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Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan

Welcome! This website is an invitation for residents, business owners, employers, and community members to learn about Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan, give feedback, and share ideas on how together we can create a new vision for the heart of our city. On this site, you can learn more about actions the City is taking now, what the City is considering, and what we are dreaming of for the future of Downtown.

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in reading about the Mayor’s Action Plan in more detail, click below to download the Executive Summary or Full Plan.

What’s on the Site?

Downtown Seattle

Now

See the bold action we are taking now to make sure we stabilize Downtown and build towards a future that serves you
go to now page
go to now page
a view of the ocean and downtown Seattle

Future

Explore some ideas of what the future of Downtown could be 
go to future
page
go to future page
City building mad of glass and steel with steps

Public Input

Hear from Seattleities on what they think about Downtown and their dreams for what it could become
go to research page
go to research page
Artist outside of a street corner painting geometric shapes on the ground using bright colors.

Why Downtown

Read Mayor Harrell's vision for Downtown and who shaped the plan
go to Why Downtown page
go to why downtown page

Realizing a New Future for Downtown Seattle

Seattle has a unique opportunity to reimagine Downtown and who Downtown is for. Seattle is working towards a different future that:

  • Fosters a sense of belonging, safety and support
  • Is accessible to families with young children
  • Has affordable options for those on a budget
  • Is environmentally friendly, green and beautiful
  • Allows small businesses to thrive and be successful
  • Is vibrant, active and full of life

A Downtown that is YOU!

Creating an
Equitable Future

Revitalizing Downtown is an opportunity to create a more equitable future for Seattle. A set of values and principles shaped the design of the Downtown Activation Plan.

Large crowd of people

People First

The plan uses language that is relevant to real people and does not center the language of government or business. How we speak about the current state of Downtown and the future vision should be aligned with what real Seattleites want and center their needs.

Ambitious Vision that Takes a Stand

Our vision for Downtown Seattle forms an opinion of who/what Downtown is for and takes a visionary approach consistent with the changing trends in downtowns nationally.

City scape of Seattle
People in Dragon Costume

Race, Economic, and Social Justice

A plan that lives up to Seattle’s race and social justice values by centering underrepresented voices and Black, Indigenous and other Seattleites of color in the design of the future of Downtown.

Resilience and Climate Justice

The plan will focus on actions that improve Downtown's air quality, address the impact climate change is having on Downtown and plan for a more resilient, fossil fuel-free city.

Man dancing
People with bikes

Humanity and Safety

While acknowledging the challenges facing too many Downtown, we want to center people's humanity and ability to thrive. The plan will reflect the need for Downtown to be a safe place for all people.

Balanced Timeline

Balance long-term transformation with quick wins now, prioritizing those now to three year impacts intended to stabilize Downtown and build momentum for sustainable change.

People at a cafe
Downtown Seattle

Accountability

The plan needs to include measurable outcomes, clear timelines and accountability to demonstrate an authentic commitment to achieving these goals.

Collaboration

Understanding that the future of Downtown requires all sectors to be committed and brought into the process, engaging and involving government, nonprofits, the private sector and community is critical.

Group of people listening and watching a guest speaker

Downtown Activation Plan Goals

Safety
Safety Icon. lines and circles in the shape of people.
Make Downtown safe and welcoming
Residents
home icon. Lines making an outline in the shape of a home.
Transform Downtown into a lively neighborhood where more people can afford to live
Retail
Lines in the shape of a shopping basket.
Create a unique Downtown retail experience
Workers
Geometric circles connected to rounded corner square.
Make Downtown a place where people want to work and that reflects the future of our economy
Culture
Music note icon
Celebrate Downtown Seattle’s arts, culture, sports, and entertainment
Tourism
Icon in the shape of a location pin
Make Downtown a top destination for Seattleites and visitors year-round
Green
Tree in front of a moutian icon.
Create a healthy, resilient, and green Downtown

Downtown is a Rich Collection of Neighborhoods -
Click on a neighborhood below to learn more about what makes Downtown unique

“Downtown is the heart of the city – it pumps energy and life into every neighborhood across the city and draws us in to celebrate what makes Seattle different, what makes us unique and yes, what makes us cool.” - Markham McIntyre, Director, Office of Economic Development

Stadium District

Supports major sports, entertainment, retail gatherings, and events while maintaining the surrounding bustling industrial and maritime functions that are critical to our local and regional economy.

Chinatown-International District

The anchor of Seattle’s Asian community for over 100 years. A resilient community, rich in history and culture, committed to self-determination despite the continuing impacts of development, public policies, and other structural inequities.

Pioneer Square

Being known as Seattle’s “first neighborhood” is a draw for many with its historic architecture, King Street Station and events like the First Thursday Art Walk. Filled with art studios, galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants, and Occidental Park.

Commercial Core

Includes the historic Pike Place Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country, the central waterfront, and attractions like the Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Central Library, and Westlake Center.

Denny Triangle

Stretches from the edge of the Downtown core to Seattle Center, next to the Pacific Science Center and Space Needle. Has many new high-rise residential buildings, hotels, and corporate offices that cater to residents and visitors.

Belltown

Home to nightlife, local restaurants, and entertainment venues boasting bookings over decades ranging from Nirvana to Lizzo. Includes the Olympic Sculpture Park and a large selection of human services that support people living in this neighborhood.

Select Neighborhood
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