Displacement Controversy Arrives in SeaTac

Controversy surrounds a development deal in the city of SeaTac, after the city made a $15.5 million development deal that could displace a local business community powered by immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

1 minute read

January 1, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Nina Shapiro reports from the city of SeaTac, Washington, where development plans are creating a controversy among immigrant communities concerned about gentrification and displacement.

Fierce opposition and a lawsuit have emerged since the city approved the sale of three, adjacent city-owned parcels along Tukwila International Boulevard. Shapiro explains the condition of the properties, which set the stage for controversies:

Yet the city’s land is already home to as many as 50 enterprises, more than 30 of them in the warren-like mall, which lies in a larger shopping and restaurant complex. Developed over the past decade as low South King County rents made the area a magnet for diversity, the complex has become a regional gathering point for Somali Americans in particular.

With the land sold, Spokane-based development company Inland Group (also known as CAP Acquisitions) has also acquired approval to build five new buildings on the property. "The $15.5 million deal, if it survives contingency periods and closes next fall as planned, would create commercial space and 665 units served by a fitness center, movie-theater room, business center and other amenities," explains Shapiro.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of residential street in Los Angeles with palm trees and hazy city in distance.

Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience

Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.

5 hours ago - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Entrance sign for San Jose-Santa Clara Regional wastewater treatment facility.

When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action

As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.

7 hours ago - * A Placemaking Journal

Rendering of Penrose Roundabout in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts

Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.

April 27 - WHYY