Issues We're Working On

Advocacy comes in many forms and is needed at all levels of government to ensure that a community’s voice is heard. For new immigrants, communities of color, and low-income families, this voice is too easily marginalized or dismissed. At InterIm CDA, we believe advocacy goes beyond merely lobbying; it is a process by which we educate elected and other officials about our community and inform community members and neighbors about the power they have to shape public policy decisions that affect them.

We work on issues at local, state, and federal levels to bring affordable housing and community development resources to the communities and neighborhoods most in need.

SEATTLE HOUSING LEVY

In 2002, Seattle voters passed a seven-year, $86-million property tax levy to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income Seattle residents. In 2009, voters in Seattle will be asked to consider renewing this housing levy program.

In 2008, InterIm CDA participated on the City of Seattle Office of Housing’s Technical Advisory Committee to provide feedback on how the Chinatown/International District could benefit from a renewal of the housing levy. Two of our projects, Nihonmachi Terrace and Samaki Commons, are beneficiaries of the current housing levy.

Read more about the 2009 Housing Levy renewal

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION

In 2007, the Washington State Legislature created the Pioneer Square International District Community Preservation and Development Authority (PSIDCPDA). InterIm CDA provided technical advice and advocacy in establishing this new entity, whose mission is to help Pioneer Square and the Chinatown/International District preserve the unique cultural character and histories of these neighborhoods.

For more information about the PSIDCPDA, email Gina Stark or call at 206.550.7329

NATIONAL COALITION FOR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD) is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the housing, community, and economic development needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

InterIm CDA is working with CAPACD on policy issues that will increase access to affordable housing for low-income families, shed light on economic injustices among segments of the Asian and Pacific Islander community, and increase tools to preserve and revitalize historically Asian enclaves and business districts across the country.

Visit the National CAPACD website