COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
DA LI Development is a partner in providing new housing opportunities and support a mixed-income residential community. DA LI has been actively involved in supporting Seattle’s HALA (Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda), a multi-pronged strategy for addressing housing affordability in Seattle, as well as numerous non-profit organizations at the Chinatown International District. In the beginning of the pandemic, we have donated thousands of surgical masks to the communities. We have also participated in revitalizing Chinatown International District by sponsoring the nigh market and ICHS 5K Virtual Run. Going forward, DA LI is committed to continue supporting the local non-profit organizations at Chinatown International District.
EASING AFFORDABILITY
A key element of HALA is the MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability) policy that seeks to ensure affordability with growth by requiring new development to either include affordable housing or contribute to a city fund for its creation. Seattle has made zoning changes to add development capacity and expand housing choices in key urban neighborhoods.
In planning KODA, DA LI worked closely with representatives from the Chinatown International District to establish mutually beneficial project goals and impacts. This led to DA LI’s decision to vest itself in the MHA program even though permits had been submitted prior to HALA’s acceptance in the neighborhood. The end result is an approximately $4 million contribution to affordable housing in Seattle, and ongoing support for several community organizations.
SUPPORTING CULTURE
DA LI is proud to support a number of organizations that aim to preserve the cultural and architectural fabric, sustainability and continued livability of the Chinatown International District (CID) for generations to come. These include the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), Interim CDA and the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area. SCIDpda is a public development authority charged with preserving, promoting and developing Seattle CID, while Interim CDA is a nonprofit affordable housing and development organization that builds low-income housing and mixed-use projects to support neighborhood stability. The CID Business Improvement Area ensures that the district is clean and welcoming, and advocates for public safety and a healthy environment for businesses and the community at large. Together, these well-established organizations help to ensure that Seattle’s CID will remain a vital and growing community, while retaining its character and supporting its multiculturalism, economic diversity and historically Asian population.
