Seattle Urban Renewal Enterprise (Seattle, Wash.)

The Washington State Legislature adopted what was known as the Urban Renewal Law in 1957. Shortly afterwards, Seattle City Council adopted ordinance declaring that "blighted areas" existed in the City of Seattle, as defined by the State law. In 1958 the Mayor announced the appointment of Talbot Wegg as Urban Renewal Coordinator for the City of Seattle. The first Citizens' Advisory Committee on Urban Renewal met in 1958. By August the group was known as the Seattle Urban Renewal Enterprise or SURE. Its goal was to promote fundraising and increase awareness in the community about housing deterioration and neglect especially where those elements affect the health, safety and well-being of the community. Focus on rehabilitation and conservation. A non-profit corporation was formed in November 1958.

SURE was structured with a Board of Trustees and an Executive Council. Presidents of the Board included Kenneth B. Colman, Walter T. Funk 1961, John L. Wright, 1962-1963, Cal M. McCune, 1963-1964, Donald S. Voorhees, 1964-1965. Lyman Black was appointed president of SURE in March 1965. Annual meetings were held in March.

Ray Baker was hired as Executive Director of SURE in June 1959. Baker was the former Director of the Jackson Street Community Council. Baker resigned in April 1962 due to financial difficulties of SURE. SURE was funded by membership fees and contributions from firms and individuals. Struggling financially, SURE staff were released later in 1962. SURE carried a debt of about $4,000. Mayor Clinton appointed City staff member David Towne of the Office of Urban Renewal as Executive Director.

Throughout its existence, SURE worked closely with the City's Office of Urban Renewal. Talbot Wegg, the first coordinator, resigned in 1963 and was followed by Director John P. Willison. SURE shared office space with the Office of Urban Renewal after it lost its staff in 1962.

SURE was successful in gathering community support, revising the housing code, and initiating federal support for urban renewal projects. SURE was involved in many projects including: the Yesler-Atlantic Urban Renewal Project; the Workable Program, the South Seattle Redevelopment Project, the Community Renewal Program and Cherry Hill. SURE contracted with the City of Seattle to provide advice and counsel to property owners and community organizations and gave a voice to urban renewal in Seattle.

From the guide to the Records, 1956-1965, (City of Seattle Seattle Municipal Archives)