Title
A MOTION requesting the executive establish an equitable development initiative and prepare an implementation plan.
Body
WHEREAS, King County is committed to creating a racially and socially just county for all residents, and
WHEREAS, historic structural racism and disenfranchisement have suppressed access for marginalized populations, including communities of color, to economic, health and environmental opportunities to reach their full potential and thrive, and
WHEREAS, laws and policies at every level of government, such as alien land laws passed in Washington state between 1886 and 1923 and racially restrictive covenants, were racially discriminatory and prevented Black, indigenous and people of color ("BIPOC") populations from attaining homeownership and achieving generational wealth, and
WHEREAS, there are persistent inequities by race, ethnicity and place for many communities that hinder access to early childhood development, quality education, parks and open space, community spaces, culturally relevant businesses, affordable housing, healthcare and human services, and
WHEREAS, the double-digit increase in housing prices in King County year-over-year and the loss of 112,000 units of housing affordable to those making 80 percent area median income or less since 2012 has led to increasing unaffordability and ultimately displacement of low-income families and communities of color, and
WHEREAS, equitable development refers to public and private investments, programs and policies in geographic areas that take into account past history and current conditions to meet the needs of marginalized populations and to reduce disparities so that quality of life outcomes are equitably distributed for both existing residents and new residents to create strong communities, and
WHEREAS, inequities in community investment perpetuate disparate outcomes and displacement for historically marginalized populations including BIPOC, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ and p...

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