Background

Downtown Seattle is the heart of Washington State’s largest city, set within a landscape that is rich with culture, history, and opportunity. Downtown is Seattle’s second largest housing center and the largest employment center. Seattle’s many economic, educational, and recreational opportunities continually attract more people each year, amplifying housing affordability challenges and the demand for livable neighborhoods. To prepare for future growth and to better support the needs of current residents, the City must address issues of housing affordability and access to necessary amenities.

Seattle’s most recent comprehensive plan, One Seattle, identifies a network of Regional Centers across the city to support higher-density development, accommodating future population and employment growth. As one of the City’s identified Regional Centers, Downtown plays a critical role in the area’s job growth, livability, climate resilience, and inclusivity. By planning for equitable growth Downtown, more people will be able to affordably access employment, transit, housing, and amenities within their neighborhoods. This Plan provides a framework for policies to support sustainable growth, informed by and with respect for Downtown’s unique qualities. Through community engagement, visioning, and coordination with related planning projects, the Plan will guide the city in making Downtown a center full of vibrancy, economic opportunity, and sustainability, where all families, workers, and communities feel welcome and safe.