
A November 2019 Port of Seattle policy presentation outlines a Duwamish Valley Community Benefits Commitment, highlighting the historic environmental and social inequities faced by Georgetown and South Park residents, including redlining, industrial pollution, highway traffic, and contamination. Health data from a 2013 Cumulative Health Impact Analysis shows that Georgetown/South Park residents have a life expectancy of 73.3 years — more than 13 years shorter than the Laurelhurst neighborhood — and significantly higher heart disease death rates. The policy directive aims to address these compounding environmental burdens through targeted community benefit commitments from the Port of Seattle.Open full document
Notes
A presentation to the Port of Seattle Commission on November 19, 2019, introducing the Duwamish Valley Community Benefits Commitment Policy Directive under the ‘Our Port, Our Community’ initiative. The document outlines the historic inequities and discriminatory practices affecting the Duwamish Valley community, including redlining, industrial zoning, and environmental contamination. It also presents 2013 cumulative health impact data showing significantly lower life expectancy and higher heart disease rates in Georgetown/South Park compared to other Seattle areas.