SEATTLE—April 19, 2006—Judith S. Kilgore, a veteran urban planner with over 20 years of experience on high-level projects, has been hired by Seattle Housing Authority to lead the planning process for the future of Yesler Terrace.
Development Director Al Levine headed the panel that hired Kilgore. "We felt that Judith's blend of experience, knowledge of the development process, patience and common sense would be an ideal combination for guiding the future of Yesler Terrace," he said.
"I am excited about this job," commented Kilgore, "because it is an opportunity to make a difference in the community by providing safe, affordable housing, which I personally believe is a right, not a privilege, in this country."
Kilgore served as the Community Development Director for the City of Des Moines, Washington, for the past 12 years. Prior to that, she spent 10 years at the City of Seattle, where she headed up the development efforts at Westlake Plaza. Regarding the Westlake project, she notes that it, "tested all of my professional abilities from project management and negotiation to budgeting and financial management."
Kilgore had her first meeting with members of the Yesler Terrace community on April 18 when she attended the Yesler Terrace Community Council meeting. Regarding that meeting, she said, "I felt it was a good start. I let residents know that I have a commitment to genuinely listening to them and understanding their concerns. I know that we won't always agree, and I can't make any promises at this point, but I can make myself available for conversation, which I'm looking forward to."
Over the next few months, Kilgore plans to educate herself on the issues surrounding Yesler Terrace by talking with residents and community leaders, fellow SHA staff members and other stakeholders. She is also reading up on Yesler history and background. "It is a fascinating community," she said, "one that has obviously played an important role in Seattle history. We will respect and honor the community's past, and endeavor to use that as a benchmark for planning its future."
As planning activities begin, Kilgore will also be working to assemble a citizen committee to participate in planning activities. "We will be recruiting a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including residents, neighbors and political leaders. I am looking forward to bringing a lively group together."
Kilgore plans to spend as much time as her schedule will allow just walking around the neighborhood and making connections with residents. "If I need to hire an interpreter to talk to some people, then that's what I'll do," she says.