements led by, or in deep partnership with, communities disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and systemic racism.

This year, $410,000 in funding is available through the program. Projects will be awarded no more than $75,000 and can take place over multiple years. Grants are awarded and administered by the King Conservation District and City of Seattle staff and community members review applications.

Eligible projects can focus on a number of areas for natural resource improvement, including: 

  • Managing and preventing pollution from stormwater runoff 
  • Protecting and restoring creeks, shorelines, and wetlands 
  • Improving soil health  
  • Restoring urban forests, or other native plant stewardship 
  • Building a sustainable, equitable food system 

View the Grant Program Guidelines to learn more about the natural resource priorities and goals, project requirements, eligible costs, example projects, evaluation criteria, and more.  

Virtual Information Sessions  

Join a virtual information session to learn more about the fund, the qualities of a strong proposal, the application and review process, and to ask any questions you may have. A recording of the session will be available on KCD’s website. 

Office Hours

Sign up for a one-on-one, 20-minute session with KCD and/or City of Seattle program staff to get help with the application, discuss your project concept, or ask questions about the process.

Office hours slots will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis between July 11 and August 8.

  • Tuesday Afternoons: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Friday Mornings: 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Sign Up For Office Hours

To apply, visit the KCD website to review the guidelines, application questions, download templates and submit an application through an online portal. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jessica.Saavedra@kingcd.org or call 425-773-9065.

2023 Environmental Justice Fund and Duwamish River Opportunity Fund Applications Are Now Open!

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Environmental Justice Fund

Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is excited to announce that the Environmental Justice Fund is now accepting applications. This year, there are two funding options available. The first option offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total funding of $250,000. The second option offers grants ranging from $40,001 to $90,000, with a total funding of $750,000. These funds are to support projects that benefit communities most affected by environmental and climate inequities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, refugees, individuals with low incomes, youth, and elders. The deadline to apply is 5pm (PT) on Wednesday, July 26.

This funding opportunity is open to Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups who work with their communities to advance environmental and climate justice. Eligible types of projects include but are not limited to arts and storytelling, community education, organizational and community capacity building, climate change preparedness, skills building and trainings related to green jobs*, and community planning and visioning.

If you are interested in learning more about this Fund, discussing a project idea, or submitting a proposal, you can take the following steps:

  • · Sign up here for a 20-minute call with a member of our team
    • Please use the form to request interpretation.
  • Virtual information session:
    • Wednesday, June 21, 12-1:30pm
    • Register here
    • Please email use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/19.
  • In-person information session:
    • Tuesday, June 27, 6-7:30pm
    • Register here
    • Location: Columbia City Public Library, Columbia Meeting Room
      • 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
    • Please email us at equityenviro@seattle.gov to request interpretation in advance and use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/22.

We are also available to answer questions via email at equityenviro@seattle.gov. Visit seattle.gov/environment/ejfund to learn more and apply.

Duwamish River Opportunity Fund

Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is also excited to announce the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund is now accepting applications. This year, $240,000 is available for grants up to $40,000 to support projects that will take place in 2024. These funds are to support community-led projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the Duwamish Valley. The deadline to apply is 5pm (PT) on Monday, August 7.

This funding opportunity is open to Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and businesses that work closely with the communities in the Duwamish Valley. Eligible types of projects include but are not limited to arts and storytelling, community education, organizational and community capacity building, climate change preparedness, skills building and job training, and community planning and visioning.

If you are interested in learning more about this Fund, discussing a project idea, or submitting a proposal, you can take the following steps:

  • Sign up for here a 20-minute call with a member of our team
    • Please use the form to request interpretation.
  • Virtual Information Session:
    • Wednesday, June 21, 3:30 – 4:30pm
    • Register for the session here (registration is required)
    • Please email us at DROF@seattle.gov to request interpretation in advance and use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/19.

We are also available to answer questions via email at DROF@seattle.gov. Visit seattle.gov/environment/DROF to learn more and apply.

Environmental Justice Committee Application 2023 

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Previous members of the EJC gathered at a retreat.

The Environmental Justice Fund (EJ Fund), a program of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment, is seeking six community members to serve on the Environmental Justice Committee through December 2024. Members of the Environmental Justice Committee will have a chance to make a meaningful impact in advancing environmental and climate justice for communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues and climate change by informing funding recommendations for the EJ Fund.

About the Environmental Justice Fund 

The EJ Fund was developed in response to deep community engagement, which highlighted the need for the City to invest in community work led by those most impacted by environmental and climate inequities: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), sovereign tribal nations, immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, individuals for whom English may be a second language, youth, and elders.  

Funding recommendations for the EJ Fund are developed by the Environmental Justice Committee (EJC), individuals with deep community roots working closely with communities to advance environmental and climate justice. 

About the Environmental Justice Committee

OSE is seeking six community members to serve on the EJC through December 2024. EJC members will partner with OSE to: 

  • Inform the EJ Fund grantmaking strategy 
  • Make funding recommendations for the 2023 and 2024 EJ Fund application cycles  

To be effective in their role, EJC members will understand how to advance racial equity, environmental justice, and climate justice for priority communities and have an interest in or knowledge of equitable grantmaking. Members will be expected to thoroughly review grant applications using specific criteria and express their evaluation. Each member will receive a stipend of up to $4,750 for full completion of their responsibilities. 

For each annual EJ Fund cycle, EJC members must be able to: 

  • Set aside approximately 40-50 hours of time to read, review, and score grant applications over the course of 6 weeks. The range of time will depend on the number of applications received. 
  • Attend approximately 20-25 hours of meetings, including orientation, trainings, and decision-making meetings. 
  • Understand and keep in mind the grant expectations and funding priorities. 
  • Bridge differences between conflicting ideas by engaging in open group discussions. 
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with other EJC members to arrive at funding recommendations. 
  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the entire grant review process. 
  • Provide written and verbal comments based on professional or community-based knowledge, not based on one’s personal opinions.  
  • Set aside up to 20 hours to participate in programming, including, but not limited to, relationship building, evaluation efforts, and feedback sessions to inform the grantmaking strategy.  
  • Have access to a computer with reliable internet. 

Timeline and Expectations

If you are selected as an EJC member, the process will continue along the following timeline. There may be some adjustments based on members’ availability. Orientation sessions and final decision-making meetings will be in-person, while all other meetings will be virtual.  

Description Date 
EJC Member Orientation July 29 and August 2 
Application Review August 3 – September 13 
Workshop September 13 
Subcommittee Meetings October 3 and 4 
Final Decision Meetings  October 7 and 10 
Total Estimated Hours  60-95 

The EJC partners with OSE to inform the City’s investments in community-led efforts that advance environmental justice and climate justice. If you are interested in equitable grantmaking and passionate about racial equity and environmental justice, please complete this interest form. Interest Forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 20. 

Washington Launches Statewide Partnership for Tree Equity, Aiming to Expand Canopy Cover and Promote Healthier Communities 

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OSE Director Jessyn Farrell helps mulch trees at Roxhill Park. 
 

On Thursday, April 13, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and OSE Director Jessyn Farrell joined the Department of Natural Resources and American Forests at Roxhill Park to launch the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative, a statewide partnership to achieve Tree Equity across Washington State by expanding and fortifying neighborhood tree canopy cover.  

The Washington Tree Equity Collaborative aims to enhance urban forestry programs over the next three years, with a focus on increasing tree canopy equity and engaging cities, community organizations, and stakeholders. The collaborative supports projects that boost tree canopy and urban forest health in currently low-canopy neighborhoods, benefiting communities by providing cooling during heatwaves and promoting better human health outcomes. The Collaborative comes after the final 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment revealed the city lost 255 acres of tree canopy since 2016 (an absolute decrease of .5% and 1.7% relative decline), an amount roughly equal to the size of Green Lake. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and OSE Director Jessyn Farrell at the Tree Equity Collaborative event.

Local urban and community forestry advocates gathered to hear statements from Mayor Harrell and Director Farrell, along with American Forest President and CEO Jad Daley, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, and Duwamish Alive Coalition Community Engagement Team Member Willard Brown. 

“Trees are critical to our health, climate and quality of life in Seattle, and our most recent Tree Canopy Cover Assessment shows that we have more work to do to protect and grow our tree canopy,” Mayor Harrell said. “Following the data and leading with equity, we’re advancing efforts to reverse this decline and address inequities in canopy distribution impacting frontline communities. Growing canopy cover takes time, but our urgency today reflects a healthier, greener Emerald City tomorrow, which is why I am proud to partner with the Department of Natural Resources, American Forests and leadership from other cities to support our urban forests.” 

Seattle is among the first Washington cities to join the collaborative, and Mayor Harrell signed a pledge that will commit the city to: 

  • Over the next five years, plant 8,000 trees on both public and private properties; plant 40,000 trees in parks and natural areas; and perform maintenance on 40,000 trees. 
  • By the end of 2023, implement a policy to require three trees to be planted for every healthy, site-appropriate tree removed from city property. The same policy will require two trees to be planted for every tree that dies or is deemed hazardous or invasive. 
  • By the end of 2024, develop a Tree Canopy Equity and Resilience Plan for achieving Seattle’s tree canopy goals. 
Washington State Tree Equity. Learn more at treeequityscore.org 

Under the agreement, the DNR will look to American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool to coordinate and enhance urban and community forestry in an equitable way in Washington. The tool reveals that nearly 85% of urbanized neighborhoods in the state lack sufficient tree cover, leaving over 2 million residents with less than half the required tree canopy for their neighborhoods. 

Welcoming OSE’s 2022 New Hires

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OSE is thrilled to have added seven new talented staff members in 2022, including our Director, Jessyn Farrell! We are excited to have these new members on board and look forward to working together to bring our city toward a more sustainable, equitable, and carbon-neutral future. Take a moment to get to know them by reading their bios presented below in alphabetical order:

David Benedict, Communications Intern

After spending a decade brewing beer in Seattle’s craft beer industry, the pandemic inspired David to pursue a career change and return to school. In March 2022, he left his job at Seapine Brewing to focus on developing his skills and explore new career opportunities. In November 2022, David accepted the Communications Internship at OSE and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to OSE’s efforts and values of climate justice while learning from the OSE team.

Growing up in South Carolina and finishing undergrad in Tennessee, David has lived in Seattle since 2011 and considers the PNW home. Along with OSE’s internship, he is finishing school, working on freelance writing and editing projects, and working part-time at a craft beer establishment in White Center. In his free time, David enjoys playing music, seeing live music, playing outside, and attending too many baseball games in the summer.

Role at OSE: David is responsible for assisting in the creation and management of content for OSE’s communications, including social media, newsletters, and the Greenspace Blog.  He also helps with administrative tasks that support OSE’s teams and assists with various communications needs to promote OSE’s milestones and policy engagements. 

Allison Campbell, Transportation Electrification Specialist  

Allison grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she spent her youth hiking, singing, and doing musical theater. She earned her B.S. in Vocal Performance at Middle Tennessee State University, and after graduating, she moved to South Korea and taught English. She then spent three years in Taiwan, where she continued teaching English and sang in a jazz band. While living abroad, she also studied permaculture at an organic farm in Thailand and volunteered on farms in Taiwan and Kenya.  

She has since worked for various nonprofit organizations to support outdoor education programs in BIPOC and low-income communities in the California Bay Area and Western Washington, including a Montessori school and several Washington state prisons. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Evergreen where she focused on Environmental Justice. Before joining OSE, she interned at Tacoma Power where she spearheaded the Energy Research & Development group’s equity efforts and managed low-income transportation electrification programs, including an EV charging pilot for multi-family housing.  

Allison recently fell in love with improv and will talk about it to anyone who will listen. She also loves her cat Tuna, true crime, and anything Brene Brown does. 

Role at OSE: Allison coordinates and tracks city-wide transportation emissions reduction goals, and is leading planning efforts to equitably electrify TNCs (Transportation Network Companies), for-hire, taxis, and car share vehicles by 2030. She also sits on OSE’s Change Team. 

Sara Cubillos, Climate Justice Advisor  

Sara is re-joining the Office of Sustainability and Environment after spending the last 4 years focused on embedding equity in drainage and wastewater Infrastructure planning at Seattle Public Utilities. She led the Visioning Phase of Shape Our Water, a long-range infrastructure plan for Seattle’s Water Resilience. Prior to Seattle Public Utilities, she was the Equity & Environment Program Coordinator at Office of Sustainability & Environment and supported the creation of the Equity & Environment Agenda. Her work at the city has focused on co-creating with communities who have been historically underrepresented especially in environmental investments and decision making. Sara also sits on the Board of Community Roots Housing, a local affordable housing developer. Outside of work you can catch Sara, her wife, Carolyn, and their dog Jax on long city walks going to all the local coffee shops and parks.   

Role at OSE: Sara will be leading Seattle’s Green New Deal work including –  collaborating with the Green New Deal Oversight Board, stewarding Green New Deal municipal investments, and working to advance the goals of the Green New Deal with multiple city departments. 

Jonathan Derkacht, Program Associate: Data & Finance

Prior to his time at OSE, Jonathan worked at the State of Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Administration serving in both finance and contracting positions. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys working out, the outdoors and on Sundays, you can always find him around the television watching Seahawks football games!   

Role at OSE: Jonathan is working in collaboration with the EJ Fund in developing systems and practices for the expansion of the team and helps streamline contracting and finance processes. Prior to this assignment, he assisted in a data and contracting role with the Fresh Bucks/Food Team at OSE.  

Jessyn Farrell, Director

Jessyn Farrell, J.D., is a leader in building public consensus on difficult issues related to the environment, housing, transportation, and the economy. A long-time environmental advocate, Jessyn served as a state legislator from the 46th District where she passed ground-breaking legislation on oil-by-rail safety, affordable housing near transit centers, education supports for low-income and homeless youth, protections for pregnant workers and restrictions to cell phone use while driving. As Executive Director of Transportation Choices, she led advocacy efforts resulting in billions of dollars in regional light rail investments. Jessyn is currently the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment for the City of Seattle, where she leads the City’s work to advance climate and environmental justice, reduce carbon pollution and build healthy, resilient communities. She has three kids, a dog, and is working on her first book. 

Role at OSE: Jessyn is the Director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment and is leading OSE and the City’s efforts to come together as One Seattle to advance climate justice and build healthy and resilient communities. 

Gurdeep Gill, Food Systems Design Fellow

Gurdeep (she/her/hers) is a second-generation Punjabi American. She is passionate about addressing inequities in our food system and empowering youth. During undergrad, Gurdeep had the opportunity to work with k-12 students in Seattle Public Schools to create space for students to have philosophical dialogue with one another. Through this experience, she heard how aware and wise youth are and learned the importance of listening to and centering youth voices, especially BIPOC youth. She committed to understanding our food system after connecting what youth had said about being unable to afford food and her own family’s experience of food insecurity. In previous roles, Gurdeep has supported the first Community-led Climate Justice policy section of King County’s 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, collaborated with CBOs to build their capacity at Baker Consulting, and supported Community-led food pantries in the South End during COVID-19. In her free time, she loves to paddleboard, hike, make pottery, play board games with friends, and go on walks.

Role at OSE: Gurdeep collaborates with community partners, youth, school staff, and the food policy and programs team to improve school meals at Seattle Public Schools so that they are culturally relevant, appetizing, sustainable, and source food from local BIPOC farmers. Gurdeep also engages with the community by going to Seattle Schools to talk with students about their fruits/vegetable/meal preferences, evaluate our Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program (FFVP), and share the info with Culinary Services to inform the menu. She also supports our School Meals and Food Education Work Group, comprised of community partners, SPS staff, and government staff, to improve school food experience for low-income and BIPOC youth.

Tracey Whitten, Transportation Electrification Program Manager

Tracey’s superpower is bringing people together toward a common cause and is excited to bring her skill set to our collaborative, interdepartmental Transportation Electrification effort! Tracey began her career as an organizer with labor unions, both the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of Teachers, leading and supporting campaigns focused on improving equity for childcare workers, improving working conditions for educators, and supporting progressive campaigns to improve our communities.  

Tracey then brought her skills to the world of tech where she became a sought-after program manager in technology companies and start-ups, focusing on how to spur early adoption of new products. 

Tracey served as a Commissioner with the Seattle Women’s Commission for six years, focusing on gender pay disparity, and volunteered as Vice President of Washington Bus. She has a B.A. in Organizational Communication with a focus on Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and she lives in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, with her husband Chris and their two children. 

Role at OSE: As OSE’s Transportation Electrification Program Manager, Tracey is focused on collaborating with internal departments and external stakeholders on a variety of strategies to decrease greenhouse gases while centering racial equity. Some of these strategies include pilot demonstration projects, designing incentive programs, and driving collaboration on the City’s overall electrification strategy. 

The Duwamish Valley Program 2022 Annual Update is Here!

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“Implementing a One Seattle Approach in the Duwamish Valley.”  

$1.75 Million for 8th Avenue South and Street End Park Development.

If 2022 reminded us of anything, it’s that centering community leadership is imperative for successful, long-term environmental justice work in the Duwamish Valley. For example, the King Tide flooding in late December 2022 demonstrated the power of community to distribute resources as first responders and to lead government to manage the devastating impacts of environmental injustice and climate change. We are grateful to community leaders and our partners at Seattle Public Utilities, the Office of Emergency Management, the Human Services Department, and the Office of Housing (among many others) for providing relief and assistance to families and businesses in South Park as they recover from the floods. 

At the same time, these flood events underscore an important shift in our work. As we continue to hold fast to community priorities, we are moving from short-term responsive planning to long-term proactive implementation. 

$9 million in funding secured for direct investment in Georgetown & South Park

The last few years have seen increases in investments in the Duwamish Valley. Many of these investments help fulfill our mid-term objectives in the Duwamish Valley Action Plan. In 2022 alone, the Duwamish Valley Program secured nearly $9 million of investments from our partners across the Duwamish Valley Action Team (DAT), which represents 18 City departments. City staff from these departments lead this work, drawing on existing community partnerships, and building new ones. Many of these investments we outline here in our Annual Update. 

50 Mini-Grants to local businesses for COVID-related expenses, with 38% using primary language other than English and 74% Women/BIPOC owned.

To learn more about all the great work that the Duwamish Valley Program and our partner departments have accomplished in 2022, check out our Annual Update report! As you will see, the Duwamish Valley Program has continued to adapt to a dynamic landscape of community priorities and ensure that we honor our mandate to advance environmental justice and equitable development in the Duwamish Valley. 

100 + youth participated in programming, capacity building, and leadership development.
Photo of Grant Gutierrez, the new Duwamish Valley Program Coordinator

As our work has grown, we have added staff to support our work. In Fall 2022, the Duwamish Valley Program welcomed Grant Gutierrez as the Duwamish Valley Program Coordinator. In this new role, Grant will help lead community engagement and ensure our accountability to community priorities while implementing certain projects that advance the Duwamish Valley Action Plan.  You’ll likely see Grant out in the community at events and at community meetings in South Park and Georgetown. Please join us in welcoming Grant to the Duwamish Valley family! 

Growing our staff capacity was essential to help us focus on an exciting new initiative: the Duwamish Valley Resilience District. The Resilience District grows from the Action Plan’s long-term strategy to develop and implement a geographic strategy to mitigate and adapt to flood risk and other climate change impacts (page 83). It is a holistic approach to climate change adaptation that includes priorities like affordable housing, alongside mitigating flood risks and sea-level rise adaptation, to bolster the ability of community to thrive in place. The Resilience District reflects the spirit of the Mayor’s One Seattle approach to help us fulfill many of the commitments in the Duwamish Valley Action Plan in strong collaboration with departments across the city, community organizations and industrial business leaders. This work will be led by the Resilience District Advisory Group, which has just been selected! There will be many more opportunities for community to shape this work. Stay tuned! 

Thank you all for your continued partnership. Be sure to check out the website for the full 2022 updates, and stay tuned for more to come from our team and beyond.