On July 26th, we had our first Dancing at the Beach. The purpose of Dancing at the Beach is to engage the community and provide more exposure to small businesses like Umami Kushi, which serves up some delicious steak and pulled pork sliders! Chef Eddie Grinell also whipped up some zesty pasta salad. Dancing at the Beach is a part of our Gig Worker Program, sponsored by the Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Economic Development, and RBAC’s Economic Development Roundtable. Another gig worker, DJ Air-Rick, provided R&B music. In all, we provided 5 creative gig worker jobs! The program is designed to recognize artists and other temporary gig workers as businesses and provide them the technical assistance and access to capital they need to grow their businesses. We will be expanding the program by purchasing food carts for lease to qualified culinary artists and placing them in approved spaces throughout the neighborhood. Be on the lookout to hear more about how you can be involved in this program opportunity.

 

The Economic Development team has been working incredibly hard to be in the neighborhood and create fun and impactful events. Below are the events coming soon, so save them in your calendar and we will see you in the neighborhood!

 

Join us on September 27th, 7 pm-10 pm at the Rainier Beach Community Center for our September Dancing at the Beach outreach event. Email judy@rbactioncoalition.org if you are a performing, fine, or culinary artist interested in participating in the program.

 

On August 17th, we will have Rainier Beach Dream It, Chase It 3 on 3 competition for youth ages 10-17 at Rainier Beach Community Center from 9 am-3 pm. The outreach event is in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation as part of their Annual Day of Play. Registration begins this Friday. The purpose of the event is to reach out to local families and raise awareness about projects that will impact them, like Recreating Henderson and Paths to Homeownership event by Homestead Community Land Trust.

 

Also on August 17th, in partnership with Homestead Community Land Trust, Black Home Initiative, Washington Homeownership Resource Center, and Homesight, there will be an event called Building Homes, Building Community: Paths to Homeownership in Rainier Valley at the Rainier Beach Community Center from 11 am-2 pm. Give feedback on home design and learn about resources that can help you navigate the path to homeownership.

 

Please join us on August 28th for our annual Economic Development Townhall and Roundtable. This year our theme is “Access to Housing” in support of connecting new BIPOC construction developers to individuals who are interested in purchasing and/or renting a home. We will have information on classes and programs to help Rainier Beach residents qualify for financing, as well as information for construction-related small businesses to gain access to the funding they need to grow and expand their organizations. Sponsored by RBAC’s Economic Development Roundtable and the Office of Economic Development (OED), this public event will be held from 2 pm-4 pm on Wednesday at the Rainier Beach Community Center Plaza. We will have special guest panelists, community resources, and long-time partners such as WAFED, Black Housing Initiative, Ethiopian Village, Rainier Community Development Fund, Urban League of Seattle, Mt. Baker Housing, Homesight Community Land Trust, Black Legacy Homeowners, and WA Homeownership Resource Center among others. Please join us for this free opportunity to find out more about access to housing. A light lunch will be served.

 

A huge thank you to the community members and partners who have shown up to support the future of Henderson Street. On September 21st, we will have our 3rd and final Recreating Henderson Public Meeting at Rainier Beach Community Center from 11 am-1 pm. Join us to celebrate and shape the future of Henderson Street!

 

We hope to see you, meet you, and share space with you in one or all of these upcoming events. Thank you all for reading, and we will see you in the neighborhood!

-Makayla Miles

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