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Home My WebLink AboutPlanning 2023-06-22 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) AGENDA JUNE 22, 2023 - 6:30 PM To Participate in the Virtual Meeting at 6:30 pm: By Phone: Dial +1 253-292-9750, Access 779 253 241# Online: To join this meeting virtually please click on Planning Commission on the 06/22//23 calendar date on the events page located at https://www.tukwilawa.gov/events/ (a link to the Commission packet is also available from this location) Join in-person at: 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Council Chamber, Tukwila, WA. 98188 For Technical Support during the meeting, you may call 1-206-433-7155 I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Amendment of Agenda (if necessary) IV. Approval of Minutes: 5/25/23 PC Meeting V. Public Comment (acknowledge whether any written comments were received) VI. Unfinished Business VII. New Business a. Middle Housing Briefing – Neil Tabor, AICP, MAKERS Consultants b. Economic Development – Engagement Themes – Derek Speck c. Transportation Element Update – Cyndy Knighton d. Community Engagement Plan – Nancy Eklund, AICP VIII. Director’s Report IX. Adjournment Reminder: Staff is available to address Planning Commissioner questions regarding packets anytime – we encourage Commissioners to call or email staff by noon on the Tuesday before the Commission meeting date. Please call or email Commission Secretary Wynetta Bivens , at 206-431-3654 or Wynetta.Bivens@TukwilaWA.gov to be connected with the appropriate staff member. Thank you! CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) MINUTES Date: May 25, 2023 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Hybrid Meeting - via Microsoft Teams / public, in-person attendance, Council Chambers, 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 Call to Order Vice Chair Mann called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll Call The PC Secretary took roll call. Present: Vice Chair Sharon Mann, Commissioners Louise Strander, Dennis Martinez, Martin Probst, and Alexandria Teague arrived at 7:15 pm. Excused Absence: Chair Apneet Sidhu Staff: Director Nora Gierloff, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Department of Community Development (DCD); Long Range Planning Manager Nancy Eklund, AICP, DCD; Senior Planner Neil Tabor, AICP, DCD; and PC Secretary Wynetta Bivens Approval of Minutes Vice Chair Mann asked for a motion to adopt the 4/27/23 PC minutes. Commissioner Strander moved to amend the minutes to reflect the following question she raised at the 4/27/23 meeting: Why was Article VI – Rules of meetings, Letter D. – Meeting Decorum, Letter B.– ‘The Commissioner may allow comments from members of the public attending work sessions by permission of the chair or majority vote.’ removed completely from the bylaws in the packet instead of struck out. Commissioner Martinez seconded the amendments to the minutes. The amended minutes passed unanimously. Written General Public Comments No submittals. Vice Chair Mann stated she would permit verbal general comments from a member of the public. The PC Secretary noted that, for the record, verbal general comments provided at a meeting are not part of the record. [It is noted that only comments, written or oral, submitted in response to a public hearing become part of the public record.] Unfinished Business None 1 PC Meeting 5/25/23 Page 2 New Business 1. Mayor Ekberg and Fire Chief Brian Carson, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) gave a presentation on the City Council approved ballot measure Proposition No. 1 to annex into the PSRFA. Mayor Ekberg introduced himself and Chief Carson, PSRFA. Chief Carson noted he became the Fire Chief February 2023 and he has 31 years of service with South King County between SeaTac, Kent and PSRFA. The PSRFA are serving as the City’s Fire Department whether the City annexes into the PSRFA or not. Also, Chief Dan Conroy head of operations was introduced. The PSRFA is made up of the City of Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Fire District 43, which encompasses Maple Valley, for a total of 17 stations that serve a quarter of a million people. Information was provided on the response area, history, and background, etc. Mayor Ekberg and Fire Chief Carson addressed several questions from the PC. Fire Chief Carson noted the following benefits of the annexation, • Enhanced level of services, such as the RFA’s Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services program (FDCARES) programs that employees eight nurses and eight social workers that respond to nonemergency chronic calls with the fire units and are able to spend time with individuals experiencing mental health or medical problems. • The City of Tukwila would have three voting City Council Members on the PSRFA governance board. • Tukwila representatives on the PSRFA would have voting authority over decisions that guide and oversee the PSRFA. While Tukwila would have representation on the Board if not annexed into the RFA, as contractees, those members would be non-voting. • Annexation would provide the City with the option to maintain City Fire services as they are today. If not annexed into the RFA, the City and Fire Authority would contract to the desired level of service and pay for those services through the City budget. The City of Tukwila is currently under contract with the PSRFA. In the King County Primary election for the City of Tukwila, scheduled for August 1, 2023, this decision is titled “Proposition No. 1”. A “yes” vote means that the City would have representation on the PSRFA board beginning on January 1, 2024, and the fire benefit charge would go into effect on January 1, 2025. 2 PC Meeting 5/25/23 Page 3 2. Puget Sound Regional County (PSRC) Webinar briefing. The PC viewed the recorded webinar, which was a resource provided by the PSRC for PC that focused on the Comprehensive Plan Update. Discussion transpired following the webinar briefing. Director’s Report - PC Secretary thanked Vice-Chair Mann for chairing the meeting and the PC for their patience in adjusting to how the May agenda developed (i.e., staff was informed after the City Clerk’s Packet deadline that City Administration wanted to provide a presentation by the PSRFA so Commissioners understood the issues if approached by members of the public. This delay necessitated sending a revised agenda and materials out after the initial Packets were released. - PC Secretary reminded PC to please check their City email the day of the meetings for potential agenda revisions. Adjournment Vice Chair Mann asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Strander moved to adjourn; Commissioner Martinez seconded the motion. Motion passed. Submitted By: Wynetta Bivens, PC Secretary 3 4 TO: Tukwila Planning Commission FROM: Nora Gierloff, AICP, DCD Director BY: Neil Tabor, AICP DATE: June 22, 2023 SUBJECT: Middle Housing Briefing ISSUE Staff and consultant are continuing to produce draft materials regarding racial equity in housing and middle housing recommendations to be considered. BACKGROUND The presentation is an informational briefing intended to update the planning commission on recent engagement efforts, market analysis done on middle housing products, as well as initial findings regarding racially disparate impacts. Work to finalize the middle housing project will continue to be refined over the next few months and leading to further discussion around the update of the land use and housing elements of the comprehensive plan. ATTACHED Middle Housing Briefing Presentation 5 6 Tukwila Middle Housing Planning Commission June 22, 2023 7 Agenda •Project timeline •Engagement updates •Feasibility analysis •Racially disparate impacts •Discussion and next steps 8 Project Timeline Middle Housing Comprehensive Plan June 2023 Feb 2023 Summer 2023 December 2024 •Engagement efforts •Racially disparate impacts & outcomes •Code recommendations: middle housing MAKERS role: •Housing Element •Land Use Element •Climate change & equity •GIS mapping •Code recommendations: high-density housing 9 Middle Housing Project Goals •Engage and resource diverse community; establish equity-driven engagement framework for Comprehensive Plan •Analyze potential racially disparate impacts of status quo and proposed policies •Increase flexibility for Tukwila neighborhoods to adapt as conditions change while protecting affordability, increasing housing variety, and supporting residents’ needs 10 Key Themes •Focus on ownership-oriented housing types •Align code recommendations with outcomes of sensitivity testing •Limit impacts to communities at risk of displacement 11 Feasibility Analysis 12 Unit Type Families 13 Tukwila, WA - Modified LDR Housing Choice Flag Lot Cottage Small Lot Cottage Existing House + ADU Existing House + Two ADUs Duplex + ADU Large Single- Detached Twin Home Townhouses 14 $875,000 $440,000 $- $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000 $800,000 $900,000 $1,000,000 - 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 Tukwila, WA Single-Family Asking Price to Square Feet (May 2023) Market Calibration New Construction Comps Lot Size # of Beds # of Baths Sq Ft Asking Price Price PSF Year Built 17,550 4 4 3,000 650,000$ 217$ 2023 11,120 5 3 2,488 875,000$ 352$ 2023 15 Existing Standards Home Type Lot Size (sf) Unit Size (sf) Sale Rent Affordable at % of local income* Detached house 6,900 2,500 $831,221 -222% Twin home 13,000 1,250 $544,721 -146% Duplex, owner-occupied 13,000 900 $950,568 234% Duplex, rent 13,000 900 -$3,958 253% *Tukwila median income, US Census, 2021: $89,653 = Owners $62,929 = Renters Unrealistic 16 Prototyping Modeling List - Fee Simple Focus Existing Standards Modified Standards LDR Single-Family Twin Home Duplex, Owner-Occupied Duplex, Rent -------------------------------- Small Lot Single-Family Small Lot Land Division 17 Modified LDR Lot Standards (Lot size & parking) Detached House Sensitivity Testing Existing LDR Lot Standards Unit Size (sf)2,500 900 Lot Size (sf)6,900 2,500 Lot Cost ($25 psf)$172,500 $62,500 Lot Area per Unit 6,900 2,500 Lot Coverage 23%18% Parking per Unit 2 1 Existing Standards Modified Standards Change Sales Price $831,221 $391,969 -53% % Local Median Income 222%105%-53% Reduced Minimum Lot Size & Parking Requirements Reducing standards around minimum lot size supports market choices to consume less land and build smaller. 18 What’s next •Sensitivity testing for townhouses and multi-plex housing types •Code change proposals and refinements based on sensitivity testing 19 Engagement Update 20 Engagement update Engagement Hub: Limited traffic so far; need help spreading the word! Housing survey: 36 responses received Housing producer interviews: four interviews conducted Public meeting: Good turnout at June 6th Public Meeting Community-based Organizations: Black Homeownership Initiative to lead engagement with local housing partners and underrepresented groups 21 Online interactive platform •Social Pinpoint •Landing page for updates, information, and links •Brief housing survey •Ideas Wall for community discussion •Visit https://makers.mysocialpinpoint.com/tukwila-engagement-hub/ 22 Ideas Wall Community Discussion 23 Racially Disparate Impacts 24 Racially Disparate Impacts •Grant requirement to investigate racially disparate impacts of existing and proposed housing policies and regulations •This work will continue through the Comprehensive Plan process •Staff report in progress •MAKERS assessment using PolicyMap data mapping tool •PolicyMap exports will be added to the Engagement Hub 25 Affordability 26 Renters 27 Homeowners 28 Discussion and Next Steps 29 Discussion What is important to learn from sensitivity testing? What areas of zoning code seem most promising to update? What outcomes should we strive for? 30 City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator DATE: June 8, 2023 SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Economic Element – Themes from Engagement ISSUE This is an update on what we have heard to date through our community engagement as we create the City’s Economic Development Strategy. We will also use this information to inform updates to the Economic Element of the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND In 2022 the City began community engagement to gather input for the Economic Development Strategy through a variety of methods including a website, surveys, listening sessions, and contracts with community organizations. DISCUSSION Following are summaries of results from most of the engagement methods: 1) Online Survey – The city hosted an online survey. Draft results are attached. 2) Paper Survey – The city collected paper surveys at the Tukwila Village farmer’s market. Draft results are attached. 3) Online Interactive Map - Identified sites for public infrastructure (crosswalks, bus shelters, curb and sidewalks, traffic signals), community garden, park, lounge style coffee shop, use river as an amenity. 4) Listening Sessions – City staff held listening sessions at the City’s boards and commissions. The staff notes are attached. 5) Listening Sessions – City staff held listening sessions with the help of community organizations. The staff notes are attached. 6) Contracted Engagement a) African Community Housing and Development – The City purchased a report on needs of small African businesses and workforce needs of SeaTac/Tukwila area. The report is attached. b) Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce – The City contracted with the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce to conduct door to door visits to businesses in Southcenter District and along Tukwila International Boulevard to promote the online survey and collect information. A summary of business comments is attached. c) Growing Contigo – The City contracted with Growing Contigo to promote the survey to Spanish speaking businesses via social media, phone calls, and in person visits. The report is attached. 31 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 d) Riverton Park United Methodist Church – The City contracted with the Church to survey members of Tukwila’s homeless population and encourage them to submit online surveys. e) Talitha Consults – The City contracted with Talitha to collect surveys at two apartment buildings housing lower income families. The primary languages were Dari, English, Somali, and Spanish. Summary report is attached. The city may also conduct some phone interviews and focus groups and will seek additional feedback from the Economic Development Strategy’s Advisory Committee. Public input will also continue through the City Council approval process. Staff will be available to speak to the key themes and issues from the engagement results to date. FINANCIAL IMPACT Not applicable. RECOMMENDATION Discussion only. ATTACHMENTS Online Survey Results – Draft Paper Survey Results – Draft Listening Session Notes – City Boards and Commissions a. Arts Commission b. Community Oriented Policing Advisory Committee c. Equity and Social Justice Committee d. Human Services Advisory Committee e. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee f. Parks Commission g. Planning Commission h. Tukwila Library Advisory Board Listening Session Notes – Community Organizations a. Foster High School Black Student Union b. SeaTac-Tukwila Community Coalition – Community Leaders c. SeaTac-Tukwila Community Coalition – Members d. SeaTac-Tukwila Rotary Club Report on Small Business Support and Workforce Development Programs (ACHD) Business Comments (Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce) Tukwila Spanish-Speaking Business Survey Outreach Report (Growing Contigo) Unhoused Residents Survey (Riverton Park United Methodist Church) Renters and Special Needs Students (Talitha Consults) 32 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Online Survey Results – DRAFT The City’s online survey for the Economic Development Strategy included ten questions on opinions and additional questions on demographics. At that time there were 53 respondents. The survey was available in ten languages. Respondents wrote their answers and the City’s consultant summarized the comments into the following categories. Following are the survey results for the ten opinion questions as of December 2022. 33 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 34 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 3 35 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 4 36 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 5 37 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 6 38 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Paper Survey Results – DRAFT The City’s paper survey for the Economic Development Strategy asked “what would you like to see more of in Tukwila?” and provided space for people to put stickers and comments into their top two categories. Economic Development staff conducted the survey at the Tukwila Village farmers market on October 5, 2022 and October 12, 2022. The survey was available in five languages. We received 24 responses. Respondents wrote their answers and the City staff summarized the comments into the following categories. Following are the survey results: Survey Results Tukwila Village Farmers Market Number of Surveys by Language English Spanish Somali Vietnamese Other Total 10/5/2022 23 1 0 0 0 24 10/12/2022 22 1 0 0 1 24 Stickers Categories 10/5/2022 10/12/2022 Total Businesses 9 7 16 Jobs 10 6 16 Education & Training 13 14 27 Housing 12 9 21 Other 7 11 18 Notes: (1) The survey sheet had the above 5 categories for "what would you like to see more of in Tukwila?" (2) We gave each person two stickers and asked them to place them on their two highest priorities. (3) We asked them to write their suggestions and comments in any categories. (4) If they marked or commented in a category, it would be counted it as a sticker. (5) We gave free water, candy, kids toys, emergency supplies (6) The market offered free dinner and music on 10/12/22. (7) A number of youth submitted surveys to get the free items. Comments (1) More restaurants (2) More colleges (3) Sustainable gardening & food storage 39 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 (4) Better cooperation between Section 8, DSHS, and various management (5) Any jobs which can help people (6) Education & Training - good; no discrimination (7) No more housing!!! (8) Jobs - Engineering like Amazon (9) Education & Training - job skills and training (10) We have many low income people in community if there is more job opportunities so these people will be more independent (11) People be more educated (12) Businesses that want to help clean up Tukwila (13) Jobs to help clean up Tukwila together it works (14) Education & Training - to better know what's going on and how we can help every with cleaning (15) There is too much homelessness and we are suffering because of all the stealing (16) I want to see more BIPOC businesses (17) I want to see less homeless people in the street (18) Teen center (19) Jobs for kids (20) Volunteer opportunities for kids and teenagers (21) Offer training courses for becoming an entrepreneur with access for low rates loans to start up (22) Develop more sizable malls (23) More apartments (24) Businesses - More community/diverse/market/food. Local lead and small business (25) Community lead education about land we are on and about our community members (26) Businesses - Food 40 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 3 (27) Housing - For seniors (28) Kids to do (29) More training on internet (30) Senior center training on internet (31) Stop crime esp drug abuse (32) Apprenticeships program (abroad diploma to US credentials) (33) Law + order (34) Jobs - For different ages especially for the senior (35) Develop more housing with more amenities (36) After school wellness & health programs (37) Housing - affordability please (38) Housing - affordability (39) Jobs - technology, grocery (40) Education & Training - environment of students (41) For businesses they should do more food businesses or smoothie shops (42) Jobs - programs or coaching (43) Workforce housing (44) Communal farming & living (45) Education & training - computer (46) Community outreach kids, elders (47) Jobs - More take your kids to work day (48) Libraries (49) More mix of residential and ?. Missing middle concerns. (50) More college classes and ESL like Highline college. 41 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 4 (51) More affordable housing (Samara rents have increased. Now a 2 bedroom is $1,500) (52) Safety and security (53) On the job training. (54) Financial education. (55) On the job training instead of written test certifications. E.g. for home care worker. (56) Safety (57) RV parking restrictions (58) Walkability (59) More parks (60) More schools (61) Kids community to play and share their culture (62) Green jobs - We have water ways in the city. (63) I've imagined a skill development center in the area like Airport University. (64) Rent prices are very high. (65) Gas prices high but wages aren't rising. (66) Security. I'm a SHAG resident and we are very concerned. (67) More schools (68) More restaurants (69) Ice cream truck (70) After school education (71) More houses (72) More jobs in construction (73) Housing for low income seniors (74) Schools to teach self defense 42 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 5 (75) I think we need more active businesses in Tukwila like malls & building company (76) With educatoin and training we can find good jobs that we want (77) Try making the area safer (78) Doctors offices (79) Educational programs for children (80) Exercise classes (81) Cooking classes (82) Small business (83) Take care of adults (likely seniors) (swahili) 43 44 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Arts Commission Listening Session 11/30/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Dinner theater 2. Artist lofts and creative space 3. Black box theater 4. Pub with live music 5. Food truck court, particularly on TIB 6. Crime is a concern 45 46 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board (COPCAB) Listening Session 10/13/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Things that make it family friendly, activities 2. Social service agencies (more services to be provided locally) 3. Boys and girls club or something similar near 144th and TIB 4. Recreation resources for youth in the apartments 5. Tutoring center for academic support for kids 6. More mom & pop restaurants 7. Open access soccer fields for kids 8. Open access basketball courts for kids 9. Whole Foods grocery store 10. SeaTac and Tukwila managed animal control 11. Need to reduce crime 12. Businesses that generate net tax revenues 13. Auto dealerships for sale tax revenue 14. Add another casino 15. Sports betting? 16. No more pawn shops 17. Good pizza restaurant 18. Blaze pizza (Labraun James) 19. Brew pubs 47 48 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Equity and Social Justice Commission Listening Session 8/4/22 We would like a community engagement process that welcomes Tukwila’s diverse community. This includes residents, businesses, and property owners. Some possibilities are: 1. Website and online survey (optimized for mobile users) 2. City Hosted Opportunities a. City Boards and Commissions b. City groups (e.g., Teens for Tukwila) c. City Facilities (Tukwila Community Center, Permit Counter, Spraypark, etc.) d. Parks and Recreation events (e.g., “See You in the Park”) e. Direct door-to-door business visits f. National Night Out 3. Community Meetings and Events 4. Community Gathering Places a. Food Trucks (e.g. at Southgate Mobile Home Park) b. Saar’s Supersaver grocery store c. Spice Bridge d. Tukwila Library e. Tukwila Village Farmers Market 5. Community Organizations a. Access to Our Community b. African Community Housing and Development c. Chamber of Commerce d. East African Community Services e. Para Los Ninos f. Partners in Employment g. Refugee Women’s Alliance (REWA) h. Small Business Development Center at Highline College i. Talitha Consults j. Tukwila Metropolitan Park District Board k. Tukwila School District (e.g., Foster High School classes) We would appreciate the Committee’s suggestions on these or other potential engagement opportunities. We would appreciate the Committee’s input on the Economic Development Strategy: 1. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? 2. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 3. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy and businesses? 4. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy and businesses? 5. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 6. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 49 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 7. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 8. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s working residents? Comments from Commission: 1. Let us know how we can help 2. Who are we serving? 3. Translation 4. QR codes make it easier 5. Engage through multiple ways such as: a. Sean Goode (Chose 180) b. Tukwila School Board c. Villa Communitaria d. Rotary e. Faith organizations f. Foster Presbyterian Church has Ethiopean and Bhutanese congregations g. St Thomas has spanish speaking congregation h. Abu Bakr mosque, synagogue and temple i. Vietnamese student association j. Black student union k. Connect with residents at apartment buildings l. Could connect with parents at school pick-up and drop off sites m. Foster High social studies teachers could assist 6. We need more training centers/job centers 50 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Human Services Advisory Board Listening Session 10/25/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Streamlined, efficient permitting process to attract development 2. Affordable housing in Tukwila School District so students don’t have to move out. 3. Shelter for teens and/or families, domestic violence victims 4. Services for mental health, behavioral health, incarceration transition, domestic violence, case management 5. Teen health center in high school or at HealthPoint future wellness center on TIB 6. Mental health services in elementary schools 7. Translation services for immigrants and refugees 8. Higher wages for service providers like case workers 9. Workforce development office like WorkSource, PIE, etc. to connect people to livable wages and apprenticeships. 10. Technical and community college extension 11. Facility for classes like night school, e.g. college courses 12. Safe and affordable spaces for small businesses 13. Grocery store like Safeway or Albertsons near Allentown or East Marginal Way at Boeing Access Road 51 52 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Listening Session 8/12/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? 9. What are the needs of people working in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Strengths: retail and the mall; great location for business travelers 2. Need more attractions; City could issue RFP to bring an attraction 3. An example is Everett has Angel of the Winds 4. Another example Snohomish has sports complex 5. Need to build on public safety 6. Need more interesting food options 7. Could convert a big box into a large food hall (Samuel Adams hall in Boston) 53 54 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Parks Commission Listening Session 12/14/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? 9. What are the needs of people working in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Could portion of Starfire be used for large outdoor park since noise won’t affect neighbors. 2. We need more grocery stores, like neighborhood markets, many people shop at Fred Meyer in Burien 3. More interconnectedness between parks and trails in the city. For example, Bend, OR has an Ales and Trails and promotes it. 4. Nice to see the new construction on Interurban such as Greenwood Heating. Nice to see those types of jobs that offer fair wages, brings good services for residents, and improves the appearance of the area. 5. Would like to see fewer casinos 6. We could build on having Tabor 100 since they’re in Tukwila to attract businesses to locate and grow here. 7. Would like to have more independent, small businesses. 8. “I don’t want to come across as a Luddite NIMBY or anything like that. My educational background is in Economics, and I want Tukwila to be a good, prosperous, diverse place to live for all kinds of people and their life goals. My CONCERN is that “more is not always better”. I don’t want construction and development and ever-increasing chase of more and more population, more and more economic activity FOR ITS OWN SAKE. Sure, “growth” is generally good…but growth also means everything is more costly. I want restrained, controlled, focused growth. Not just one of everything; I don’t see how that makes the lives of our residents better.” 9. We need to have an area of town that would function like a downtown and feel of a village where people can park once and walk to multiple activities. Southcenter doesn’t feel pedestrian friendly. Could be multiple areas. 10. Want to keep the feel of a small town and personal connections as Tukwila grows. 11. Would like to have a driving range in the City. 12. Need to be able to adjust as the former Boeing Longacres area in Renton develops with all the proposed housing and office. 55 56 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Planning Commission Listening Session 7/28/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? a. Larger businesses, such as Prologist and Amazon bring a lot of people to Tukwila; diverse shops; several restaurants with a diversity of great food; parks and recreational areas; a wealth of present individuals whether they' re from Tukwila or not; a captive audience close to the Tukwila businesses; and a lot of opportunities along International Blvd. b. The number of different types of businesses; you can probably find what you are looking for in Tukwila; it' s an entertainment center; lots to do. c. The opportunity to draw in more large businesses with 250 or more employees; with the shift in hybrid work, if Tukwila is going to draw in large businesses it should be a campus environment where employers and employees can drive in to work and have walkability to trails and nearby businesses where they might enjoy going during their lunch; small businesses to service larger businesses is key. Noted: Tukwila does a good job now, but campus environments need to be closer to the businesses. d. Tukwila is in a really good location, near 1- 5, 1- 405, airport, and the major city of Seattle. 2. What are the weaknesses of the Tukwila economy? a. Styles of development (one story businesses, lack of mixed use). b. It is lacking points of interest, such as something like Green Lake; walkability. c. Not enough public relations on the livability for families in Tukwila; a need to spruce up the community and improve the parks and make them more family friendly; and make the world more aware of the community. 3. Are there things changing in the world that might be challenges for Tukwila in the future, are there things for Tukwila to start adapting to? a. Find common ground between low income and high income such as safety, affordability, and access. 4. Are there things happening in the regional economy that Tukwila might want to be part of in the future? a. Influx of electric vehicles, especially for transportation logistics at ProLogis. 5. What are some ideas to improve Tukwila' s economy and support the businesses? a. Offering more experiences through events and activities is important. b. Improve Tukwila' s negative reputation regarding the permitting process. 6. Is there a need to improve the work lives of Tukwila residents in the workforce? a. Service businesses, such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, florists, and family restaurants. Gathering places/ businesses in the Southcenter area. b. Survey residents on where they go in their off hours to figure out what services and activities people are going to outside their community and provide those services locally to strengthen the community. 57 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 c. A neighborhood feel within walking distance in the community, good paying jobs, and affordable housing. 7. What type of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? a. Grocery stores, coffee shops; mixed use hotels or condos; businesses close to the greenbelt. 8. What type of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? a. Casinos. 9. Other comments a. Need to improve impression of Tukwila to outside world b. Marketing the livability to attract familys c. Promote and improve parks 58 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Tukwila Library Advisory Board Listening Session 10/4/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Bring healthcare into southcenter district, around mall 2. The hub just south of the commons mall at federal way and highline college and federal way. Post secondary education. Adult education opportunities. Certificates, 2 year degrees, 3. Loves spice bridge, more, more co-working (like wework) for telecommunters, artist lofts and housing, community theater, art galleries 4. Grocery stores 5. Keep up redevelopment on TIB 6. Breakfast spot 7. Brew pubs 8. Food truck rallies 9. Georgetown trailer park businesses 10. More events like the Ru Paul Drag Race show that was at Westfield mall 11. Series of concerts like small stages like at University Village 12. Grandparents with grandkids 13. Family friendly 14. More events like Juneteenth 15. More events like Bark in the Park 16. Free or economical events 17. Conference rooms for rent (e.g. for lawyers taking depositions) 59 60 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Black Student Union at Foster High School Listening Session 12/8/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group (approximately 20 attendees): 1. Strengths a. Light rail; buses b. Culture – many different cultures c. Tight knit community with generational connections d. Like the school, feel safe, home away from home e. Everyone is different and people are welcoming to everyone f. Tukwila is chill g. More programs and opportunities for everyone, for example library has program for new immigrants h. Students seem more welcoming that in other schools to new students, less clicky 2. Weaknesses a. There is a lot of homeless people which shows there’s need b. Kind of boring c. Some apartments small bad like drugs and alcohol d. Bus stops have needles, trash, smell, broken glass, smell bad e. Trash along Gilliam creek f. Abandoned houses and buildings g. Students have had to leave TSD because rents have gone up. h. Need more resources for recent immigrants to connect with District to build trust i. Old dilapidated, unsafe apartment buildings j. Need math programs for students with very low English k. One apartment building has a lot of false fire alarms at night l. Apartments poorly maintained 3. Want to See a. Less homeless on street, people having shelter and housing b. Volunteer program to clean up litter c. Skating rink d. Junior ROTC e. More activities beyond the mall, especially to engage youth, f. Teen center near foster high g. Via App won’t show TCC and the app won’t pull up getting to light rail h. Ice skating i. More activities to do around the school 61 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 j. More funding to retain teachers, and hire more k. More funding for school supplies. For example, Renton has funding l. More grocery stores so it’s easier for people to get to them m. More support for local businesses (e.g. Mall of Africa in SeaTac) n. Think about what would be moved or affected when building something new and how it affects the communities o. Selfie museum/selfie center (e.g for Instagram, tiktok) for free p. More safety at parks, more parks q. Activities for younger kids (is there little league football or other sports for kids) r. More restaurants s. More restaurants that are walkable to Foster and healthier food. t. Grocery store like Amazon fresh u. More diversity of food, healthier, and vegetarian or vegan 62 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy SeaTac Tukwila Community Coalition Community Leaders Listening Session 12/2/22  This listening session took place on Friday, Dec. 2 nd 6pm-7pm, over zoom, during STCC’s community leadership cohort training.  Facilitators: o Derek Speck, City of Tukwila o Jill Kong, Global to Local o AJ McClure, Global to Local o Nasra Mohamed, Somali Health Board o Rose Atumba, Congolese Integration Network o Floribert Mubalama, Congolese Integration Network o Francoise Milinganyo, Congolese Integration Network o Dorcas Chishungu, Congolese Integration Network  Attendees: o Najma Abdi, SHB Cohort o Iman Omar, SHB Cohort o Abdimaalik Mohamed, SHB Cohort o Lona Medhane, SHB Cohort o Kenneth Luundo, CIN Cohort o Serge Kalala, CIN Cohort o Zalema Kuedituka, CIN Cohort o Nida Ntita, CIN Cohort o Aristid Kanangila, CIN Cohort  Questions to prompt discussion: o How could we improve Tukwila’s economy to better support our businesses, workers, and residents? o What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? o What types of jobs would you like to see more of in Tukwila? What are the barriers to those jobs?  Comments from group: 1. More fresh and cultural foods 2. More Congolese restaurants; food diversity builds connections 63 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 3. Training like internships, apprenticeships, certifications, especially for people who already have skills and education but are not allowed to work while their US documentation is being process. 4. How to create a sustainable funding mechanism to avoid displacement of small businesses. 5. Tukwila has a USCIS office, which is a strength. 6. Need more affordable housing; it’s becoming less affordable for refugees and immigrants. Need more 3 and 4 bedroom units. 7. Community center more accessible to people without cars and refugees and immigrants along TIB. 8. Build a new college in Tukwila. 9. Build a new hospital in Tukwila. 10. Launch or bring a cultural festival to Tukwila to celebrate the diversity of Tukwila. 11. Help small businesses and entrepreneurs locate in Tukwila. 12. Help people learn how to become developers to develop the types of space they want. 13. Provide program to help small, under-served businesses learn how to market to government. 14. Less fast food 15. Less liquor and tobacco 16. Well detailed ESL course, apprenticeship programs, or even courses designed to help people learn more about the process of running a business such as the paperwork invovled would be great. 17. Funding for community organizations to have strong leadership. 64 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy SeaTac Tukwila Community Coalition MEMBERS Listening Session 12/1/22  This listening session took place on Thursday, Dec. 1 st 10am-11am, over zoom.  Attendees: o Jill Kong, Global to Local o AJ McClure, Global to Local o Rose Atumba, Congolese Integration Network o Nasra Mohamed, Somali Health Board o Mohamed Shidane, Somali Health Board o Ngam Nguyen, Partner in Employment  Questions to prompt discussion: o What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? o What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? o What are the needs of people working in Tukwila?  Comments from group: 1. Add survey in French 2. More cultural and healthy restaurants 3. Less fast food 4. Help small businesses stay in the city 5. How to welcome higher paying jobs without displacing people 6. More community clinics with providers from cultures in Tukwila 7. More programs for middle school, high school, and recent high school graduates for safe, healthy activities, employment training, apprenticeship opportunities, especially for those who are in the black refugee community. 8. Highlight Ukrainian language 9. Support for community members to lead healthier lives such as parks, teen and senior center, positive experiences for people. 10. Make Tukwila Pond Park an attractive amenity for residents, businesses and visitors. 11. Affordable commercial space for all types of small businesses, especially BIPOC businesses. 12. Easier to navigate pathway for small businesses to open in Tukwila, using an equity lens, such as workshops or how-to guides on permitting. 13. There are many refugees with business experience and skills and who would like to start small businesses but can not afford to rent commercial space. 14. Hall space to rent for cultural events 15. Retail space with multiple small units, such as the Medina Mall at Tukwila Village. 16. Ensure the economic development strategy takes into account equity for underserved communities and avoids displacement of residents and small businesses. 17. Ensure that revenue growth goals do not result in displacement of residents and businesses. 18. Consider including an equity section or chapter in the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and/or the Comprehensive Plan. 65 66 City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development Input on the Economic Development Strategy Rotary Club Listening Session 11/10/22 Questions to prompt discussion: 1. What are the strengths of Tukwila’s economy? 2. What are the weaknesses of Tukwila’s economy? 3. What are the challenges facing Tukwila’s businesses? 4. What are the opportunities facing Tukwila’s businesses? 5. What are your ideas to improve Tukwila’s economy and tax revenue? 6. What are your ideas to improve the lives of Tukwila’s residents who are working? 7. What types of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila? 8. What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Comments from group: 1. Tukwila South – “sleeping giant” 2. Ensure plenty of parks, including small parks 3. Protecting natural areas like along the river 4. More local coffee shops 5. More brew pubs 6. Is there a community gathering place? Neighborhoods should have local gathering places for the neighborhood 7. Community center for kids in the TIB area, including meeting spaces, activity spaces 8. Youth center 9. Health care 10. More urgent care, especially on TIB 11. Need more affordable housing, including workforce housing 12. A full-service grocery store 67 68 R E P O R T O N S M A L L B U S I N E S S S U P P O R T & W O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M S 2022 Report by: Daniel Horst Farmers Market & Food Access Manager For: City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 69 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 1 African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) is a community- founded and –led organization that builds prosperity for the African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community in King County. ACHD operates via three core pillars: housing/social services, education, and economic development. Our Mission: To provide opportunities for African Diaspora immigrant and refugee communities, families, and individuals in South King County to attain health and housing stability, economic development, high-quality education, and referrals to legal services. Our Vision: An informed African immigrant and refugee community that is engaged in the holistic development of their families, communities, and environment. ACHD launched our Small Business Support work in 2020, assisting small business owners with PPP applications and other forms of economic COVID relief. In 2021, ACHD conducted a Small Business Needs Assessment, and launched our Delridge Farmers Market as an economic development program in Southwest Seattle. Since then, our Small Business Support work has grown rapidly, continually expanding to meet community demand. The African Diaspora immigrant and refugee community places a high value on entrepreneurship. In 2017, almost nine percent of all immigrants in Seattle were entrepreneurs (about 54,318 people), making them about 36.8% more likely to be entrepreneurs than U.S.- born citizens. In addition, ACHD runs a successful workforce development program, launched in 2021, with the goal of connecting community members with high-wage, rewarding careers. Much of the community is under- employed with low-wage jobs that do not support the whole family’s needs; others generate income using the gig economy and face similar issues. "Immigrants and the economy in: Seattle Metro Area," New American Economy, https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/city/seattle/ 1 1 70 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 2 ACHD Small Business Technical Assistance Program ACHD’s Small Business Support Program is two-fold. ACHD’s Farmers Market and Food Access Manager Daniel has a background in small scale farming, sales, and hospitality management. He focuses on supporting BIPOC-owned food and farming businesses across King County. Primary activities include webinars hosted in collaboration with local farming incubator groups and other market organizations including Viva Farms, New Roots IRC, and Rain or Shine Market, focused on topics such as direct sales and marketing strategies, web presence and digital marketing, tax planning, and more. Daniel performs frequent outreach on open grants, non-traditional loans, and business support programs to ensure the small business community is informed of available funding and resources. Businesses frequently request one-on-one coaching and support on specific needs like permitting, grant writing support, and branding. Abokor, ACHD’s Small Business Support Manager, focuses on serving the East African community, a tight-knit group with which he has strong connections and relationships. Word of mouth travels fast in this community, so many of his clients find out about services through friends and colleagues and come to our offices in person for support. Abokor’s professional background is in transportation and logistics, previously working as an owner-operator long haul trucker. He speaks Somali and is able to provide robust support and interpretation services to his clients from a range of industries. As Abokor began leading the program in September when the Working Washington Round 5 grant was released, his primary activities thus far have been in supporting clients with this grant application and navigating the complex federal system that now requires UEI numbers for grant recipients. He has also provided support on other public and private sector grant programs including the DCYF Early Childhood Equity grant, Comcast RISE, and Heinz Restaurant grants, focused on providing flexible funds for economic support and COVID recovery dollars to BIPOC-owned businesses. African Community Housing & Development is a member of the Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN). 71 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 3 This program offers a network of technical assistance providers available free of charge to small businesses across the state. In particular, the network is focused on providing culturally and linguistically relevant services, and the SBRN represents the diverse array of global communities that live in our state. Members of the network meet regularly to share strategies, resources, key learnings and collaborative opportunities to ensure clients across the board are holistically supported. Many organizations in the SBRN work together on projects and offer complimentary resources to one another to magnify and maximize impact. Demographics Since taking on the Small Business Technical Assistance program in September, Abokor has assisted 14 clients in Tukwila and SeaTac across several industries. 50 percent of these clients operate a sole proprietorship business, 29 percent operate an LLC, 14 percent an S- Corp, and 7 percent a C-Corp. The main industries represented by these clients include transportation (i.e. trucking, taxi, and rideshare services), childcare, and import/exports. Abokor has also worked with clients in the mixed retail and hospitality/restaurant industries. All of the clients served by Abokor are immigrants and refugees from East Africa. 85 percent of these clients speak Somali as their primary language, and 15 percent split between Amharic and English. About 86 percent of these businesses would all fall into the startup or growth stage and about 14 percent would be considered in decline. Businesses served by Abokor are about 65 percent male-owned and 35 percent female-owned. Aden, ACHD’s Chief Housing Specialist, has also worked closely with 43 entrepreneurs from the Mall of Africa in SeaTac. The businesses at the mall are approximately 70 percent Somali- and 30 percent Ethiopian-owned. Approximately 70 percent of these businesses are women-owned and nearly all are sole proprietorships or single member LLCs. The mall is a recent development project and has been open for about 18 months. Almost every business owner at the mall is struggling to pay rent, many owing 3-6 months of back rent. This issue coupled with a lack of funds for and knowledge of advertising and marketing campaigns has left many of these businesses with few 72 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 4 customers and low sales. They are also struggling to find and keep employees as most business owners cannot afford to pay more than minimum wage. Business owners also state a need for web development and hosting services, as even for those who have the capacity to design and create a website, most cannot afford hosting fees. Unfortunately, our rental assistance program has not extended to commercial leases, and we do not have funds available for cash assistance, so these entrepreneurs have not been able to receive much financial support. Aden and ACHD’s executive director Hamdi have been working closely with local legislators from the county and state level to advocate on behalf of these businesses, meeting with lawmakers to strategize modes of support and potential options to grant funds to these businesses to improve their economic resilience. Daniel has performed outreach on open grants and loan programs to about 15 restaurant and food-based businesses in the Tukwila and SeaTac area. Many of the food-based businesses Daniel works with are in Seattle, especially central and south Seattle. The farmers Daniel serves are most often located in more rural areas and Agricultural Production Districts like those in the Kent and Sammamish valleys. The main clients who have received direct services and support in the Tukwila/SeaTac area have been 9 chefs who own small catering and market-based prepared food businesses, some of whom we also work with through our Delridge Farmers Market program. 100 percent of these chefs are women of color from countries across the globe including Senegal, Gambia, Congo, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Mexico. All of these clients are recent immigrants and refugees, about 90% of whom have been in business for less than 3 years. There is a diverse array of primary languages spoken by these clients including Swahili, Lingala, French, Khmer, and Spanish. Only about 11 percent speak English as their primary language. These talented chefs provide a wide array of culturally relevant food for their communities and are often most in need of support to navigate the bureaucracy of food business permitting (30 percent), grant writing support (25 percent), web development and digital marketing (25 percent), and branding (20 percent). Nearly all these chefs are also seeking more sales and market opportunities, so there is a strong element of value chain coordination in this work with regular outreach and matchmaking to 73 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 5 other market organizations, events, and catering opportunities. Because of Daniel’s background in restaurants and hospitality, he understands the importance of positive, consistent guest experiences, working closely with chefs to identify ways of improving their customer engagement, presenting their cuisine and services in a manner that resonates with the average consumer. In an effort to reduce barriers to our services, we gather a minimum of demographic information from clients to ensure we can still capture valuable insights while respecting the privacy and dignity of our clients. ACHD staff are seen as trusted messengers to our diverse community of African Diaspora individuals. Because of historic and continued inequities and discrimination experienced by these community members, there is often a well-founded, deep-seated mistrust of government programs, traditional funders, and all the forms and data gathering that comes along with these programs. Because of this, many of the insights and key learnings from our programs come in the form of conversation and anecdotes from clients, most often captured as case notes that will be expanded upon in the Client Needs section. Client Needs From the one-on-one client meetings, coaching sessions, and relationship building efforts undertaken by Abokor and Daniel, a variety of client needs have emerged from our small business community, with a few key trends. Most often, clients are seeking access to flexible funds that can be used for any number of business activities. Especially given the COVID situation, many clients are seeking funds to pay back rent, utilities, and other fixed expenses as their businesses experienced reduced revenues due to COVID. This is a unique challenge as a large proportion of our clients are of the Muslim faith, and therefore are unable to accept loans with interest. ACHD has been in conversation with several local credit unions and CDFIs to explore the potential for a cash assistance or revolving loan fund program that would allow entrepreneurs access to small and microloans with no interest. Oftentimes, clients do not know where to look for these financial resources and access to capital, and so there is a mandatory element of outreach and education when informing 74 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 6 clients of capital opportunities. As many of our clients have recently immigrated to the US, often with limited English language skills, navigating the business licensing, permitting, and finance landscape is a main challenge. Many websites like the Department of Commerce and city government pages are only available in English (and sometimes Spanish). Financial literacy is a recurring need we have seen from a variety of business owners across many industries, especially courses and instruction that can be offered in the native language of clients – Somali, Amharic, Kiswahili, and Arabic to name a few. Often clients do not have the financial records, credit score, etc. required to be prepared for loan and grant applications. Abokor’s work on this program has been essential in getting access to grant funds for non- or limited-English speaking clients. While applications and forms are often available in languages other than English, typically funders require narrative responses to be recorded in English regardless, representing a barrier to many of our clients. Small business clients often have overlapping needs as well, such as seeking home rental assistance, food assistance, legal support, and other aid offered through ACHD programs. ACHD has had the opportunity to provide financial assistance to thousands of clients through our eviction prevention and rental assistance programs; unfortunately, these funds have mostly dried up as COVID recovery dollars dwindle, and often legacy clients are under the impression that we have cash reserves to offer to anyone in need. Often clients would not apply for any sort of government benefits, grants, etc. without our introduction and guidance, due to the deep mistrust of bureaucratic entities and programs. All of this speaks to a continued need for funds to be allocated to trusted messengers and organizations like ACHD who are embedded in and represent the communities served. 75 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 7 ACHD Workforce Development Program Background Through our Workforce Development program, African Community Housing & Development has partnered with the Port of Seattle to provide culturally and linguistically relevant coaching and education to African Diaspora immigrants and refugees who are seeking to begin lifelong careers in Port-related industries. These industries include aviation, maritime, construction trades, and green energy. ACHD’s multi-faceted Workforce Development program provides employment opportunities, paid training opportunities, mock interview training, resume building sessions, job application assistance and more. To ensure our clients are paid a livable wage and compensated fairly for their work, ACHD will not pursue employment opportunities for clients offering less than $20 an hour. Since starting in the role at the beginning of September, Amal, ACHD’s Workforce Development Case Manager has successfully placed 11 clients in full- time roles with the Port of Seattle, and offered support, training, application assistance, and more to an additional 65 clients. Demographics Of 76 clients served over the past 3 months, 13 are residents of Tukwila and 7 are SeaTac residents. Approximately 75 percent of the clients served through our Workforce Development program are new to America, having lived less than 3 years in country. These clients represent a variety of cultures across North and East Africa, and the Middle East. All clients served in this program have the ability to obtain legal employment. Most commonly, clients’ job history includes entry level jobs in childcare, retail and customer service, as well as skilled labor jobs in janitorial, transportation, and warehousing industries. The vast majority of clients in the program are seeking full- time employment and are open to work opportunities in a variety of sectors. Of all the clients served across Tukwila and SeaTac (20), 45% speak English as a primary language, 30% Somali, 15% Dari, and 5% Amharic. 15% of these clients identify as homeless. The most common level of 76 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 8 access to more housing programs including rental assistance and lower cost or subsidized options for permanent housing paid training and certification programs meant to eventually obtain employment free English language learning classes assistance with transportation (bus passes, stipends, etc.) education completed by clients was a high school degree (45%), followed by some college (25%), vocational or technical school (10%), no high school (10%). One client from the area had obtained a bachelor’s degree, and one a master’s degree. 60% of the clients are male and 40% female. The average age of clients seeking job placement and related services is 32, and overall age range is 18 to 56 years old. Client Needs Through conversations and relationship building efforts, our Workforce Development Manager Amal has had a chance to learn about the recurring needs of her clients. Amal states the most frequent needs she hears from clients are: Lastly, some clients in our Workforce Development program have sought out legal assistance from our staff to expunge criminal records that will increase their eligibility for a variety of positions. 77 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 9 Conclusion and Discussion Through both our Small Business and Workforce Development programs, we have identified several key trends in the community ACHD serves that may be used to inform future programs designed to increase economic prosperity for residents of the City of Tukwila. First and foremost, projects designed to uplift underserved communities like the African Diaspora immigrants and refugees served at ACHD should be embedded in and administered by the communities served. Our staff speaks 10+ languages, expertly navigating and leveraging their existing networks effectively disseminate information, resources, and opportunities to the community. The cultural and linguistic capacity of our staff allows ACHD to be seen as trusted messengers in the African Diaspora community, forming strong, lasting bonds with clients served. Cities with mixed population demographics like the Tukwila and SeaTac area must acknowledge and seek to repair the deep-seated, well-informed mistrust of bureaucracy and government programs in communities of color. By partnering with organizations embedded in the communities served, municipalities can foster conditions that will begin repairing these damaged relationships while simultaneously addressing historic and continued inequities in economic, housing, food and other assistance programs affecting those communities most. At a minimum, this could look like making resources and programs available in as many languages as possible, hiring culturally competent staff, and/or contracting with organizations to provide interpretation and translation services whenever possible, to ensure equitable opportunities exist across cultures and communities. Furthermore, the largest recurring need for flexible funding that we hear from clients have shown us that any loan programs or other methods of granting funds should be administered with an interest- free option that will comply with the needs of the Muslim community. There are many options to explore in this regard including partnerships with services like KIVA and models created by local CDFIs such as Craft3. Additionally, while COVID recovery dollars have waned, we know through direct experience with clients, confirmed by 78 African Community Housing & Development 16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac WA 98188 206.257.1166 || info@achdo.org || EIN: 83-1665288 10 reports like University of Washington’s WAFOOD surveys, that food insecurity rates are still higher in communities of color than they were pre-COVID, pointing to a continued need for culturally relevant food assistance funds, particularly those that allow for convenient, dignified shopping experiences as opposed to the traditional food bank or commodity box experience. 79 80 Business Comments Survey Conducted Door-to-Door by the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors October and December 2022 Business Name Neighborhood Question: What Keeps You Up At Night? 1 60CFTEC Southcenter Crime, Homelessness, drug use 2 AMERICAN Transport Southcenter homeless occupancy, arsen, Windows broken, break ins 3 Appliances 4 Less Southcenter NP 4 Armadillo Painting Southcenter "Things have been good" 5 BBJ LA Tavola Southcenter Security, clean up the city 6 Bed Bath and Beyond Southcenter misplaced shopping carts/stolen, hired a private security guard, has helped with night theft since business is slow at this time 7 Beverage Specialists Inc Southcenter 8 Bobalust Southcenter Theft 9 Bowlero Southcenter Property Crime, Car theft, break ins (major issue)Business is great but customers are dissatisfied departing to see their vehicle has been damaged or stolen 10 Brookstone landscaping Southcenter 11 College Hunks Southcenter 12 Contrivance Southcenter Security for breakins, Getting people in 13 CORE food service Southcenter homeless occupancy 14 Cuiline Southcenter 15 Dimension XR Southcenter NP 16 ECO Shield Pest Solutions Southcenter NA 17 Entrance Controls Locking systems Southcenter 18 Fastest Labs of Renton/Tukwila Southcenter employment and community awareness on drug/alc abuse in the workplace/ premises 19 FRANK Southcenter NA 20 Goy Supplements Southcenter Safety of meployees and customers, homelessness and drug use, car theft, buses 21 Guitar Center Southcenter High theft, business is good though and very busy 22 IFIY Seattle Southcenter Parking safety 23 Incentives By Design Southcenter NP 24 JAGS Auto Detail Southcenter 25 JS Dental clinic Southcenter Homelessness (experienced threats) 26 LA Fitness Southcenter Car theft, theft inside business 27 Mallory Paint Southcenter Break ins 81 28 Miss Saigon Nail Bar Southcenter NP 29 MM Distribution Southcenter NA 30 MOR Beauty Southcenter homelessness, lots of drugs, shopping carts, clothes, and garbage 31 Noble Eyes and Vision Center Southcenter Parking lot space, crime, safety, homelessness 32 ONG Innpvations Southcenter NP 33 Oppegaard Meadesy Southcenter business is good 34 Pogo Linux Southcenter NA 35 Progression Physical Therapy Southcenter Homelessness, A lot of drugs, shopping carts placed haphazardly 36 Proshred Seattle Southcenter Crime, Lack of property owner and property manager accountability 37 Qudobe Southcenter Translent crime, vandalism, arsin 38 REI Southcenter minor public saftey issues, have a private onsight security guard 39 Samson Realty Southcenter NP 40 SDI Southcenter Break ins, need for a security presence 41 Sea Air Freight Express INC Southcenter Crime, Theft w company cor 42 Soslei Omiya Southcenter Staff Shortage, turn over, most people live in Tukwilla 43 Sound Masters Inc. Southcenter trees too low when trucks are in passing, landscaping 44 Strange clouds Premium vapes Southcenter NP 45 Tekline Roofing Southcenter Crime, Homelessness, window breaking 46 Trend Target Southcenter No issues 47 UPS Southcenter Window/vandalism, theft, neighbors, homelessness on the transit 48 Urban Family Center Assoc.Southcenter youth safety 49 Vent Tee Southcenter Security, unable to leave vans, catalytic converters stolen 50 Worksite Labs Southcenter Lots of break ins, security 51 Appliance Distributors TIB Public Safety, homelessness, B/O tax budget no being business owner friendly cost wise 52 Axis Chiropractic TIB Homelessness, urinating, broken windows, unsafe feeling, B/O tax 53 Bartell Drugs TIB Everyday theft esp. cosmetics,r reports theft to police daily 54 Chevron TIB Homelessness, Crime, Theft 55 Community Corner Café TIB buisness is doing well, homelessness is a minor concern 56 Dubai Cafetria & Expresso TIB great 57 Juba Restaurant and café TIB Lanuage barrier 58 Keybank TIB Security saftey , mental health resources, parking violation 59 KFC TIB inappropriate bathroom use, homelessness, homeless using the bathroom 60 Lavendar Laundromat TIB Car theft, trespassers, public safety, but business is good 82 61 Medina Mall TIB Language barrier, business is a bit slow 62 Pacific Liquor Store TIB needs a new lease, only given 2 months to find a new place of business 63 Pupuseria Cabanas TIB Homelessness, Safety at night 64 Taco Time TIB Homeless, "riff raff", business is good 83 84 Tukwila Spanish-Speaking Business Survey Outreach Report Prepared by: Growing Contigo LLC Outreach Summary: Growing Contigo staff conducted direct in-person outreach to 4 businesses identified as Spanish speaking operating in the City of Tukwila. ● Each identified business received an introductory phone call inviting them to participate in the City’s economic development strategy survey. Our staff identified the main point of contact and the best time to swing by for a drop-in visit. ● Each identified business received an introductory visit dropping off a paper survey, flier with invitation to fill out the survey directly online, and a secondary visit to either help them complete the survey or answer any questions they may have. Only 1 business invited our team to assist them in filling out the survey. ● Neighboring businesses also received a visit from our team with a flier dropoff inviting them to participate in the online survey. In total, 15 businesses were visited and received a flier with a link to an online survey. Business Visits: Below is the tracking data on our business visits and follow-ups. Name of Business Address Phone Primary Contact Initial Visit Date Follow- up Date Notes El Pollo Real 12449 E Marginal Way S 206-565- 4271 Rosario Castro 11/22/22 11/23/22 Survey Completed Birrieria Monarca 14201 Interurban Ave S #4615 206-420- 7496 Pedro Ruiz 11/22/22 11/23/22 Dropped off survey La Esquina Cafe 12930 E Marginal Way S 206-402- 3759 Erica Rodriguez 11/22/22 11/23/22 Dropped off survey Taqueria Jalisco 14000 Tukwila International Blvd 206-771- 9497 Cesar Mata Gomez 11/22/22 11/23/22 Dropped off survey Julius Rosso Nursery 12525 E Marginal Way S 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Impress Ink 4010 S 130th St 11/22/22 Dropped off flier LaShaun Daye Hair 4010 S 130th St 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Honeyz Events 12910 E Marginal Way S #3140 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Top Line Market 12910 E Marginal Way S - Suite B 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Sunny's Auto Repair & Tires 14004 Tukwila International Blvd 11/22/22 Dropped off flier 85 Sahara Cafe 13919 Tukwila International Blvd 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Town Grocery 13923 Tukwila International Blvd 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Jubba Cuts 13921 Tukwila International Blvd 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Royal Choice Laundry 4012 S 140th St 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Aaran Restaurant 13820 Tukwila International Blvd 11/22/22 Dropped off flier Social Media Promotion: A social media campaign was conducted via Facebook between the dates of 11/22/22 and 11/30/22. A Facebook Event was created with information and a direct link to the online survey. We utilized the “Event Ticket” link option to directly link to the survey link. The event page was shared via our social media networks, and re-shared by community partners such as the Dominican Association of Washington State. Below is a summary of the methods utilized to target Spanish speaking businesses in Tukwila. The ad was successful in reaching 3,029 people with the following audience details: 86 We spent $100 in ad buys using Facebook’s targeted audience feature. The ad resulted in an overall post engagement of 33 actions, including 23 direct survey link clicks. Below is a summary of the activity received for this ad buy. Lessons Learned: ● Businesses were hesitant at first to engage with our team, however after a brief conversation one business (El Pollo Real) asked us to fill out the paper survey for them. We thanked everyone for their time and informed them that we would be stopping by the neighborhood again in the near future. ● Repeat visits are the most impactful way of establishing trust and having a successful engagement with small businesses. Our limited time on this project resulted in low in- person results, but with good data for future engagement activities. ● The online social media campaign was successful in reaching our intended audience. The results of the overall post engagement and post re-shares demonstrate an interest in more information being provided. 87 88 89 90 www.talithaconsults.com Dear Derek: We are grateful to engage with the residents of Tukwila on behalf of the City’s Economic Development team. Talitha Consults (Talitha) organized three outreach activities within the last four weeks. Two engagements with 50 residents in two apartment complexes in Tukwila. With the support of Eduardo Torres, special Ed teacher at Foster High School, ten special needs students also completed a simplified survey. In total, we were able to engage with 60 participants creatively and inclusively. The survey was conducted in 7 languages! In partnership with the City, Talitha also reinvested in Tukwila by offering a $20 stipend to each participant and offering snacks and juice boxes for the children. We are pleased that many participants engaged fully and shared their thoughts on Tukwila's Economic Development Strategic Plan. This report centers the voices and visions of the targeted community within the City of Tukwila -OUR COMMUNITY. Wishing you all continued success, Charis, Ehler & Eugene 91 CONTENTS www.talithaconsults.com Project Overview Participants’ Experiences Consultant’s Overall Observations & Recommendations Participants’ Profile What We Learned From Foster High School Students 4 6 13 15 17 92 www.talithaconsults.com PROJECT OVERVIEW Participants’ Experiences Consultant’s Overall Observation & Recommendation Participants’ Profile What We Learned From Foster High School Students 93 ●Outreach and engagement with resident-renters: Two engagement events at Ridge Spring & Ridge Cliff apartments in Tukwila; engaged with a total of 50 residents in Tukwila. Distributed surveys in seven languages at both on-site engagements. ●Outreach to Foster high school special needs students:10 student participants. www.talithaconsults.com Project Overview 94 www.talithaconsults.com Project Overview PARTICIPANTS’ EXPERIENCES Consultant’s Overall Observation & Recommendation Participants’ Profile What We Learned From Foster High School Students 95 Question 1: How could we improve Tukwila to better support our businesses or workers or residents? www.talithaconsults.com Core themes are repeated comments from survey participants. They are not listed in the order of importance. • Provide better maintenance and curb appeal for the existing neighborhood parks, bus stops and parking lots • Increase public safety and crime prevention. Many residents at in both apartment complexes are victims of repeated car vandalism • More jobs that pay livable wage - trade jobs, health care, education, construction jobs • More accessible / low barrier jobs - factory, manufacturing warehouse, bus driving and jobs for teens • Many residents are artisans - carpet weavers, tailors ‘Can the City help promote their skills?’ • More street lights and patrol • More support to existing small and Latino-owned businesses • Residents are supporters of local small business so when residents thrive they are better supporters of the local economy • Affordable rent • Affordable home ownership • More health care facilities - most survey takers go to Burien, Tacoma and Seattle for medical appointments • Better transit options • More indoor sports in Tukwila - gyms and wellness facilities; the community center is not close and convenient to get to for transit dependent residents “I think there should be more advertisement to support our businesses and workers More help for the Latino community” 96 Question 2: What types of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila? Core themes are repeated comments from survey participants. They are not listed in the order of importance. •Health care facilities that will generate jobs and provide health care •Food markets that sell Asian foods and hire local residents •Small businesses owned and operated by residents with immigrant and refugee backgrounds such as Latino-owned businesses •Business center for artisans such as tailoring, carpentry, beauty salons and spaces for artisan to practice their skills like weaving carpet rugs •More libraries •English language centers •More construction companies that will generate trade jobs that pay livable wages •Affordable clothing stores •Affordable organic products and vegetarian food www.talithaconsults.com 97 Question 3: What are the strengths of Tukwila's business economy? www.talithaconsults.com Core themes are repeated comments from survey participants. They are not listed in the order of importance. •The K-12 school system. Culture and language specific interpreters are most helpful. •Gastronomy is a strength in Tukwila’s economy •Closer to Seattle and shopping malls •Trade (export & import) •Bus-stops are close by •Discounted heating and internet for income eligible residents & businesses •Entertainment areas for children and teenagers •Residents “Everyone helping each other when there is hard times” “The strength of Tukwila’s business economy are the shopping malls and trades that facilitate the residents.” 98 What specific opportunities should the City pursue? Core themes are repeated comments from survey participants. They are not listed in the order of importance. • More medical facilities that will generate higher wage jobs and provide medical services • Job opportunities for teens • Job readiness classes and English language centers • More businesses that generate low barrier jobs in addition to retail and food services • More school buses • More small businesses and street-level/neighborhood businesses as opposed to giant shopping malls • Grocery stores that serve Asian food • Training and cultural centers and more public parks/ open spaces near the apartments • Cafes and restaurants because these small businesses generate jobs for the locals • More street lights • More Spanish speakers to help Latino communities navigate social and economic systems • More targeted support for culturally specific groups. For example, job fairs for targeted communities. • Affordable child care “If the easy recruitment process takes place for the new Afghan refugees, it will be better for us and also to support the Tukwila’s business. Making the hiring process simple and easy for the newly arrived Afghan refugees will be great.” www.talithaconsults.com 99 Question 4: What kind of jobs would you like to see more of in Tukwila? www.talithaconsults.com Core Themes: •More low barrier jobs like manufacturing, factory, warehouse and construction jobs •Vocational, recreational, health, medical and wellness jobs •More international cuisines (Mexican, Italian, etc…) •Trade jobs- construction, carpentry, electrician •Jobs for artisans - tailoring, carpet weaving, dress making and beauty salons •Diverse jobs for family businesses •Jobs for teens “I can be a good doctor in the future, medical jobs are good to see more” “We want to see fewer gas stations” “We would like to see more jobs as tailoring (dressmaking) and hand crafts, especially for the Afghan women. Tailoring (dressmaking) and hand crafts, especially for the Afghan women.“ 100 \\pwstore\pw common$\pw eng\projects\a- rw & rs projects\trans element comp plan (90810406)\2022-2023 update (72010405)\information memo - planning commission briefing 6-22-23.docx INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director/City Engineer BY: Cyndy Knighton, Senior Program Manager DATE: June 8, 2023 SUBJECT: Transportation Element Update Project No. 72010405 ISSUE Presentation and discussion on the update to the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND The Transportation Element (TE) of the City of Tukwila’s Comprehensive Plan is used to ensure that adequate transportation infrastructure is provided to accommodate future land use growth as required by the Growth Management Act. Fehr & Peers has been retained to update the City’s transportation model and develop the Background Report to the TE. Fehr & Peers has worked with City staff since 2002 when they developed the City’s original transportation model. One of the most important, yet underappreciated elements of daily life is travel. People must travel to meet nearly every need. The fact that mobility affects quality of life and economic vitality is barely noticed until travel becomes difficult. To meet this need for mobility, Tukwila plans, develops, and maintains the City’s transportation network, including everything from roadways and sidewalks, to bicycle lanes and trails. Ultimately, Tukwila is committed to providing a transportation system that is efficient, convenient, and safe for all users. The TE represents the City’s vision for transportation: it identifies goals and policies to help achieve that vision, and it defines a transportation funding program for implementation. DISCUSSION Building on the past TE goals and policies and current priorities, a new set of draft goals and policies has been developed: Equity, Safety, Connectivity, Adaptability, and Climate Justice. A new greater focus on multi-modal mobility and robust outreach to Tukwila residents, businesses and community groups is also being undertaken. An important component to fulfilling the goals and policies in the TE is an assessment of the existing transportation network and planning for the future transportation needs. At this time, the major effort in analyzing existing conditions within Tukwila is nearly complete and the first of three planned outreach to residents, businesses, and community organizations has concluded. Staff and Fehr & Peers will be presenting an overview of the larger TE update work plan and schedule as well as briefing on the findings from the existing conditions analysis and a summary of what has been heard from the public on the outreach efforts to date. Open discussion with the Planning Commissioners on the plan will aid the staff and consultant team as the work transitions to developing the new policies and performance metrics as well as the future needs analysis. ATTACHMENTS Presentation slides 101 102 Transportation Element Update Planning Commission June 22, 2023 103 Update overview Transportation Goals Existing and Future Conditions Policies & Performance Metrics Programs, Project List, and Prioritization Funding Availability Draft Plan Planning Commission Review Council Adoption Legislative Process Public Outreach 104 Transportation Element (TE) Goals •Equity •Safety •Connectivity •Adaptability •Climate Justice 105 Existing conditions and identified needs 106 •Responding and planning for the needs of 12 distinct neighborhoods with unique characteristics and available infrastructure Land use 107 •Facilities: sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, shared-use paths and enhanced crossings •Most principal and minor arterials have sidewalk facilities on one or both sides •Sidewalk gaps on residential streets Pedestrian facilities 108 •Facilities: bike lanes, sharrows, shared- use paths/trails, and designated bike routes •Gaps in bike connections to key destinations •Multi-use trails are a valuable local and regional asset •Bike facility treatment needs Bike facilities 109 •Service provided by King County Metro and Sound Transit •Gaps in the transit network, including access to Tukwila Community Center •Limited transit stop amenities Transit facilities 110 Auto facilities •Intersections and corridors generally operate at acceptable levels of service •Minimal intersection capacity needs 111 •Freight designated corridors connect to the Manufacturing/ Industrial Center •BNSF and Union Pacific railroad tracks Freight facilities 112 Spring 2023 Public Outreach Events 113 Getting the word out •Calls/ email correspondence with community partners •Flyer handouts & poster locations: •Tukwila Community Center •Tukwila Library •Tukwila Village •9 other locations (including religious communities, commercial and health facilities) •Social media Tukwila Community Center (4/17) 114 Spring 2023 outreach events In-person tabling events •Tukwila Community Center (4/17) •Tukwila Library (4/19) •Tukwila Elementary School (4/28) •Saar’s Super Saver Foods (5/3) In-person focus groups •Riverton Park United Methodist Church (5/1) •Foster High School (5/8) Riverton Park United Methodist Church (5/1) 115 Online Survey and Webmap 116 Summary of interactions •In-person tabling events ▪Interacted with over 70 individuals •In-person focus groups ▪55 participants in multiple languages •Online webmap and survey ▪~170 responses ▪70 map comments Online webmap Tukwila Community Center 4/17 117 Key themes we’ve heard •Overall support for draft goals with an emphasis on safety and active transportation •Transit safety, reliability and amenities •Expanding the bicycle network •Filling sidewalk gaps Feedback received at the Tukwila Library (4/19) 118 Schedule 119 Schedule 120 Open Discussion 121 122 TO: Tukwila Planning Commission FROM: Nora Gierloff, AICP, DCD Director BY: Nancy Eklund, AICP DATE: June 22, 2023 SUBJECT: 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan – Draft Community Engagement Plan ISSUE This draft of the Public Engagement Plan is being presented to the Planning Commission for their information. It was presented to the City Council Planning and Community Development Committee and will be considered by the Council Committee of the Whole on June 12, 2023. BACKGROUND The Growth Management Act requires that communities updating their Comprehensive Plans establish procedures for “early and continuous public participation”. Communities within the Puget Sound area are also required to comply with regional policy guidance from the King County Countywide Planning Policies and Puget Sound Regional Council’s Vision 2050. This guidance addresses the need for broad public outreach, as does the City of Tukwila’s Equity Policy. REQUEST If the Planning Commission has any recommendations about how staff can reach out to elements of the community, speak to certain groups, etc., we would welcome that input. ATTACHED Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement Plan, May 22, 2023 123 124 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 1 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement Plan Overview of Comprehensive Plan Update The City of Tukwila is conducting a major update of its Comprehensive Plan, in compliance with the requirements of Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA). The Comprehensive Plan is a guide for how Tukwila will provide the public facilities and services to direct and manage growth. While the State of Washington requires the Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2024, the target completion date for the adoption of Tukwila’s updated Comprehensive Plan is September 2024. City of Tukwila Planning staff (~1.3 FTE), as well as a consultant team are leading the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update effort. The City received two grants from the Washington Department of Commerce to support this work – one grant focuses on the feasibility of introducing Middle Housing in Tukwila, and the other addresses the overall Periodic Update of the Plan. Staff from other City departments are also providing their input based on their areas of expertise. Community Characteristics Tukwila is a city of 22,620 people and is 9.2 square miles in area. Demographically, Tukwila is 70% people of color, 39% of the population is foreign-born, 45% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and 57% of households rent their homes. In addition, the median household income in 2021 for Tukwila was $71,688. As the image to right indicates, many of the census blocks near the center of the City have median household incomes below $75,000. Compared to King County as a whole, Tukwila has: • a higher share of people of color, • lower incomes, Median household income in the past 12 months (2021 inflation-adjusted). ACS 5- year estimates, 2021; Census 2021 Median household income in the past 12 months (2021 inflation-adjusted). ACS 5- year estimates, 2021; Census 2021 125 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 2 • younger residents, • a higher share of renters, and • a higher share of people speaking a language other than English at home. Sources: ACS 5-year estimates, 2020; Census 2020. Comprehensive Plan Update Goals and Themes The goals of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan update include: • Conducting an equitable and inclusive community engagement process that revisits the 2015 Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement and the priorities expressed in its goals and policies to determine if they continue to resonate with the community’s values today. • Ensuring compliance with the GMA, Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 Multi- planning policies, and King Countywide Planning Policies. Key themes to be woven into Comprehensive Plan update include: • Advancing the City’s Equity policy (Resolution 1921), • Ensuring affordable housing options for all, • Identifying avoidance or mitigation strategies if Plan policies could create a potential for displacement of residents and jobs, • Promoting community resilience – environmental, economic, and social; and • Continuing to improve the quality of life for the community as change happens in the future. The Comprehensive Plan is the primary policy document that guides the City’s evolution and growth. Informed by existing conditions, needs analysis, and engagement outcomes, the periodic update identifies the desired type, configuration, and intensity of land uses throughout the City, as well as the capacity of public facilities and services. The 2024 Comprehensive Plan update will address numerous topics that will be significant to the Tukwila community for years to come, including housing, land use, equity, and climate change. In order to develop a Plan that serves all of Tukwila’s unique and diverse community, a significant community engagement effort is planned, with an emphasis on reaching communities who may have historically not participated or been invited into the planning processes. 126 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 3 Requirements of a Public Participation Plan A number of state, regional, and local laws require robust public participation. These include: • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 365-196-600 requires early and continuous public participation in the amendment of comprehensive plans. • A legal requirement of the state Growth Management Act, RCW 36.70A.140, which states that every jurisdiction “shall establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures for early and continuous public participation (emphasis added) in the development and amendment of comprehensive plan land use plans and development regulations implementing such plans.” • New legislation codified in RCW 36.70A.040(8) requiring coordination with Tribes. ENGAGEMENT GOALS While it is important to ensure that there is wide community input in developing the Plan’s priorities, one of the main goals of this planning process is to ensure that traditionally underrepresented voices are encouraged and able to contribute to the Plan’s development. The community engagement approach described in this document is designed to efficiently inform, consult, involve, collaborate with, and empower these stakeholders, as well as the general public. The methods and activities used to communicate with the public will vary as needed, but all outreach will be guided by the need to truly listen to input with an open mind as community priorities and solutions are developed and considered. 127 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 4 KEY GROUPS TO ENGAGE Key stakeholders are individuals who have an interest in the future of Tukwila. For the Tukwila 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan update, this means: • Everyone who lives in, works in, worships in, shops in, plays in, or visits Tukwila, and • Everyone who wants to live in, work in, worship in, shop in, play in, or visit Tukwila but isn’t here yet! Beyond this wide description, particular energy will be invested in seeking input, feedback, and engagement among a subset of key stakeholders who have been historically underrepresented in previous planning efforts. These priority populations include: • Community-based organizations (CBOs) • Religious organizations • Immigrant and refugee communities that may face language barriers • Low-income households • Seniors and youth • Housing-challenged populations ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVES • Learn from local leaders, residents, developers, and other stakeholders about current issues, opportunities, and priorities in Tukwila. • Empower stakeholders to work with the City in shaping plan outcomes and continue relationships and advocacy beyond plan adoption. • Elevate the voices of communities most impacted by inaction, vulnerable to potential impacts of plan outcomes, and/or who are historically underrepresented in planning processes. • Share data and community stories to increase the shared understanding of issues and develop a data- and local knowledge-informed plan. • Connect middle housing, transportation plan, economic development strategy, utility plan, and parks recreation and open space engagement outcomes and recommendations with Comprehensive Plan engagement and recommendations. 128 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 5 In addition to the above key stakeholders, input will also be requested from the Tukwila City Council, Planning Commission, and Tukwila Department Staff. A summary of stakeholders is provided at the end of this document. As noted earlier, Tukwila is racially diverse, and has a large number of residents with lower incomes and limited English skills. These factors weigh against being able to respond to surveys or attend the traditional public meetings or hearings where their input on Plan policies can be provided. As a result, these populations can be at risk of experiencing unintended destabilizing impacts generated as a result of policies that did not fully consider perspectives from all community members. To combat this situation, one of the Department of Commerce grants provided funding for the City to contract with key stakeholders to pay them for their time and expertise, especially when they come from communities that have been systemically underserved. This funding can take the form of stipends for participating in a stakeholder work group, providing food or childcare at events, or supporting translation. Unfortunately, this funding will expire in June 2023. A critical element of this key stakeholder outreach is that it not be “transactional” (i.e., short- term, with limited outreach effort and limited feedback on results). It is essential that this outreach results in productive, inclusive relationships with these stakeholders in order to ensure understanding of how contributions are valued and incorporated into the Plan. With this understanding, the outreach can become “relational” so that a relationship between the City and community group ensures continuing engagement in civic life and involvement in continuing to strengthen the Tukwila community. The chart that follows (on the next page) illustrates the approach to prioritizing stakeholder engagement based on potential impacts and historical power over political processes. Complementary to the key stakeholder engagement will be outreach to those members of the Tukwila community who have historically been more aware of, and comfortable with, how government accepts input on plans. In addition, regulatory agencies will also provide input on the Plan to ensure consistency with regional and state policy requirements. 129 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 6 Stakeholder Power Matrix More PRIORITIZE Marginalized and under-resourced communities (and/or organizations that serve them) Requires significant collaboration, otherwise the Plan may not meet community needs. Focus on empowering these voices. • Low-income residents • Renters • Residents of different races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds • Limited English language speakers • Immigrant communities • Transit users and non-motorized travelers • Future Tukwila residents The consultant team and City will collaborate to prioritize engaging these groups, in coordination with the Transportation Planning team. COLLABORATE Influencers Requires significant collaboration, otherwise Plan adoption and implementation could stall. • Homeowners experiencing change • Major property owners • Developers with relevant and desired experience • Planning Commission • City Council • School Districts The consultant team is engaging housing developers as part of the Middle Housing project and the project team will be engaging the Planning Commission and City Council throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update. City staff will encourage other collaborators to participate through the engagement hub, public meetings, and other opportunities. Less MONITOR FOR CHANGE Concerned stakeholders or bystanders Inform and consult to confirm baseline conditions and community interests and values. • Citywide residents • Business people City staff will encourage concerned stakeholders and citywide residents to engage with the project through engagement hub, public meetings, and other opportunities. LEVERAGE Potential advocates Inform and consult as needed to build and support advocates. • Home and property owners • Housing advocates • Transportation options advocates • Non-profit community organizations • Tukwila Chamber of Commerce • Tukwila Rotary and other local philanthropic and civic organizations • Environmental interests City staff to invite potential advocates to engage with the project through the engagement hub, public meetings, and other engagement opportunities. Engagement with Transportation options advocates should be led by the Transportation Plan team. Less Source: MAKERS, 2020, adapted from multiple versions, including Kapwa Consulting’s emphasizing a social equity lens and the original “power-interest” matrix (Mendelow, 1991). INFLUENCE IMPACTED More 130 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 7 PREVIOUS OUTREACH EFFORTS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO PLAN (2015 TO PRESENT) The Plan will also consider and build on engagement efforts completed for parallel Plan- supportive efforts for the middle housing project and those Plan elements that are addressed within the Plan: transportation; utility; storm and surface water; economic development; and parks, trails, and open space. Many recent planning efforts have been conducted within the Tukwila community that can also provide input on topics relevant to the Plan: • HealthPoint Health and Wellness Center Study, 2019 • Ryan Hill Neighborhood Study, February 2018 (Draft) • Transit-Oriented Development Housing Strategies Plan, City of Tukwila, 9/2021 • Tukwila International Blvd Study (CNU) 2017-2018 • Tukwila South Trail Master Plan, 2020 • Tukwila Strategic Plan, 2018 • Tukwila Teen & Senior Intergenerational Center, 2021-2022 Communication Mediums To raise awareness of the Comprehensive Plan update and opportunities for engagement, notices will be communicated through the following City communication channels: • City project website and online engagement hub • City e-updates email list • City print media through print mailings and newsletters • City social media (Facebook, Twitter, and/or other sites) • City connections to local advocacy and business organizations • Passive pop-up displays/materials exhibited at community gathering sites (e.g., library, etc.) • In-person outreach at public and community meetings, events, and through direct business outreach • Coordination with City staff and leadership who have connections to stakeholders whose input is important to the Plan’s development Language translation, document transcreation, or interpreters will be provided, as appropriate. 131 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 8 Engagement Methods/Activities Staff will be reaching out to various organizations to seek opportunities to coordinate with them to hear their input on Plan significant issues. CBO PARTNERED COMMUNITY LIAISONS The consultant team and City staff will identify, recruit, and initiate an engagement process that seeks to identify community liaisons from four or more community-based organizations (CBOs). These CBOs will designate a representative who will engage the prioritized groups throughout the planning process. We recognize the desirability of compensating these CBO representatives and their groups for their time and expertise, however, currently we are only able to provide funding if these arrangements are completed prior to the completion of the Middle Housing grant (June 30, 2023). If additional funding is identified, this compensation may be available, however, input from these CBOs is still desired as it is critical to the development of the overall Comprehensive Plan. BRIEFINGS AT COMMUNITY AND OTHER MEETINGS Staff will provide information to these groups (e.g., local civic groups, senior housing, neighborhood committee, parks events, etc.) about the Tukwila 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan update process and specific issues when invited. Each briefing will likely include talking points for a 10-20 minute presentation, plus use of additional feedback measures, such as a quick poll on a topic, and informational materials that direct attendees to the website/engagement site where they can provide input to surveys, idea walls, etc. ONLINE ENGAGEMENT HUB Throughout the Plan’s development, the project team will continue to update the online engagement website to serve as a central information hub for the comprehensive planning update. The online website will host engagement tools such as surveys, polls, and idea walls, which can be used to take input from the broader public. The engagement hub will be complemented by the City’s website which will provide information on Planning Commission activities, public engagement opportunities and events, and other project schedule information. CITY- AND PARTNER-HOSTED MEETINGS AND EVENTS Staff will attend a range of events to provide information and solicit input to surveys (using tablets that can record responses on the spot). The project team will host at least three in- person meetings to gather community feedback at key project milestones. Presentations for 132 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 9 public meetings will be developed to also be used by community liaisons and City staff at other gatherings and community events. Meetings may be virtual or in person, as appropriate. POP-UP TABLING AT SPECIFIC COMMUNITY LOCATIONS Beyond community events, Tukwila staff will also host pop-up tabling activities at specific community locations, particularly those that draw priority populations (e.g., grocery stores, farmer’s markets, food banks, houses of worship, etc.). Each pop-up tabling opportunity should include visual material corresponding to the focus element, informational materials that direct people to the website, and assorted swag. Translated and transcreated materials will be provided as appropriate. TARGETED INTERVIEWS The project team will facilitate at least six video interviews with City Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, specific topic experts, and community stakeholders to better understand current challenges, opportunities, and priorities in Tukwila. These one-on-one or group interviews will provide a baseline of information and point to areas for further analysis. PRINTED NOTIFICATIONS AND VISUAL MEDIA OUTREACH Efforts to engage stakeholders through various printed notification systems will include: traditional mailings to home and business addresses; emailing media; official public notice articles; and press releases and social media announcements. These messages will be released at key moments in the Update process. Where video communication is opportune, project update information will be made available as talking points for elected officials and staff who could be interviewed by local media. The communications team will coordinate with the City communications team to determine the right cadence for social media activity, to develop copy, polls, and videos to post, and to facilitate community conversations on the City’s social media sites. SURVEYS The project team is envisioning at least two community-wide surveys: one will coincide with the Housing phase (Q3 2023), and the other will coincide with the land use plan development (Q4 2023). Surveys should include a narrow set of 10-15 substantive questions, key demographic questions, and an analysis strategy. To increase response rates, respondents may be offered an opportunity to enter a drawing if they complete the survey. 133 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 10 CURRICULA / STUDENT OUTREACH Staff is conducting outreach to Foster High School staff to request input from students. The intent of the outreach is to augment civic education with an introduction to high school students about Planning and community concerns, with the intent of acquiring youth perspectives about local issues. DOCUMENT REVIEW City Department staff will review recent plans and engagement efforts focusing on their departments to identify relevant input/feedback that can be folded into the Comprehensive Plan update process. For example, the City is in the process of developing a transportation plan, utility plan, economic development, and storm/surface water plan. These will be reviewed to identify relevant input that can inform the element updates without having to return to the community with engagement questions that have been previously asked and answered. REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW As the Plan is developed, staff will share the draft document with King County, Puget Sound Regional Council and Washington Department of Commerce staff for input on its compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, in early 2024, staff will complete environmental review of the proposed plan under the State Environmental Planning Act, a process that will invite public comment on the Plan’s potential environmental impacts. COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW The Planning Commission and City Council will review and discuss plan recommendations in open public meetings (these meetings are also recorded and available on TukTV). These events are an opportunity for the public to learn more about the plan and recommendations, submit comments, and engage in public dialogue about the plan. Staff will periodically provide the Planning Commission and Council with updates about the Public Engagement process. City staff will periodically request input from other City boards and commissions and provide updates on the Plan’s progress. Ultimately, the Planning Commission and City Council will hold public hearings on the draft Plan. OUTREACH MATERIALS As funding allows, staff will use the following communication approaches: • Informational materials – These might include flyers, mailed postcards, utility invoice inserts, event materials in different languages. 134 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 11 • Posters – These will include materials posted at area businesses and community sites for public review (e.g., signs up at local grocery stores, businesses, restaurants, public places such as the Tukwila Library, Community Center, swimming pool, etc.) • Swag – As funding allows, staff will use swag to attract the public to provide their input on the Comprehensive Plan. Planning staff have been working with other departments to redistribute unused swag from their recent engagement activities (e.g., Economic Development and Emergency Management) to keep costs down. • Other – In order to facilitate a wide variety of stakeholders being able to provide input to the Plan, where funding allows, staff will provide needed materials such as food during meeting times, childcare, etc., as appropriate. Engagement Schedule Because updating the Comprehensive Plan is a large task, the Planning Division needed to increase its capacity to complete the work. To do that, staff applied for and received two grants from the Washington Department of Commerce, totaling $276,000 which has enabled the hiring of a consultant team, finalized in April 2023. ($125,000 is allocated for the overall Comprehensive Plan Update, and the remaining $151,000 is for the Middle Housing project. $30,000 of the Middle Housing funds are designated for CBO outreach, however, it the funds are not used by the June 30, 2023, deadline, they will be relinquished back to the State.) In addition, the City was able to rehire some of the Staff positions lost during the pandemic. Currently, two planners are available to work on the Plan, approximately equivalent to 1.3 FTE. However, that should increase later in 2024 when a new half-time current planning hire is able to take on more development review work and the Recycling program moves over to Public Works. The majority of the community outreach will be conducted by the two long range planners, with support from other Planning staff and the consultant team. OUTREACH CONDUCTED & UPCOMING EVENTS In addition to sharing information with the Planning Commission, City Council and its Committees, stakeholders, and the public, staff will target having representatives at the following events, and any other events that we become aware of. Activity Time Frame Description • Preliminary outreach June 2022 • Promote upcoming Comp Plan process in Utility bill invoice 135 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 12 Activity Time Frame Description • Bark in the Park August 2022 • Tabled • Farmer’s Market • Tribal Outreach • Equity & Social Justice Commission October - December 2022 • Tabled • Collaboration Letter • Met with Commission; received input • COPCAB • SeaTac/Tukwila Rotary Mtg • TCC – After School Programming • Tukwila Library • Residential Collection Event • Spring Resources Fair (Foster HS) January - April 2023 • Met with COPCAB for input • Presentation to Rotary • Provided flyers, with survey link, etc. • Tabled • Distribute flyers inviting survey response • Tabled • Begin outreach to CBOs for contracting with Liaisons • Riverton Church • Saars • Consultant outreach to Housing developers • Parks Board • Somali Health Board Quarterly Mtg • Allentown Alternatives Meeting • Utility Invoice • Targeted interviews • Parks Department events/activities May – August June – September • Identify, recruit, and contract with 2 – 4 CBOs. Support hiring of community liaisons to lead engagement work in their communities. • Tabling/Survey • Tabling/Survey • Focus group • Presentation • Presentation • Provide Flyers with survey link • Provide flyer • Identify, contact, and interview up to 6 City Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, topic experts, and community stakeholders. • Tabling at a variety of events Longer-term Activities Time Frame Description • Public meetings July 2023 – March 2024 • Host at least three community meetings to gather feedback at key project milestones. • Council/Commission briefings June 2023 – March 2024 • Consultant updates to the Planning Commission and Council, up to the level of effort included in the contract. • Engagement hub website May 2023 – September 2024 • Continue to update City website and engagement hub at project milestones. 136 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 13 Potential Stakeholders Staff will reach out to the following groups during the phase of the project focusing on public engagement, using either confirmed representatives’ names and contact information or contact information readily available on the internet. Where possible, staff will employ outreach methods that are more personal and less “cold call” (e.g., an email), and will make every effort to engage with these groups. However, if no response is received, it will be necessary to assume they are not interested in engaging, or have participated without informing the staff (e.g., responded to an online survey). While this limited outreach is not ideal, staff is constrained by the need to complete other project tasks to stay on schedule. COMMUNITY GROUPS • Abu Bakr Islamic Center • Action Tukwila • African Community Housing & Development (housing) • Chinese Information & Service Center (Civic and Social Services) • Congolese Immigration Network (Youth and Social Services) • Delta Masonic Hall Association • East African Community Services (Youth and Social Services) • El Centro De La Raza • Eritrean community (Social Services) • Ethiopian Community In Seattle (Health, Social Services) • Ethiopian Muslims Association of Seattle (Health, Social Services) • Filipino Community of Seattle (Youth, Social services) • Food Pantry • Global to Local: Food Innovation Network (Spice Bridge) • Growing Contigo (Business) • Khmer Community of Seattle-King County • Lao Community Services • Mother Africa • Muslim Housing • Refugee Federation Service Center Coalition • Refugee Resettlement Office • Refugee Woman’s Alliance (REWA) • Somali Community Services Coalition • Somali Health Board • Vietnamese Friendship Association/ Kandelia RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS • Abu Bakr Mosque and congregation • Church By the Side of the Road • McMicken Heights Baptist Church (Pilipino) • Riverton Park United Methodist Church • Vietnamese Martyrs Church 137 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 14 DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS, & REALTORS • Abu Bakr Islamic Center (development) • Accrete Construction • Ace Construction Services LLC • Alliance Residential Company • Azure Northwest Homes • Black Home Initiative • Callidus Development/Sapphire Homes • DMP Lightbox • Finem Investment and Development Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County • Housing Development Consortium • Inland Group • KK General Contractor LLC • Master Builders of King & Snohomish Counties • Millennial Buildings • Morales Properties • SECO Development • Segale Properties (Tukwila South) • South King Housing and Homelessness Partners - affiliated developers • SRO Properties • The Nexus Studio • Voyager Development LLC BUSINESS INTERESTS • Southcenter Mall Management • Tukwila Chamber of Commerce • Tukwila International Blvd Action Committee (TIBAC) OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPS • Environmental interests o Federal Emergency Management Agency o Forterra o King County Flood Plain Management o Green Tukwila Forest Stewards o Rainier Beach Audubon Society • Fire District o Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority • King County o Various Departments o Library o Metro • Medical o Cascade Behavioral Hospital o Cowlitz Tribal Treatment o HealthPoint • Power Providers o Puget Sound Energy o Seattle • Recology • Rotary of SeaTac/Tukwila • School Districts o Highline o Kent o Renton o Seattle o Tukwila • Seniors o Tukwila Trailers Women's Hiking (TCC) o Duwamish Curve Café Tuesday Senior Lunch (TCC) o Tukwila Village (senior housing) o Mountain View Apartments o Riverton Terrace 138 Tukwila Comprehensive Plan May 22, 2023 15 • Sewer Districts o City of Renton Sewer District o City of Seattle Sewer District o Valley View Sewer District • Sound Transit • Tribal o Duwamish Tribe o Muckleshoot Tribe • Tukwila School District • Utility Districts • Veterans groups • Water Districts o District #125 o District #20 o Highline Water District o Renton Water District o Seattle Water District • Youth o After School Teen Room (TCC) o Foster HS (J. Camacho; A. Gamboa) o Tukwila Children's Foundation • Disabled community GOVERNMENTAL • City of Tukwila o Departments/Divisions o Commissions and Boards • FEMA • King County o Multiple departments • Neighboring Cities o City of Burien o City of Renton o City of SeaTac o City of Seattle • Puget Sound Regional Council • Washington State Departments o Commerce o Ecology o Archaeology and Historic Preservation o Fish and Wildlife o Transportation (WSDOT 139 140