As I look back on this past year of 2025, one word comes to mind...connection.
How lucky have I been to cross paths with DRCC so many years before, to have seen the DVYC cohorts out in the community doing dedicated and environmentally responsible work, and to meet Paulina at a community climate event-where she and our staff can so frequently be found. Becoming a part of the organization this past spring has just felt right and my soul is grateful.  I may be simplifying it, but my job comes down to two things-explaining who DRCC is in the scope and breadth of what we do and connecting.  Connecting to those in the community, individual donors, sponsors and funders from local agencies and foundations, Duwamish Valley small businesses and people outside of the DV who just want to learn more about a beautiful community that needs support from anywhere beyond.  I thank all of you who have taken your time to connect with us in so many ways.  Please continue to take an interest and stay invested in the powerful work that the Duwamish Valley River Coalition continues to do on a daily basis.

If you find yourself in a position to financially support us as the year ends, please visit https://www.drcc.org/donate

If you have other ideas for support or would like to connect, let's talk...mickiala@drcc.org.

Have a cozy December and Happy Holidays!!

As we come to the close of 2025, the impact of our collective work in the Duwamish River Valley is both powerful and tangible. In a community long burdened by environmental injustice, pollution, and disinvestment, we chose not only to envision change but to build it. This year marked a historic milestone with the purchase of a property that will become the Duwamish Valley Youth and Climate Resilience Hub - a permanent, community-driven space dedicated to youth leadership, climate adaptability, and long-term resilience. At the same time, we continued to push forward critical environmental justice work, including renewed sediment cleanup efforts in the Duwamish River, expanded community-centered air quality monitoring, and climate justice initiatives that address displacement, food security, public health, and workforce development. As Washington State experiences historic flooding and increasingly severe climate impacts, our work underscores a clear truth: proactive, community-led climate planning is more important than ever. Through the leadership of our youth, the strength of our partnerships, and the unwavering commitment of our neighbors, we are reclaiming land, restoring health, and laying the foundation for a more just and sustainable future for generations to come. Thank you for coming alongside our journey and for your support.  Wishing you a restorative holiday season and a hopeful,and peaceful New Year.  

Paulina Lopez, Executive Director 

Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition: 

DVAHC is currently in the process of making an offer on two small properties in the south end of the South Park. With minor modifications, these homes will serve as community meeting space, host Villa Comunitaria’s co-op preschool El Jardin de los Ninos, and provide office space for Coalition members and Reconnect South Park. The long-term plan will be to develop both properties into our long-awaited Multi-Purpose Building which will house a community hub. DVAHC has been working on acquisition for many years and is so hopeful they will be able to provide an exciting update in 2026!

DVAHC is also partnering with Blackfish Capital to submit a proposal to the Office of Housing’s Henderson project Request for Qualifications.

Community Meetings:

DRCC wrapped up the year with Georgetown Community Council and South Park Neighborhood Association by continued service on the Boards of each. We are looking forward to the January meetings–SPNA will host its annual Unsung Heroes meeting and GCC will host its annual post-holiday party. DRCCs Community Capacity is taking the month of December off to rest and recharge; in January, we will resume our monthly convening of community-based organizations, grassroots leaders, and other stakeholders.

Advocacy:

We are finishing up our year-long project in partnership with the UW's EDGE Center, Living with Water. LWW included research and education about flood mitigation actions, with a strong emphasis on Nature-Based Solutions. We supported a series of engagement techniques, including one-on-one interviews with impacted neighbors, a focus group and a workshop. We are really looking forward to sharing the final report in 2026.

As the year comes to a close and we look back at the amazing work we have accomplished, we are so grateful to be able to provide meaningful opportunities for Duwamish Valley Youth. While our focus is on environmental justice, community care, and centering youth voices, one of our greatest privileges is to be able to bring youth together in a safe environment with local leaders who care.