Seattle’s rapid economic growth has reshaped neighborhoods, bringing both prosperity and displacement. As someone deeply engaged in workforce development and advocacy, I have witnessed firsthand the unintended consequences of transit-oriented development and rising property values. While economic expansion is necessary, it must be equitable, ensuring that long-standing communities—particularly BIPOC and immigrant residents—are not pushed out of the very opportunities they helped create.
Why I Advocate for Anti-Displacement Efforts
My connection to Seattle’s Central District runs deep. I recall the vibrancy of 23rd and Cherry, where my barber ran a small business, serving generations of families. Over the years, however, the city’s economic boom forced many African American, immigrant, and BIPOC entrepreneurs out of these economic zones, severing their access to transit and essential resources. Historically, 60% of Central District residents were African American—today, that number has dwindled to just 6% KUOW – Race matters: Understanding how the Central Area was gentrified.
Similarly, the Chinatown-International District (CID) faces mounting pressure from transit-oriented developments. While infrastructure improvements are necessary, they must not come at the cost of displacing long-standing communities. The proposed Sound Transit expansion has sparked concerns among CID residents, who fear that new stations could lead to further displacement How a New Light Rail Station Could Impact the Chinatown-International District.
The Role of Advocacy and Advisory Leadership
As an advocate and workforce professional, I have seen the transformation of Columbia City, the Central District, and the CID. While I welcome economic growth, I am frustrated by the systemic gentrification that has resulted from policies like the transit levy—policies that BIPOC and immigrant communities once supported, only to find themselves excluded from the benefits CID community members continue to push back against Sound Transit.
Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) aims to address these disparities by funding projects that promote community stability and prevent displacement Equitable Development Initiative – OPCD | seattle.gov. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s recent Executive Order on Anti-Displacement seeks to strengthen protections for vulnerable residents and small businesses Mayor Harrell Issues New Executive Order to Strengthen Anti-Displacement Strategies – Office of the Mayor. However, these efforts require community voices to ensure that policies are not just well-intended but truly effective.
Civic Leaders Speak on Displacement
Seattle’s civic leaders have long acknowledged the challenges of gentrification. Former King County Executive Ron Sims noted that redlining and economic disparities have historically shaped Seattle’s racial demographics, forcing African Americans into concentrated areas like the Central District. Councilmember Kshama Sawant has championed policies to fund affordable housing in the Central District, stating, “Our movement has won a public commitment from City Hall to fund publicly owned, permanently affordable housing for Black working-class and poor community members”.
Community leaders in the CID have also voiced concerns about transit expansion. Betty Lau, a member of Transit Equity for All, emphasized the need for community-led development, stating, “A station placed in the right way could revive the CID—but placed in the wrong way, it will kill it”.
Moving Forward
Equitable development is not just about preventing displacement—it is about creating opportunities for historically marginalized communities to thrive. As I engage in advisory discussions on anti-displacement strategies, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to the table. My commitment is to ensure that Seattle’s growth does not come at the expense of its most vulnerable residents.
Seattle has the chance to lead by example, balancing economic expansion with community preservation. The question is not whether we grow, but how we grow—and whether we do so in a way that honors the people who built these neighborhoods.
Additional Resources on equitable development and anti-displacement efforts in Seattle:
National Resources
- National Equity Project – Offers equity-focused resources, including tools, webinars, and frameworks for community leaders. Explore more
- PolicyLink Equitable Development Toolkit – A collection of strategies aimed at reversing segregation, preventing displacement, and promoting equitable revitalization. View the toolkit
- Urban Displacement Project – Research and policy recommendations on gentrification and displacement dynamics across U.S. cities. Learn more
Regional Resources (Seattle & Washington State)
- Seattle Equitable Development Initiative – Supports projects that promote strong communities and equitable access. Read more
- Seattle Anti-Displacement Strategies – A comprehensive framework addressing housing affordability and displacement risks. View the strategy
- Mayor Harrell’s Executive Order on Anti-Displacement – Strengthening protections for vulnerable residents and small businesses. Details here
- Washington State Anti-Displacement Strategies – Guidance for developing housing action plans to minimize displacement. Explore more
Abdirahman Omar is a dedicated advocate for equitable development, workforce development professional. As a leader in workforce development and civic engagement, he has worked tirelessly to address systemic barriers facing immigrant and BIPOC communities. His deep-rooted connection to Seattle’s Central District and Chinatown-International District has shaped his commitment to anti-displacement efforts, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of long-standing communities. Through mentorship, policy advocacy, and community collaboration, Abdirahman strives to foster inclusive opportunities that preserve cultural identity and uplift historically marginalized voices.
Contact Information: Email: abdirahman@africancareers.org
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