The benefit is that everyone provides input, everyone owns the problem. Smith is manager of special projects at FES and a board member of the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle. The Coalition focuses on several specific issues associated with balancing industrial development with environmental protection. It focuses on ways to eliminate or alleviate regulatory, infrastructure and institutional barriers to economic growth and environmental protection within the Corridor. Although originally formed to make recommendations to the Metro-King County Council, the Coalition now expects to make recommendations to multiple jurisdictions whose interests are affected by development within the Corridor.
Some problems are just too big for any one entity to solve anymore.
These issues must be addressed while stabilizing what is today a delicate balance between environmental and business interests. The Coalition provides a catalyst for working on mutual goals. The Duwamish corridor is home to some 87,000 jobs now and is expected to increase another 20,000 by the year 2020. I expect that this Coalition will prove to be a powerful and positive player in the redevelopment of the Corridor, leading to creation of those family-wage jobs for this region. Smith applauds the Port's early involvement with the Coalition.