Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Wastewater Treatment Division

King Street Center, KSC-NR-0500

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, WA 98104-3855

MEMO

Date: December 6, 2019 TO: Nicole Smith, Comprehensive Planning FROM: Kristine Cramer, Community Services RE: FINAL DRAFT Review of King County’s Equity and Social Justice Tools and Opportunities for the Regional Infiltration and Inflow Control Program

This document is the deliverable for Task 5000: Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Assessment of the Evaluation of Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) Reduction Concepts: Phase 2 (the Project) and will be used by the Planning Team to inform future program development tasks (Task 4000, 6000, 7000, 8000). This deliverable was produced prior to further defining the three I/I control program concepts; regional best management practices (BMPs), inspection training and certification program, and private side sewer inspection program with financial assistance. This document is a living draft that should be revisited and updated as the Project develops. Opportunities for incorporating ESJ into the Project are outlined below and draw from King County’s (the County) ESJ resources including the ESJ Strategic Plan, the Equity Impact Review Process, the County’s Determinants of Equity, Wastewater Treatment Division’s (WTD) equity tools, and the federal Social Vulnerability Index (SVI).

King County’s Commitment to Equity and Social Justice Starting in 2010 with King County Executive Dow Constantine and the County Council, ESJ became an integrated part of the County’s work. The Equity and Social Justice Ordinance named an Inter-Branch Team to coordinate the County’s equity work and formalized systems and frameworks, including the Determinants of Equity, to guide county decision-making. The next phase of the County ESJ work was the 2016-2022 Strategic Plan, which set the goal to advance ESJ by investing where needs are greatest, in community partnerships and in employees. The Strategic Plan defines six areas of governance where an equity focus can improve equity across the County:

• Leadership, Operations, and Services

• Communications and Education

• Facility and System Improvements

• Plans, Policies and Budgets

• Workplace and Workforce

• Community Partnerships The Strategic Plan recommends that projects and programs focus on those people and places where needs are greatest to ensure that the County’s decisions, policies and practices produce gains for all and reduce disproportionate burdens and impacts on traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities where possible. Throughout this document, the term “traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities” will be used, and includes low-income households, people of color, immigrants, refugees, and those disadvantaged due to ability or other factors.

Determinants of Equity Review

King County’s ESJ Strategic Plan (2016-2022) defines a Pro-Equity Policy Agenda aimed at expanding access to the County’s 14 Determinants of Equity, shown below.

Figure 1. 14 determinants of equity

A review of the determinants was completed for the Project. At this early stage, the inspector training program and the private side sewer inspection program may have an opportunity to affect the determinants while the regional BMPs may or may not affect the determinants. However, it is still early to know the impacts that the programs may

have on the determinants. They should be revisited to identify additional opportunities and risks related to each program as the programs develop. Following an initial review, the Project may have an opportunity to positively affect the following determinants.

• Family wage jobs and jobs training: Implementation of an inspector training program that supports and emphasizes training inspectors and/or those interested in becoming inspectors from traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities could improve access to this determinant.

• Healthy built and natural environments: Removing I/I from the conveyance system has the potential to both restore natural drainage systems and to reduce sanitary sewer overflows during heavy rains.

• Equity in County practices: Embedding pro-equity decision-making as Project develops shows the County’s commitment to this determinant.

The Project also has some potential risks to the following determinants.

• Economic development: If the program requires side sewer inspections (at point of sale or otherwise), and there is no funding mechanism to support the inspection and any required repair, it could put a financial burden on the homeowner to fund repairs. Given that homeowners from traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities, are more likely to be living in older homes and/or homes in need of repair, this burden could be magnified. The Project may consider a funding mechanism such as a grant program if an side sewer inspection requirement moves forward.

• Affordable, safe quality housing: Likewise, if side sewer repair becomes a significant burden on a homeowner, it could affect their ability to afford safe, quality housing. As above, the Project may consider a funding mechanism to mitigate this potential burden.

Social Vulnerability Index Review

King County uses the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) data provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand which communities are most vulnerable to stressors.

Figure 2. 4 categories and 15 factors of the SVI

The SVI uses census data drawn from the American Communities Survey (2016 is the most recent) to create a scale from 0 to 1 of community vulnerability, with 0 representing low vulnerability and 1 representing high vulnerability. This scale is applied at the census tract level. In considering the SVI, King County uses 15 social factors, grouped into 4 categories as shown above, and aggregates them into a singular index, which is compared against the WTD Service Area median of 0.33. Any census tract that has an SVI score close to or above the median is considered for equity opportunities. The SVI score is a starting point and alone may not provide an accurate or adequate picture of the ESJ opportunities particularly if the scale of the project or program does not align well with the census tract boundary. The next step is a more detailed analysis to look at the 15 factors separately to see how many of the 15 are above the County median for the respective factors. This detailed analysis distinguishes the individual factors influencing the SVI score and provides further guidance to the project team on the types of equity opportunity for a given project or program. Based on the nature of a project or program, certain factors are more relevant than others. For this Project, factors that could influence ESJ considerations include: all socioeconomic indicators, minority status and language, and some housing indicators such as group quarters or multi-unit structures.

As part of this review, SVI data was overlaid on WTD’s 34 component agencies. Two examples are shown below, and all SVI data is included in Attachment A. The darker the color, the greater the potential for community vulnerability. Reviewing the scores for specific categories or social factors in the SVI tool provides a more comprehensive picture of a component agencies community. Sewer districts do not align perfectly with census tracts, so this data would need to be further refined once programs and projects are further developed.

Figure 3. City of Kent Sewer

Figure 4. Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District

WTD utility rates are spread among all customers, yet the need for I/I control programs may be greater in traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities that have the highest I/I or the highest socio-economic risk within the County. The Project provides an opportunity to develop I/I control programs that equitably distribute benefits and advance the County’s ESJ initiatives. Communities with aging infrastructure, higher I/I, and lower socio-economic status may be more susceptible to bearing the burden of adverse I/I impacts such as wastewater conveyance system failures. See Attachment B for the 2010-2011 I/I hourly flow rates map. Though the cost to build capacity for I/I flows is currently spread across all customers, construction to increase pipe or pump station capacity can adversely impact community members in construction areas. For example, construction can present health risks through increased pollution from construction-related activities, and traffic impacts may restrict access to certain community needs like grocery stores, places of worship, and healthcare. In addition, construction impacts may adversely impact small businesses that cannot afford to remain open if access is blocked. The SVI data provides an important starting point for considering equity needs across the service area. Additional SVI data analysis could be undertaken as described in the Conclusion and Future Work Section once program concepts are further defined.

Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan Review

The County’s ESJ Strategic Plan directs County programs and projects to incorporate ESJ through all phases; from the early decision-making process to determine which program components move forward, through implementation of resulting programs. High-level ESJ considerations and opportunities from areas in the ESJ Strategic Plan that may be most relevant to the Project are outlined below. With all ESJ opportunities, it is important to establish metrics to measure success and to be accountable. These opportunities and considerations are to be used as guidance and should be revisited and refined as the programs are developed.

Decision-Making

• Include ESJ considerations in decision-making during program development, including use of the equity toolkit (see Attachments C - E), the SVI data set, and ESJ Strategic Plan guidance. Consider when to consult with an ESJ expert for guidance.

• Consult a diverse group of impacted stakeholders at the appropriate time to provide input on the programs as they are developed. For example, if a mandatory sewer inspection program moves forward, the program elements should be informed by a broader, representative group of stakeholders before implementation begins. Community input could also help identify metrics for program success.

• Verify assumptions about equity by using the equity toolkit developed by the WTD capital project teams. This includes a Determinants of Equity survey, an equity review table and, if appropriate, an ESJ Action Plan. See Attachment C - E for equity toolkit templates.

Community Engagement in Planning

• Seek to understand community needs. See Attachment E for a Community Engagement Plan template that guides engagement approach and tactic development. Community input could help determine equity needs and community desires and concerns, as well as identify metrics to help determine program success.

• A community engagement plan should include a social media plan and the development of culturally-appropriate communication tools.

• Translate web content and strategic communications into the 6 most common languages in the County. The translation needs should be verified to ensure that materials are available in the representative languages of the given area. This can be done with a demographic analysis of census tracts by languages spoken and/or by creating relationships with local community leaders who can provide insight about their community members.

Integration of ESJ Review Findings into Program Concepts

Currently, the three I/I control program concepts identified for further development include: inspection training and certification program, private side sewer inspection program with financial assistance, and regional BMPs. The development of these programs is in early stages, presenting an opportunity for ESJ considerations to be embedded in decision-making of program components. Opportunities are listed below by program concept. The future considerations are meant to elicit further thinking as each program concept is developed.

Inspector Training and Certification Program Concept Opportunities for integrating ESJ into the inspector training and certification program concept include:

• Use demographic information to guide resource allocation. o Examine sewer districts with higher SVI indices (near or above 0.33),

followed by steps outlined in the equity toolkit to help prioritize training inspectors from traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities.

o Training locations should be selected to reduce barriers to participation and make it easier for all inspectors to attend. For example, choose a location along an easily-accessible bus route or near participants from traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities

o If new inspectors are being hired, consider hiring from areas in the County where family wage jobs and job training are most needed as determined by the socioeconomic SVI category

o Explore connections to existing WTD job training programs, e.g. Operator-In-Training Program, local workforce development programs, etc.

Future Considerations:

a) Equitable Hiring – How might the program expand the equitable hiring practices supported by the County, such as hiring of veterans, people with developmental disabilities, women of color, and other marginalized groups? Additionally, are there ways to eliminate bias in hiring practices? See King County’s Supported Employment Program and Regional 100% Talent Initiative.

b) Small and Local Businesses – How might the program expand participation of small businesses in County procurement through work orders and other contracting processes? Are there opportunities for People of Color owned businesses to fairly compete for County contracts?

c) Equity and Social Justice Training – Can we provide ESJ training as part of the future program to adequate address these concepts with inspectors?

Private Side Sewer Inspection Program with Financial Assistance Concept

The private side sewer inspection program concept provides the most potential for the integration of ESJ into programmatic elements. Opportunities for integrating ESJ into the private side sewer inspection program with financial assistance concept include:

• Realize a robust community engagement process that seeks input on programmatic elements from a diverse and representative group of stakeholders. Seek advice and input specifically from traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations and share how that input is incorporated into the program.

• Consider an education campaign directed at homeowners and renters to promote side sewer maintenance and care, and at homeowners about how to manage ground and/or stormwater that used to flow into pipes but is now on or near the surface as a result of I/I control.

• Use demographic information followed up with community engagement to guide resource allocation:

o Consider a grant program to fund inspections and repairs in areas with higher SVI indices and other indicators of ESJ needs as determined through an equity impact review survey and an ESJ Action Plan, as appropriate.

o Complete an ESJ Action Plan for all service areas in line with WTD’s approach to ESJ on capital projects. This includes an SVI index above WTD’s median and an equity impact survey and table that confirm demographic analysis and show relevance and connections between the program or project and ESJ opportunities. An ESJ Action Plan provides recommendations for how to improve access to equity determinants while meeting programmatic and division goals.

Future Considerations:

a) Equitable Allocation – How is grant and loan funding allocated? How is eligibility defined for residents who want to take advantage of it? Are resources allocated to improve access to equity determinants?

b) Equitable Outreach – Is the program being promoted to marginalized communities with support from community leaders and community-based organizations? Are the materials being translated or trans-created with community in mind?

Regional BMPs Concept As the regional BMPs are developed, seek to integrate ESJ where possible. Since this concept could take multiple forms, many of the previous guiding questions apply. In addition, because this concept is less defined, there is an opportunity to incorporate ESJ into how a BMP is defined as successful. Improvements to systems and facilities with BMPs create opportunities for investment that can improve equity conditions in traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities. Future Considerations:

a) Facilities Improvement – What community amenities could be integrated into the siting and design of capital facilities improvements?

b) Implementation Flexibility – Would less resourced component agencies or traditionally underserved communities be given appropriate time to implement proposed BMPs?

c) As applicable, see Future Considerations under other program concepts above and determine relevance.

Conclusion and Future Work In conclusion, these recommendations are to be used as guidance and should be revisited and refined as the program concepts are developed. Future work that could be undertaken after program concepts are further defined:

• Revisit the Determinants of Equity to identify additional opportunities and risks related to each program. Continue to utilize the County’s ESJ resources to identify opportunities to reduce adverse impacts on traditionally underrepresented and vulnerable communities.

• Complete an on-the-ground assessment in priority areas, followed by a detailed recommendation and an ESJ Action Plan (as appropriate) that focuses on specific opportunities and risks by sewer district or agency. This is also an opportunity to gather community input to define metrics for success.

• Study the relationship between high-risk sewer system infrastructure and at-risk communities.

Attachments

Attachment A: SVI Data Sets for 34 Component Agencies Attachment B: I/I Hourly Flow Rates Attachment C: Equity Toolkit template: Equity Determinants Survey Attachment D: Equity Toolkit template: Equity Review Table Attachment E: Equity Toolkit template: ESJ Action Plan Attachment F: Community Engagement Plan template

Attachment A: SVI Data Sets for 34 Component Agencies

City of Algona Sewer

Alderwood Water and Sewer

City of Bellevue Sewer

City of Auburn Sewer

City of Bothell Sewer

City of Black Diamond Sewer

City of Carnation Sewer

City of Brier Sewer

Cedar River Water and Sewer District

Coal Creek Utility District

Cross Valley Water District

Highlands Sewer District

City of Issaquah Sewer

City of Kent Sewer

City of Kirkland Sewer

City of Lake Forest Park Sewer

Lakewood Utility District

City of Mercer Island Sewer

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Sewer

NE Sammamish Plateau Sewer and Water District

Northshore Utility District

Olympic View Water and Sewer District

City of Pacific Sewer

City of Redmond Sewer

City of Renton Sewer

Ronald Wastewater District

Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District

Seattle Public Utilities

Skyway Water and Sewer District

Soos Creek Water and Sewer District

City of Tukwila Sewer

Valley View Sewer District

Vashon Sewer District

Woodinville Water District

Attachment B: I/I Hourly Flow Rates

King County

Pierce CountyKing County

Snohomish County

PU

GE

TS O

UN

D

Seattle

Woodinville

BellevueBellevue

RedmondRedmond

AlderwoodAlderwood

SoosSoosCreekCreek

SammamishSammamishPlateauPlateau

NorthshoreNorthshore

AuburnAuburn

KentKent

CoalCoalCreekCreek

RentonRenton

KirklandKirkland

RonaldRonald

La k

e W

a sh i

n gt o

n

Maximum Calculated20-Year Peak

I/I Hourly Flow Rates2010-2011 Data

The information included on this map has been compiled from a variety of sources and issubject to change without notice. King County makes no representations or warranties,express or implied, as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or rights to the use of suchinformation. This document is not intended for use as a survey product. King County shallnot be liable for any general, special, indirect, incidential, or consequential damages including,but not limited to, lost revenues or lost profits resulting from the use or misuse of the informationcontained on this map. Any sale of this map or information on this map is prohibited except bywritten permission of King County.2 0 21

MilesOctober 2015

File Name: Q:\WTD\Projects\II_Study\Projects\MdlBsnGPAD_20yrPeak_20150522.mxd oneilsh

WORKINGDRAFT

Model Basins GPAD2010-2011 Data

0.000 - 11001101 - 37803781 - 48504851 - 67006701 - 86008601 - 28000

1.118.920202020

Incremental% of I/I

0 - 1.11.1 - 2020 - 4040 - 60 60 - 8080 - 100

Cummulative% of I/I

Pump StationTreatment PlantCounty BoundaryKC-WTD SewerSewer Agency Boundaries

Attachment C: Equity Toolkit template: Equity Determinants Survey

Equity and Social Justice Determinant Review Survey

King County Wastewater Treatment Division

How to complete this booklet:

This booklet is a tool to help guide staff in taking a preliminary look at a project area and

determining the level of equity opportunities and barriers. The booklet should be incorporated

into the project Community Engagement Plan. Depending on the area, your project may require

more than one of the assessments. The project team should work collectively to consider equity

impacts documented here. Although some questions may not be applicable to your project, you

should consult with project team members before skipping any questions.

Each section lists a Determinant of Equity and examples key indicators. If you observe additional

key indicators, include these in your notes.

Be sure to also mark the following in your notes:

• Positive (P) or Negative (N) impacts to Access to determinants

• Long-term (LT) or short-term (ST) impacts to access to determinants

• Level of opportunity for access to determinants

– Low (L) area is resourced to ensure equitable treatment of community

– Medium (M) area has basic resources of equitable treatment

– High (H) area has significant opportunities for increased access to determinants

1. Family wage jobs and job training that provide all residents with the knowledge and skills to

compete in a diverse workforce and with the ability to make sufficient income for the

purchase of basic necessities to support them and their families.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Household income/size of household, 200%poverty level, race %, disabled, % High

school diploma or below, age, language.

b. Community colleges, technical colleges, or universities in the project area.

c. Major employer within a half mile of the project area.

Notes:

2. Economic development that supports local ownership of assets, including homes and

businesses, and assures fair access for all to business development and retention

opportunities.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Is there a local economic development group.

b. Chamber of Commerce.

c. Locally owned businesses.

d. Is there recent development.

e. Few if any empty/abandoned storefronts.

f. What is the land use zoning.

g. Any other construction projects occurring in the area.

Notes:

3. Housing for all people that is safe, affordable, high quality and healthy.

Example Key Indicators:

a. No homeless encampments.

b. Functional transitional housing or public housing.

c. Sufficient social services.

d. Community organizations and/or churches.

Notes:

4. Education that is high quality and culturally appropriate and allows each student to reach his

or her full learning and career potential.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Are there schools in within a half-mile.

b. Are there free and reduced lunch percentages.

c. High School grad rate.

d. Library/Community Center.

Notes:

5. Early childhood development that supports nurturing relationships, high-quality

affordable child care and early learning opportunities that promotes optimal early

childhood development and school readiness for all children.

Example Key Indicator:

a. Are there child care/early learning facilities in the area? Kindergarten, preschool.

Notes:

6. Healthy built and natural environments for all people that include mixes of land use that

support: jobs, housing, amenities and services; trees and forest canopy; clean air, water, soil

and sediment.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Any visibly damaged ecosystems, litter, and visible pollution.

b. Is there a clear deficit in tree canopy, check available ESJ maps on KC ESJ website.

c. Any brownfields or contaminated sites present (Check with Environmental Planning).

d. Visible presence of environmentally critical areas (rivers, streams, wetlands, steep slopes, etc.).

e. Visible presence of historic buildings or areas of cultural significance.

f. Is the area highly industrial, check zoning.

g. Is there wildlife or identified habitat that needs to be preserved.

Notes:

7. Community and public safety that includes services such as fire, police, emergency medical

services and code enforcement that are responsive to all residents so that everyone feels safe

to live, work and play in any neighborhood of King County.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Visibly excessive traffic or traffic safety issues.

b. Noticeable signage or wayfinding.

c. Police station or fire facilities.

Notes:

8. social networks, trust among neighbors and the ability to work together to achieve common

goals that improve the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Broken windows and abandoned buildings.

b. Vacant property.

c. Street lighting.

d. Neighborhood association.

e. Churches and/or community centers/gathering places.

Notes:

9. Access to safe and efficient transportation that provides everyone with safe, efficient,

affordable, convenient and reliable mobility options including public transit, walking,

carpooling and biking.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Sidewalks

b. Bus stops

c. Light rail stations

d. Bike lanes

e. Traffic calming (speed bumps, crosswalks).

f. Paved streets

g. Transit Oriented Development Bike lanes.

Notes:

10. Access to affordable, healthy local food systems that support local food production and

provide access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods for all people.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Grocery stores within 1/2 mile.

b. Community Gardens within a 1/2 mile.

c. Farmer’s Markets within a 1/2 mile.

Notes:

11. Access to parks and natural resources that provide access for all people to safe, clean and

quality outdoor spaces, facilities and activities that appeal to the interests of all communities.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Parks within a 1/2 mile.

b. Open space.

c. Trails

d. Recreational facilities (athletic fields, p-patches).

Notes:

12. Access to health and human services that are high quality, affordable and culturally

appropriate and support the optimal well-being of all people.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Hospital

b. Clinic

c. Nursing homes

d. Pharmacies

Notes:

13. Equity in county practices that eliminates all forms of discrimination in county activities in

order to provide fair treatment for all employees, contractors, clients, community partners,

residents and others who interact with King County.

Example Key Indicators:

a. Potential community partners.

b. Community based organizations.

Notes:

14. Equitable law and justice system that provides equitable access and fair treatment for all.

Notes:

Attachment D: Equity Toolkit template: Equity Determinant Review Table

Equity Determinant Review Table

How to complete this table:

This assessment table is a tool to help guide staff in taking a preliminary look at a project area and determining the level of equity opportunity and barriers. The assessment table should be incorporated into the project Community Engagement Plan. Depending on the area, your project may require more than one of the assessments. The project team should work collectively to consider equity impacts documented here. Although some questions may not be applicable to your project, you should consult with project team members before skipping any questions.

Be sure to also mark the following in your notes:

• Positive (P) or Negative (N) impacts to Access to determinants

• Long-term (LT) or short-term (ST) impacts to access to determinants

• Level of opportunity for access to determinants – Low (L) area is resourced to ensure equitable treatment of community – Medium (M) area has basic resources of equitable treatment – High (H) area has significant opportunities for increased access to determinants

Determinant of Equity Notes/Findings

Positive (Long or Short Term)

Negative (Long or Short Term)

Level of opportunity (add context as necessary)

Low: area is resourced to ensure equitable treatment of community Medium: area has basic resources of equitable treatment High: area has significant opportunities for improvement in equitable treatment

Family wage jobs and job training that provide all residents with the knowledge and skills to compete in a diverse workforce and with the ability to make sufficient income for the purchase of basic necessities to support them and their families.

Economic development that supports local ownership of assets, including homes and businesses, and assures fair access for all to business development and retention opportunities.

Housing for all people that is safe, affordable, high quality and healthy.

Education that is high quality and culturally appropriate and allows each student to reach his or her full learning and career potential.

Early childhood development that supports nurturing relationships, high-quality affordable child care and early learning opportunities that promotes optimal early childhood development and school readiness for all children.

Healthy built and natural environments for all people that include mixes of land use that support: jobs, housing, amenities and services; trees and forest canopy; clean air, water, soil and sediment.

Community and public safety that includes services such as fire, police, emergency medical services and code enforcement that are responsive to all residents so that everyone feels safe to live, work and play in any neighborhood of King County.

Strong, vibrant neighborhoods that support all communities and individuals through strong social networks, trust among neighbors and the ability to work together to achieve common goals that

improve the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood.

Access to safe and efficient transportation that provides everyone with safe, efficient, affordable, convenient and reliable mobility options including public transit, walking, carpooling and biking.

Access to affordable, healthy local food systems that support local food production and provide access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate foods for all people.

Access to parks and natural resources that provide access for all people to safe, clean and quality outdoor spaces, facilities and activities that appeal to the interests of all communities.

Access to health and human services that are high quality, affordable and culturally appropriate and support the optimal well-being of all people.

Equity in county practices that eliminates all forms of discrimination in county activities in order to provide fair

treatment for all employees, contractors, clients, community partners, residents and others who interact with King County.

Equitable law and justice system that provides equitable access and fair treatment for all.

Attachment E: ESJ Action Plan

Equity and Social Justice Action Plan

[*MONTH] [*YEAR]

Introduction

Project background

King County protects water quality and prevents water pollution by providing wastewater

treatment to 17 cities and 17 local sewer utilities. The county’s Wastewater Treatment Division

serves about 1.5 million people. The wastewater system includes three regional treatment plants,

two small treatment plants, nearly 400 miles of underground pipes, regulators and pump stations,

38 combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls, and four wet weather treatment facility.

[*Short description of project (purpose, location, drainage, etc.)] [Describe any existing

neighborhood plan] See Appendix XX for Neighborhood Plan Map or other key neighborhood

information.

This project is part of a larger CSO Control Plan Amendment that will reduce CSOs into local

water bodies and protect public health and the environment. In this plan, there are 14 active or

approved projects left to complete to reduce overflows that occur in the regional wastewater

system. Projects near the Duwamish River were prioritized based on feedback from the

community, gathered by King County during development of the CSO Control Plan.

Neighborhood and key demographic data

[*Short description of transportation, economics, zoning, land use, parks/open spaces, etc.]

[*Use table below if applicable]

Type Land

Use

DATE

Zoning

Designation DATE

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Open Space

Other

Total

Neighborhood Trends and Key Demographic Data

The neighborhood demographics reflect Seattle as a whole, with the following key distinctions:

1. [*List key distinctions]

[*Describe demographic trends, if any]

See Appendix XX for Census Data.

Project Site

[*Describe relationship of project/neighborhood elements to ESJ considerations]

In this context, the Equity and Social Justice plan connects known community values,

determinants of equity as outlined in the King County Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ)

Ordinance, and project commitments. These determinants are also connected to regulatory

requirements and the Envision sustainability rating system. Equity determinants that demonstrate

greater crossover with other project activities will be more likely to move forward. Based on

those connections (detailed in Appendix XX as applicable), the ESJ Plan outlines the key

recommendations below.

Key Recommendations:

1. [*List recommendations - supported by Equity Determinants Review]

Summary of Benefits and Impacts

Benefits Impacts

• * • *

Approach to Meeting ESJ Goals

The project team seeks to improve the determinants of equity in the project neighborhood

through project commitments that relate directly to known community values, regulatory

requirements and sustainability actions related to Envision. Community values were identified

through [*List the methods for obtaining comments (surveys, door-to-door, etc.)] (detailed in

Appendix XX), and the Neighborhood Plan. Metrics to judge success are also considered, based

on qualitative and quantitative assessment of potential actions.

Regulatory requirements

This project will comply with the following relevant City of Seattle and State of Washington

plans and policies:

[*Choose/add as applicable:]

• Seattle Comprehensive Plan

• Seattle Zoning and Building Codes

• Seattle Shoreline Master Plan

• Seattle’s local hire policy

• Seattle Department of Planning and Development Land Use Codes

• Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

These regulatory requirements dictate actions related to [*Choose/add the following] air, water,

plants and animals, energy and natural resources, environmental health, noise, land use, housing,

aesthetics, light and glare, transportation and public services. See Appendix XX for more

information on the relationship between the equity determinants and regulatory requirements.

Sustainability

This project will be certified under the Envision Sustainable Infrastructure rating system. Credits

relevant to the equity determinants include:

• [*List Envision criteria as applicable]

See Appendix XX for more information on the relationship between the determinants of equity

and sustainability.

As the project develops, team members should keep ESJ goals in mind and seek opportunities to

enhance access to the determinants of equity while minimizing negative impacts. Additionally,

recommendations need attention and next steps. Project team members are responsible for

ensuring that team members understand ESJ goals and opportunities, and ensure opportunities to

collaborate with other agencies, non-profits, and community groups are actively pursued.

Appendix XX: Neighborhood Plan Area Map

[*Insert Neighborhood Plan Map here, if applicable]

Appendix XX: Project Neighborhood Census Data

(Use data from demographic survey completed for problem definition/project charter and most recent

American Community Survey. Some data may be available via iMAP)

Census Tract XX City of Seattle

2000 2010 Most

recent

2000 2010 Most

recent

Total population *

Race/Ethnicity

Asian

Black

Hispanic

White

Age

<5

<18

18-64

>65

Gender

Female

Male

Median income

Language (other

than English)

Chinese

Korean, Russian,

Vietnamese, African

languages

Spanish

Education

Less than 12th grade

High school

graduate

Some college/no

degree

Bachelor’s degree

Appendix XX: Determinants of Equity, Community Values, Project ESJ Benefits and

Impacts, and Detailed Recommendations

(Use Equity Determinants Review to populate)

Equity

determinant

Community

values Sustainability

Regulatory

requirements

Baseline

conditions

Project ESJ

benefits

Project ESJ

impacts

Detailed

recommendations

Healthy built

and natural

environments

*

Quality

education

Family wage

jobs and jobs

training

Access to

parks and

open space

Community

and public

safety

Access to

affordable,

healthy, local

food

Strong,

vibrant

neighborhoo

ds

Access to

health and

human

services

Equity

determinant

Community

values Sustainability

Regulatory

requirements

Baseline

conditions

Project ESJ

benefits

Project ESJ

impacts

Detailed

recommendations

Access to safe

and efficient

transportatio

n

Affordable,

safe quality

housing

Early

childhood

development

Economic

development

Equitable

law and

justice

system

Equity in

county

practices

49

Appendix XX: Community Input Related to Equity Determinants

Equity determinant Community value Comments

Healthy Built and Natural

Environments *

Quality Education

Family Wage Jobs and

Jobs Training

Access to parks and open

space

Community and public

safety

50

Equity determinant Community value Comments

Access to affordable,

healthy, local food

Strong, vibrant

neighborhoods

Access to health and

human services

Access to safe and

efficient transportation

Affordable, safe quality

housing

Early childhood

development

Economic development

Equitable law and justice

system

Equity in county practices

51

Attachment F: Community Engagement Plan

52

[PROJECT NAME] COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN - PHASE [DATE] PREPARED BY

The community engagement plan is intended as a living document that should be updated as you

gather more information about the community and at key project milestones.

I. PROJECT BACKGROUND

II. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Identify the primary goals and objectives of the project’s community engagement program.

A public involvement plan cannot be successful without clear goals and objectives that

present what the plan is trying to accomplish. A goal is a broad, overarching principle to

guide action. Objectives should follow the S.M.A.R.T criteria. That is, they should be: Specific,

Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely. The effort put into well-crafted objectives will

help assure that activities identified in the public involvement plan are productive and

meaningful. They also provide the framework for evaluating the community engagement

program.

Goals Objectives How will you know if

you have succeeded?

Evaluation

• • • •

53

III. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND AUDIENCES

Key stakeholders and audiences

Insert completed stakeholder matrix.

IV. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Insert data from needs assessment on federal and/or state environmental process or any local

permitting requirements received from Environmental Planning and Permitting groups. Indicate

any key public involvement activities required. (e.g. public hearing)

V. RISKS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND PROPOSED RESPONSES

List anticipated community risks and opportunities to projects and strategies to address

each risk. Use the project research to populate this list. Examples are provided in the table

below. Include emerging issues and how to engage hard-to-reach populations, as

appropriate.

Risks, opportunities, and emerging issues Proposed responses

(e.g. Some members of the public may not

agree that the proposed plan or project is the

right solution and think another option is more

effective.)

(e.g. Key messages and materials should

include evidence-based language in plain talk

about why this project/options help address

problem and respond to community values. Do

not communicate that any project is a “done

deal” in the planning phases. Identify where

community members can influence project

components and how the team is addressing

public input.)

54

VI. COMMUNITY VALUES AND KEY MESSAGES

First, identify community values and how the project interfaces with those values. Key messages should link project to the community values

and community’s vision of itself.

Elevator Speech

e.g. Our project will support a thriving, diverse community that works, plays and lives in Redmond.

Primary Messages

Key value speaking to Key value speaking to Key value speaking to

Message e.g. updating aging infrastructure supports a

healthy community

Message e.g. working with our communities to

minimize impacts to restore a healthy environment,

treating people fairly

Message

Supporting Information/Messages

•

•

• •

55

VII. INVOLVING HARD-TO-REACH POPULATIONS

List approach to engagement. Refer reader to demographics and completed Determinants of Equity worksheet included in Appendix A.

Outreach events

• EXAMPLE: Contract with the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) to conduct RainWise outreach in South Park and Highland Park.

• EXAMPLE: Ensure venues for public meetings and events are ADA and transit accessible.

Mailings

• EXAMPLE: Include translated text on mailings.

Web

• EXAMPLE: Add web button for Google Translate.

• EXAMPLE: Ensure web text and colors meet ADA standards.

Advertising/ Media

• List the traditional/ ethnic/ inclusive media outlet used for this project area Must follow King County’s style guidelines and graphics standards.* add as appendix

56

VIII. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE AND KEY MILESTONES

List key dates and associated project milestones for project phase. Identify outreach goals, audiences, timeframe and activity. Include

WTD social media tools like WTD Blog and Gov Delivery newsletters in activities. Goals and objectives should refer to section II, as

appropriate, or be specific to the activity.

Project

milestone/decision

point

Estimated

timeframe

Audiences Public outreach

activity

Goals Objectives

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

APPENDIX A: DETERMINANTS OF EQUITY WORKSHEET

Insert completed matrix.

APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOOLS

Insert table with description of all applicable community engagement tactics.

TOOLS PURPOSE DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES (IF APPLICABLE)

LIKELY

AUDIENCE

EXAMPLE: Community

briefings

• Provide general project information at key decision points.

• Alert the surrounding community of key project information, upcoming milestones, and solicit feedback.

• Build rapport with community leaders, learn individual perspectives, and identify any audiences not previously identified.

• Engage interested and concerned community members in one-on-one dialogue to address concerns, share project information, and establish relationships.

• Reach out to affected property owners regarding real estate impacts.

Briefings will be used to provide updated project information to key groups.

They will also help WTD gain a better understanding of potential challenges,

learn more about the communities affected by the project, and identify any

audiences not previously identified. Briefings will also identify the best ways

to communicate with stakeholders concerning project updates. A master

presentation will be created for these briefings, with key messages and

project progress. Briefings will be coordinated between project outreach

staff and Community Relations staff.

Community groups

and organizations

within the project

area; affected

property owners and

residents

EXAMPLE

WTD Blog

• Supports WTD communication goals

• Puts project information in WTD-wide context.

Provide story ideas about project for blog posts. WTD’s blog followers

King County

Councilmembers