Our Vision for a Vibrant Delridge: DNDA’s 2024 goals
DNDA’s co-executive directors, Mesha Florentino (left) and Imani Sims (right).
A message bringing us into the new year from DNDA’s co-executive directors — Mesha Florentino, director of housing and finance, and Imani Sims, director of people and programs.
Delridge — a neighborhood with a rich tapestry of history and diverse communities — is on the cusp of transformation. Our vision for the future of this region as the new leaders of Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) focuses on propelling us forward while honoring the past. DNDA is dedicated to integrating Art, Nature, and Neighborhood to create a dynamic and sustainable neighborhood that will thrive for generations.
Preserving Nature in the Heart of Delridge
Nature is the backbone of any thriving community, providing spaces for relaxation, recreation, and breaths of fresh air. In our vision for Delridge, green spaces are abundant, providing interactive ecosystems that invite residents to connect with one another and their local environment. We are excited to engage youth and adults through environmental justice programs at our recently completed Delridge Wetland Park.
Forest restoration volunteers supporting DNDA’s Nature team at the annual Duwamish Alive! event in October 2023.
We are continuing to grow DNDA’s Urban Forest Restoration Program, which restores and maintains the health of Seattle’s largest remaining contiguous forest in the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Understanding and appreciating nature is crucial to fostering environmental stewardship. We are planning to implement more innovative nature programs at DNDA that will help educate residents about local ecosystems, as well as promote sustainable practices, environmental justice, and restoration.
The Artistic Pulse of Community
Art has immense power to transform spaces, instill pride, and foster creativity. DNDA’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center serves as a hub for arts organizations, local artists, and accessible community events, and we are focused on strengthening our partnerships with creatives to further invigorate the space. We hope community will feel inspired to share stories and creations in our new state-of-the-art theater to be completed in spring 2024.
DNDA’s free mixed-media watercolor classes at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center hosted by our Art team.
We will dig deeper into our commitment to supporting local artists, ensuring that the cultural vibrancy of Delridge is not only preserved, but amplified. Our vision also includes expanding DNDA’s free art programs that serve residents of all ages and cultures, helping create a collective experience that bonds neighbors.
Community-Centric Neighborhood Development
A strong sense of community powers a dynamic neighborhood. Through collaboration with local government and community organizations, we aim to develop affordable housing opportunities that foster inclusivity. To achieve this, our leadership prioritizes and uplifts housing initiatives that provide accessible options to residents.
Local youth program participants painting the mural outside of DNDA’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Delridge Way.
In 2024, we will be working hard to expand DNDA’s affordable housing options for local families and artists serving the Delridge community. DNDA will soon welcome an asset manager to support this growth, as well as a community engagement coordinator. The coordinator will deepen our relationships with residents, connect families with city resources, and keep community informed about changes affecting our region.
In envisioning the future of Delridge, we adopt a holistic approach to sustainability. By integrating Art, Nature, and community-centric Neighborhood initiatives, we lay the foundation for a region that is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also economically and socially resilient. Delridge will be the model for other communities to evolve by embracing progress while preserving the essence of what makes them unique.
As we dive into 2024, we are thrilled to embark on this journey of building and sustaining a dynamic Delridge with our community, creating extraordinary quality of life for all who live here.
Join us! Be the first to hear about opportunities to get involved by subscribing to our newsletters at dnda.org/get-involved. Donate at dnda.org/donate.
– Written by DNDA’s co-executive directors, Mesha Florentino and Imani Sims