Vibrant Economy • Great Neighborhoods • Transportation Solutions • Housing Options • Sustainable Future

The Center City Strategy is a different way of thinking about downtown Seattle and its nine adjacent neighborhoods. The strategy recognizes that the urban core of Seattle is growing, that individually and together these 10 neighborhoods represent a new urban identity for Seattle—a place with enormous energy, remarkable variety and dramatic potential.

It also recognizes the significant advantage a strong core provides in a highly competitive global economy. A strong Center City represents smart growth at its best, fighting regional sprawl and building a sustainable economy and community.

Map of Center City Seattle's 10 neighborhoods (PDF)

Center City Seattle Brochure - updated March 2007 (PDF)

Growing Our Vibrant Economy Downtown
Seattle businesses are the economic engine of the region – creating tens of thousands of jobs, providing economic opportunity throughout the Puget Sound region, and generating tax revenues to support neighborhoods and basic services. We are creating a new climate for business by building tomorrow’s transportation system and revising regulations to attract jobs and residents.

Building Transportation Solutions
We are developing transportation solutions for coming generations, creating a multi-modal system that allows us to grow without paving more of the city for the automobile. The new system will have capacity for those who drive to Center City and provide world-class transportation choices for those who choose not to drive. In Center City, people will be able to walk, bike or ride the bus, street car or light rail.

Fostering Great Neighborhoods
Through incentive and regulation, public and private actions, we’re setting the stage for new buildings of superior design, preservation of historic structures, new and improved open spaces, vibrant entertainment and cultural entities, and lively, attractive streets, including green streets. Center City neighborhoods are not all the same, nor are they all “downtown.” Each represents a unique expression of the dynamic urban experience that is Center City Seattle.

Building a Sustainable Future
We are committed to building a sustainable future for our city and the planet. We are working to reduce pressures on our single family neighborhoods and regional rural lands. New regulations have greatly increased the capacity for jobs and housing in Center City, where they will have the least impact on our environment and climate. The new regulations also provide incentives for LEED™ Silver construction, reducing demands on energy and water. Reducing single occupant commuting and increasing transit services directly support climate protection.

Creating Housing Options
As more people choose to live in Center City, we are working to increase housing options for those neighborhoods. New land use regulations have dramatically increased the development potential for market rate housing. The regulations will also generate substantial new funds for affordable housing. We are committed to providing housing in Center City for a wide range of ages and incomes.

Work continues on Mayor Nickels’ strategy for promoting economic growth, facilitating better transportation options, providing new housing and building great urban neighborhoods in the Center City. Initiated in 2004, Nickels’ Center City Seattle strategy addresses major changes affecting this area, including recently proposed downtown zoning changes, redevelopment of the central waterfront, replacement of the viaduct, light rail, the Westlake streetcar, new and improved parks, biotech development, and new mixed-use development (more details on these exciting projects).

For information on upcoming events and activities or to view past meeting materials visit our events and activities page.