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Seattle Municipal Archives Finding Aids

Community Renewal Program Steering Team Audiotapes

 Series
Identifier: 1642-14

Scope and Contents note

Audio recordings of the Community Renewal Program Steering Team meetings regarding organization, research and planning of the program. Topics include a visit from Earl Singer, general organization, and financial issues.

Minutes for the Community Renewal Program Steering Team meetings are available

In 1962, Seattle applied for and received federal funds from the Housing and Home Finance Agency to conduct a Community Renewal Program (CRP), undertaking a comprehensive study to analyze urban blight in Seattle. Through field surveys, reports, and statistical data, the CRP analyzed topics such as land development, urban design, the housing market, family relocation, and the rehabilitation of blighted neighborhoods. The program was tasked with developing a ten-year urban renewal program for the city while studying blight in Seattle to understand "where it exists, where it is spreading, and what its underlying causes are." For more information on Seattle's Urban Renewal Program, please see SMA's online exhibit "Urban Renewal in Seattle." https://www.seattle.gov/cityarchives/exhibits-and-education/online-exhibits/urban-renewal-in-seattle

Dates

  • Creation: 1965-1966

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Urban Renewal Program was authorized by ordinance in 1957, and the first federal funds allocated for neighborhood studies were received in 1959. The program was designed to eradicate urban "blighted areas" in the City. It was initially administered by the Executive Department, and then transferred to the Department of Community Development in 1969. The Urban Renewal Division was responsible for coordinating federal funds for local projects. Conventional urban renewal funding was designated for four neighborhoods: Yesler-Atlantic, University-Northlake, South Seattle, and Pike Place Market. In addition, Neighborhood Development Program funds targeted Leschi, South Park, and North Greenwood. Despite the early identification of neighborhoods and the adoption of urban renewal plans, most projects did not get underway until the mid- to late 1960s.

Full Extent

13 tapes

Language of Materials

English

Associated digital files

Digitized copies can be accessed in Digital Collections.

Genre / Form

Geographic

Title
Guide to the Community Renewal Program Steering Committee Meeting Audio Tapes 1965-1966
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Seattle Municipal Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 94728
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 3
Seattle 98124-4728 USA US