The Rainier Beach Business District Team at RBAC hosted its inaugural Lemonade Stand Community Event on September 19, in collaboration with Sound Transit, the Seattle Department of Transportation, and the Seattle Office of Economic Development. This free public gathering aimed to bring neighbors together for an evening filled with lemonade, music, and games.

The Lemonade Stand functions as an informal and welcoming space for residents to connect with RBAC’s Economic Development team, share ideas through surveys, and participate in community-building activities. Monthly lemonade stand events will continue to provide ongoing opportunities for engagement, conversation, and fun in Rainier Beach.

On Wednesday, October 22, the Economic Development team will host an Access to Housing Town Hall and Capital Access Workshop at Emerald City Bible Fellowship. This year’s housing-focused Town Hall aims to empower individuals in Rainier Valley to find suitable housing options. We believe that Rainier Beach should be “A Place for Everyone.”

This resource-rich event will feature a guest panel of local experts dedicated to creating affordable home buying and rental opportunities. Participants can attend breakout workshops on credit counseling and explore various financing options. Additionally, multiple resource tables will offer helpful information to assist attendees in their journey to find a home in the beautiful Rainier Valley. There will be discussions about barriers to housing access, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns or listen to others share their experiences and successes.

The team also held its September Economic Development Roundtable, which brought together community members, local businesses and organizations, and partners for a constructive discussion on Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Seattle. Presentations from UnCommon Bridges and the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) offered valuable insights into the structure and benefits of BIAs.

RBAC extends its appreciation to all attendees for their thoughtful questions and contributions, which are crucial in shaping the potential BIA in Rainier Beach. This conversation marked a significant step in the ongoing exploration of a BIA, and further discussions are anticipated in the coming months.

For any questions or continued dialogue regarding the BIA, community members are encouraged to reach out to Judy Jones, RBAC’s Economic Development Strategist, or Jacqueline Robinette, the Organization Development Lead at UnCommon Bridges. Additional information and resources can be found on the City of Seattle’s website.

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