Equity + Design: Evaluating Seattle’s Design Review Process

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)

Project Overview

Using Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) framework, the BvP Team led a 20-person Advisory Committee to develop strategic recommendations for improving the city's Design Review program. This process incorporated supplemental focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and an in-depth analysis of existing codes and permitting procedures.

The final recommendations prioritized the intersection of equity and urban planning, urging the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to critically examine systemic barriers, address the prevailing culture of white supremacy, amplify marginalized community voices, and enhance efficiency in Design Review timelines. These efforts aimed to create a more inclusive, responsive, and streamlined review process that better serves all Seattle residents.

Services

Facilitation, Interviews, Technical Writing, Code Review

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