About - CD CPDA

Our Legacy

The proposal submitted by the Reverend Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney Coalition was selected to initiate the process of taking control of the Seattle Vocational Institute (SVI) property on 22nd Avenue South and South Jackson Street. The late Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney was responsible for bringing Seattle Opportunity Industrialization Center (SOIC) to Seattle for the purpose of training, educating, and uplifting African Americans in Seattle. The proposal submitted would restore the pre apprentice training program, employment training in technology, contractor/business support center, and other relevant programs that will enhance the growth and development of the African American Community in Martin Luther King Jr. County.

Vision

In the heart of Seattle, we envision a Central District where African American, diverse ethnic minority, and historically underserved communities thrive and flourish. Our vision is a vibrant neighborhood where families and businesses put down deep roots and grow with pride. We see a future where quality education opens doors to boundless opportunities, where career pathways lead to fulfilling, livable-wage jobs, and where innovative programs nurture entrepreneurship and economic growth. In this Central District, cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved, and residents are recognized locally and globally for their significant contributions to Seattle and society at large. We are committed to creating an inclusive, empowered Central District that honors its rich history while embracing a future of equitable prosperity for all who call it home.

Mission

The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) is dedicated to driving economic empowerment for African American, other minority, and historically underserved communities in Seattle’s Central District. We pursue this mission by creating pathways to meaningful employment, fostering career advancement opportunities, and providing access to quality education and training. Our commitment extends to nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting business development, ensuring that our community members have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through these efforts, we aim to build a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive Central District that honors its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and growth. Our work is rooted in the belief that when we invest in our community’s potential, we create lasting positive change that benefits all of Seattle.

CDCPDA Guiding Tenets:

Catalyzing Community Excellence: We are committed to facilitating the empowerment of our community through strategic partnerships. By assisting community-based organizations, we help create opportunities for workforce skills training, mentorship, and coaching. Our aim is to foster an environment where businesses can thrive and grow with dignity in Seattle’s Central Area, contributing to a robust local economy.
Advance Inclusive Education and Training Across Generations: We are dedicated to increasing access and support for African American, ethnic minority, and underserved families in their pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout their lives. Our focus spans all generations – from our precious infants and young children through middle and high school students, college-aged individuals, career-ready adults, and our respected elders. We champion programs that nurture excellence in mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and humanities, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities that empower our community members to grow, lead, innovate, and share their wisdom across diverse fields.
Cultivate Community Leadership and Economic Empowerment: We dedicate ourselves to developing and supporting leaders, with a special focus on young visionaries, deeply rooted in the Central District. By fostering initiatives that forge strong connections between businesses, community members, and educational institutions, we help create a network of changemakers who will guide our community’s growth. Our commitment extends to driving economic development that benefits long-time residents and businesses, ensuring that wealth creation and opportunities remain within our community. We actively work to preserve and reclaim our neighborhood’s land and spaces, safeguarding them for future generations. Through these efforts, we strive to build a resilient local economy, create pathways to generational wealth, and maintain our community’s cultural fabric. Our goal is to ensure a bright, sustainable, and equitable future for our neighborhood, where economic prosperity and land ownership go hand in hand with social progress.