Background

The Northgate Regional Center is situated as the northern gateway to Seattle, with historically car-oriented development patterns still defining much of its built environment today, leaving much work to be done before it can function like a Regional Center as described in the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan. The Center is in a state of transition, with the recent opening of Link Light Rail station and closing of the Northgate Mall. It is also bisected by Interstate-5 and is comprised of relatively large blocks, adding to the connectivity and walkability challenges in the neighborhood.

Like in other Regional Centers, Northgate’s population skews toward younger residents, renter-occupied households, and lower incomes. Residents also rank as a relatively high priority on the City’s Racial and Social Equity Index and are at an elevated risk of residential displacement.