Kohl-Welles proposal would seek options for reparations from redlining in King County

November 8, 2023

King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles recently introduced a motion requesting the executive to provide recommendations to restore justice for race-based restrictive real estate practices, building on a previous, comprehensive report on the impacts of historic redlining across King County for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).  

Redlining practices and restrictive covenants prevented BIPOC residents from accumulating wealth and assets through homeownership. The previous report estimates that, because of race-based restrictive real estate practices, BIPOC county residents lost intergenerational wealth between $12 billion and $34 billion. The report specifically explored whether an exemption from the County’s wastewater capacity charge could provide restitution for those impacted by racial deed restrictions; however, that exemption was not recommended due to federal and state legal limitations.  

“The report from earlier this year quantified the impact of an issue that has shaped the very way that our county developed,” Kohl-Welles said. “If we know that the wastewater exemption is not an avenue for restitution, this new motion asks the question, ‘Well, what could we do?’ That’s the question to which our BIPOC communities deserve an answer.”  

Kohl-Welles’ motion would aim to build on that report and look for other ways to atone for the harm done by redlining and other structural racist policies and practices. Some policies explored by other local jurisdictions include direct cash payments, housing assistance, education assistance or job training, land return, and startup capital, among others.  

“In local government, there are always a million competing priorities, and the next several years will be no different with the revenue shortfall and budget cuts that have been projected,” Kohl-Welles said. “This report will ensure that we have potential strategies to charter a more equitable and restorative future. And, in the meantime, I hope that keeping this work at the forefront will minimize harm to communities that have been underinvested in for decades.” 

In the context of looming cuts to the County budget, the motion also urges the Executive to consider general fund budget reduction proposals for the 2025 annual budget that minimize the loss of intergenerational wealth, eviction rates, low Black homeownership rates, and general financial insecurity for BIPOC county residents.

The motion will be heard in an upcoming meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

Additional Quotes:

“The Black Home Initiative is supportive of efforts that aim to undo the harm created in communities because of racially restrictive housing covenants. We support this legislation as a mechanism to build a better tomorrow for everyone.” – The Black Home Initiative, a network of nonprofits, private companies, philanthropy, governments and associations making up our region’s ecosystem focused on increasing Black homeownership

“When government policies create an uneven playing field that harms particular communities, it is incumbent upon public institutions to redress the wrongs their policies have wrought. United Way of King County commends the King County Council for considering a motion to study ways to mitigate the impacts of anticipated 2025 budget cuts on communities of color. These communities have historically been singled-out by government legitimation of restrictive real estate covenants. Redlining suppressed the ability of communities of color, particularly Black communities, to accumulate wealth through the biggest engine of family wealth creation in our economy – home ownership. Without access to wealth, families of color are much more vulnerable to the economic downturns we all face from time to time. Making budget reductions with an eye toward the impacts of cuts on communities of color is an entirely appropriate redress of this historical wrong.” - Regina Malveaux, Chief Impact Officer of United Way of King County

“I support the spirt of this motion, as in the realm of change, symbolism carries the power to ignite the spark of transformation. For even in the face of obstruction, it plants the seed of possibility, reminding us that the pursuit of justice and progress is a journey that demands courage and determination."

—Andrea Caupain Sanderson, past CEO of Byrd Barr Place and BHI Core Team member

“It is not incumbent on or possible for one group to carry this work. To combat the centuries of discrimination against the Black community, it will take a network of committed individuals to drive the work to achieve the outcomes we aspire to see.”

—Nicole R. Bascomb-Green, Head of Community Lending, Umpqua Bank; President, Western Washington Realtist; Owner/Designated Broker, Bascomb Real Estate Group and BHI Core Team Member