The Rainier Valley Communities of Opportunity (RVCOO) partnership has conducted a series of interviews with community members & coalition staff to bring awareness to the pressures of gentrification and the resulting displacement, and to highlight the important work of RVCOO organizations in anchoring the communities of Rainier Valley. These interviews resulted in a series of profound narratives about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of living with roots in Rainier Valley.

redlining and gentrification have had a massive impact

It’s important to understand that both redlining and gentrification have had a massive impact on the Rainier Valley, a place that many have called home for decades.Originally, redlining boxed Black and Brown folx into the CD, and then decades of gentrification began pushing them further South into the valley.

Only 50 years ago, the population of that area was 75% Black. Today, that number is down to 15%.

The CD remains a stark example of gentrification nationwide. Only 50 years ago, the population of that area was 75% Black. Today, that number is down to 15%. Twelve years ago, 98118 was the most diverse zip code in the country, and, while still rich in diversity (currently #18), many residents of Rainier Valley have also felt pressure to relocate.

The collection of stories that we will be releasing over the next several weeks are based on interviews done with members of our staff, and other residents of Rainier Valley. We hope their accounts resonate, and we encourage residents of Rainier Valley to share their stories with us