Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) Market Research Report

Background

Mission and Vision

The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) is dedicated to fostering thriving communities through an integrated and equitable approach to planning and community investment. The office collaborates across various city departments to assess community needs, prioritize resources, and develop a cohesive vision for Seattle's growth, aiming to create a city that is inclusive, affordable, vibrant, interconnected, and innovative.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

OPCD's primary focus encompasses citywide initiatives, community planning, and placemaking. By leading the development of strategies, policies, and actions on issues of citywide importance, the office plays a pivotal role in shaping Seattle's urban landscape. Its efforts are significant in addressing challenges such as affordable housing, equitable development, and sustainable urban growth.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

OPCD's strategic objectives include:

Citywide Initiatives: Developing strategies, policies, and actions on issues of citywide importance through tools like Seattle's Comprehensive Plan and the city's land use code.

Community Planning: Creating localized strategies for addressing community-defined priorities and issues of citywide concern, often resulting in community plans and area-specific rezones.

Placemaking: Translating citywide and community priorities into vibrant places through urban design frameworks, design guidelines, and transformative projects.

Specific Areas of Specialization

OPCD specializes in:

Equitable Development: Implementing initiatives that promote racial equity, social justice, and prevent cultural displacement.

Transit-Oriented Development: Encouraging development around transit hubs to maximize ridership and stimulate economic health.

Housing Policies: Developing programs that support income-restricted housing and expand market-rate housing options in transit-rich areas.

Key Technologies Utilized

OPCD employs data-driven approaches, utilizing demographic analysis and urban planning tools to inform decision-making and policy development.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The office focuses on urban development, affordable housing, and community engagement within Seattle, addressing challenges related to rapid growth, housing affordability, and social equity.

Financials and Funding

As a public entity, OPCD's funding is allocated through the City of Seattle's budget process. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is primarily utilized for planning initiatives, community engagement, and implementing development projects that align with the city's growth and equity goals.

Pipeline Development

OPCD's pipeline includes several key initiatives:

One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update: Aiming to guide Seattle's growth and development over the next 20 years.

Equitable Development Initiative: Providing financial support for capacity building in community-based organizations representing historically underserved communities.

Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: Encouraging development around transit hubs to maximize ridership and stimulate economic health.

Industrial and Maritime Strategy: Addressing the needs of Seattle's industrial and maritime sectors.

Jackson Hub: A planning effort focused on improving mobility and public spaces in the South Downtown area.

I-5 Lid Feasibility Study: Exploring the potential for capping sections of the I-5 freeway to create new public spaces.

North Aurora: A planning initiative focused on the Aurora Avenue corridor.

Office to Residential: Encouraging the conversion of commercial office spaces to residential units.

Reconnect South Park: A project aimed at improving connectivity and community engagement in the South Park neighborhood.

Strategic Investment Fund: Supporting projects that align with the city's strategic goals.

Urban Centers Planning: Planning efforts focused on Seattle's urban centers.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

OPCD utilizes proprietary planning tools and data analysis platforms to inform decision-making and policy development.

Significant Scientific Methods

The office employs demographic analysis and urban planning methodologies to assess community needs and inform development strategies.

Leadership Team

Director: Rico Quirindongo

Rico Quirindongo serves as the Director of Seattle's Office of Planning & Community Development. Before his appointment in 2021, he was with the international architecture firm DLR Group, where he was the Civic Design Leader for the Northwest Region. With over 25 years of experience, Rico has worked on revitalizing and reimagining Seattle's historic landmarks and neighborhoods. He has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as a Citizen Architect in 2020 and serves as a Northwest and Pacific Regional Representative on the national AIA Strategic Council.

Market and Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Seattle's urban planning and community development landscape is characterized by rapid growth, housing affordability challenges, and a strong emphasis on equitable development. The market is dynamic, with ongoing initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting sustainable growth.

Competitor Analysis

Key entities in Seattle's urban planning and development sector include:

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC): A metropolitan planning organization that develops policies and makes decisions about transportation planning, economic development, and growth management throughout the four-county Seattle metropolitan area.

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA): An independent public corporation responsible for public housing for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents.

Mithun, Inc.: A multidisciplinary design firm providing integrated design services, including architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, urban design, and planning.

NBBJ: A global architecture, planning, and design firm with offices in Seattle, offering services across various markets, including civic and cultural institutions, workplace environments, healthcare, education, and urban planning.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

OPCD collaborates with various city departments, community organizations, and private sector partners to implement its initiatives. Notably, the office works with the Seattle Planning Commission and the Seattle Design Commission to advise on planning goals and promote civic design excellence.

Operational Insights

OPCD's strategic considerations include addressing challenges such as housing affordability, equitable development, and sustainable urban growth. The office's initiatives aim to coordinate investments and policies to create inclusive and vibrant communities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

OPCD's strategic roadmap focuses on:

Comprehensive Planning: Updating Seattle's Comprehensive Plan to guide growth and development over the next 20 years.

Equitable Development: Expanding the Equitable Development Initiative to support community-led efforts addressing racial equity and social justice.