Seattle's Yesler Terrace Redevelopment: Addressing the Impact of Multi-Sector Strategies on Redevelopment Plans and Community Health

The project is a mixed method study conducted in partnership with Public Health Seattle and King County and the Seattle Housing Authority to evaluate the impact of the Yesler Terrace Redevelopment Project on resident and community health and well-being. Yesler Terrace is a publicly subsidized housing community of low-income, ethnically diverse residents owned and operated by Seattle Housing Authority. Resulting evidence may provide guidance on strategies for redeveloping communities while retaining cultural and community vibrancy and minimizing displacement of residents. Mixed-methods approach that includes general descriptive measures analysis, quasi-experimental (propensity score matching) longitudinal data analysis, and repeated cross-sectional data analysis to examine individual- and community-level, intermediate health outcomes. Qualitative data collection and analysis using Yesler Terrace resident focus groups to provide contextual information about their experience of the redevelopment strategies. Initial findings from the research project show increases in resident perception of safety and reductions in their perception of problems with drugs/alcohol, gangs/violent activity or domestic violence at YT. Resident responses also indicate improvements in social cohesion at Yessler Terrace.