Bringing people together across sectors to build greater racial and economic equity in Washington state.
Our Why
For too long, our communities have been harmed by racial inequity, economic disparities, and lack of well-being.
Government, philanthropy, private business, and the non-profit sector have worked to solve these problems but, despite these efforts, things have gotten worse.
For example - after decades of work to close the racial wealth gap - as of 2021, 42% of Black households in Washington state had zero net worth.*
If we want different outcomes, we need a different approach.
That’s where Civic Commons comes in.
*Source: The Racial Wealth Divide in Seattle (2021 scorecard data). Retrieved from www.prosperitynow.org
How We Do it
We build and sustain relationship-based, cross-sector networks that lead to shared prosperity.
It’s messy. It’s difficult. And it works.
OUR PROGRAMS
keito
Our Work in Action
network weaving
Black Home Initiative
Discriminatory housing practices have a long history in our region, creating a wealth gap that persists today. The Black Home Initiative targets these inequities to increase homeownership among Black households.
Network Weaving
Solving the affordable home shortage
Civic Commons is implementing a first-of-its-kind plan - The Starter Home Plan of WA - to tackle every factor shaping the production of affordable, for-sale starter homes—bringing the dream of homeownership within reach for thousands across the state.
Recent News
