South King County residents can learn how to influence airport decisions, work with local government and organize around neighborhood concerns during a virtual series hosted by the SeaTac Airports Community Coalition for Justice (STACC4J) from Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 29.
The “Community Power in Action” series will take place on Zoom, with daytime and evening sessions covering environmental issues, public health, community knowledge and neighborhood organizing, according to the coalition’s event flyer.
One session will focus on Burien’s Cedarhurst neighborhood, where residents organized against an industrial rezone. Other discussions will explore how residents can engage with city councils, Port commissioners and environmental agencies.
A group from the Burien Airport Committee will be attending the Tuesday evening session on “fighting uphill battles.” Wednesday evening will feature the organizers of the resistance to the “North of NERA” rezoning initiative. The Q & A on Thursday will include Mayor Sarah Moore from Burien; Tukwila City Council President Armen Papyan; and Caitlin Konya from the SeaTac city council.
“Join neighbors and partners to turn local concerns into informed, collective action,” the coalition’s flyer states.
Registration is available online here, or by scanning the QR code on the event flyer below.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
The series opens at Noon with “Who Owns the Data?” Participants will examine who collects, controls and benefits from information, including residents’ observations, stories and shared experiences.
At 6:30 p.m., a session on using local government will explore how residents can reach decision makers and participate in discussions involving airport issues. Topics include the roles of city councils, Port commissioners and staff members who shape meeting agendas.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
The Noon program includes presentations on community engagement, gardens and lead exposure.
Staff from the Washington Department of Ecology’s Office of Equity and Environmental Justice will discuss how the agency coordinates community engagement and how residents can participate in environmental issues affecting them.
S2 & Partners will share local examples of community gardens connecting residents with science. A separate presentation on lead exposure will cover community partnerships, outreach, testing and public health resources.
At 6:30 p.m., “A Neighborhood Rebel Movement: If I Could Do It, Anyone Can” will examine the Cedarhurst residents’ organizing effort. According to the flyer, the residents built a neighborhood coalition without a budget or previous organizing experience. The discussion will cover what worked, what did not and lessons other neighborhoods can use.
Thursday, Oct. 29
At Noon, airport leadership and a community organization will discuss partnerships between municipal airports and surrounding communities, including environmental concerns, communication and accountability.
The detailed agenda lists a closing question-and-answer session at 6 p.m. with elected officials, community advocates and local leaders. The discussion will focus on working together to address environmental, health and quality of life concerns.
