Summary:
The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) has appointed two new board members, Hayward Evans and Dr. Lora Ellen McKinney. Evans is a longtime African American community leader and advocate for preserving Black cultural heritage and advancing economic development initiatives in the Central District. McKinney is a pediatric psychologist, writer, and multidisciplinary artist who blends storytelling, science, and social justice through her work. The CDCPDA's mission focuses on building economic opportunity for historically underserved communities, developing pathways to meaningful employment, fostering career advancement, and supporting entrepreneurship.
The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) has appointed two respected leaders, Hayward Evans and Dr. Lora Ellen McKinney, to its board of directors, strengthening its mission to drive economic empowerment and preserve cultural heritage in Seattle’s Central District.
Evans, a longtime African American community leader, is known for his advocacy in preserving Black cultural heritage and advancing economic development initiatives in the Central District. McKinney, a pediatric psychologist, writer, and multidisciplinary artist, blends storytelling, science, and social justice through her work with Cedar River Creative Productions and the initiative Knitting in Solidarity.
“We’re honored to welcome two incredible new community members to the CDCPDA Board of Directors,” the organization said in a statement. “Their passion and expertise will help guide the next chapter of our work.”
CDCPDA’s mission focuses on building economic opportunity for historically underserved communities. The organization develops pathways to meaningful employment, fosters career advancement, and supports entrepreneurship. Education and training are central to its work, spanning all generations—from early childhood through adulthood—to ensure lifelong learning and leadership development.
The group also emphasizes workforce skills training, mentorship, and community-based leadership rooted in the Central District. It works to preserve neighborhood land and businesses while promoting economic development that benefits long-term residents and maintains the area’s cultural identity.