Building community power for environmental justice in Duwamish Valley

Port of Seattle Community Action Team Capacity Building

People in the Duwamish Valley face disproportionate environmental burdens and a life expectancy up to 13 years shorter than in other parts of the city. Through collaboration with these near-port neighbors, the Port of Seattle adopted Resolution 3767, the Duwamish Valley Community Benefits Commitment, to guide the implementation of a Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program (DVCEP). This also launched the formal, compensated role of the Port Community Action Team (PCAT), community members who are compensated for advising the Port's implementation of the DVCEP.

Greenprint supports the empowerment and leadership development of PCAT to participate in shared decision-making with the Port. This includes supporting development of a three-year strategic plan and annual work plans to implement the DVCEP, training and technical support to meaningfully engage the Port and community members, facilitation of PCAT meetings and equitable dialogue with the Port, and managing the organizational structure of the group.

We create accessible communication materials and help PCAT members navigate Port structures for meaningful civic engagement. The training and tools we provide enable PCAT members both to engage other community organizations as well as decision-makers with the Port. This includes supporting PCAT to co-develop public education and awareness activities with Port staff, such as multilingual boat tours of the Duwamish River and community visioning meetings to inform activation of the Duwamish River Community Hub in South Park.

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Photo credit: Port of Seattle