Seattle Council Committee Reviews Seattle Center Revitalization and Street Vending – May 21, 2026

The Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee met on May 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:04 p.m. in Council Chamber, City Hall. Chair Rob Saka presided. The committee heard a briefing on urgent Seattle Center renovation needs, unanimously approved a resolution supporting a future bond measure for the Center, and received an update on unpermitted street vending enforcement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An alley vacation petition was deferred to the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stu Hennessy (in-person, West Seattle): Addressed a dangerous street crossing at 23rd Avenue SW and SW Delridge Way, citing cut-through traffic, safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians, and submitted a petition with 150+ signatures urging traffic safety improvements.
• Clive Hayward (remote): Criticized proposed access restrictions on the new waterfront, arguing they limit free speech and exclude street performers; urged meaningful public engagement.
• Howard Gale (remote, District 7): Expressed concern that a major armory renovation could repeat past practices that made the armory inhospitable to unhoused individuals; recommended Resolution 322052 include provisos ensuring Seattle Center is welcoming to all and that private contracts do not shape exclusionary policies.

Discussion Items

1. Seattle Center Renovation and Modernization Needs (Briefing and Discussion) Presenters included Acting Seattle Center Director Randy Engstrom, Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt, Seattle Center Foundation Executive Director Rob Johnson, and labor representatives from IBEW Local 46, Seattle Building Trades, Carpenters Union, and stagehands union ATSEC Local 15. The 74-acre campus hosts 11–12 million annual visits, generates $3.3 billion in regional economic activity, and supports 19,000 jobs. Much of its infrastructure dates to the 1962 World's Fair and is past useful life; the steam plant accounts for 16% of the city's carbon footprint. The campus has received $1.2 billion in private investment (e.g., Climate Pledge Arena) but no major public investment since a 1991 levy. Panelists stressed that deferred maintenance risks critical failures (e.g., power loss before a high school graduation) and that the current unemployment crisis in construction (1,000+ union electricians idle) makes this project timely. Decarbonization, ADA upgrades, better connectivity, and plug-and-play event infrastructure were highlighted.

2. Resolution 322052 – Seattle Center Capital Investment Framework Deputy Mayor Surratt and Central Staff Analyst Eric McConaghy presented the resolution. It affirms Seattle Center's civic importance, acknowledges urgent infrastructure needs, requests the Mayor to lead capital planning, anticipates a bond measure decision by end of 2027, commits to exploring all funding options including public-private partnerships, and declares council priorities for upcoming budget actions. Key provisions include requiring commensurate non-city funding for any bond issuance and calling for a 30% design for armory modernization. Councilmember Lin raised the potential for an eco-district and tribal engagement. Councilmember Kettle proposed an amendment emphasizing partnership with neighboring communities and tribes. Chair Saka supported the concept but asked for specific language before full council. The committee voted 5-0 to forward the resolution to the June 2, 2026 full council meeting.

3. Unpermitted Street Vending Update (Briefing and Discussion) Presenters from the Mayor's Office, SDOT, Public Health – Seattle & King County, Office of Economic Development, and Council Central Staff described a two-phase response to a legislative intent request. Phase I focuses on near-term strategies for FIFA World Cup: an education-first approach, expanded economic opportunities (e.g., Pioneer Square pedestrian zones, $65,000 in assistance for brick-and-mortar businesses), and coordinated enforcement teams. Public Health plans food safety messaging (green smiley placards), translated materials, and a progressive enforcement process for repeat offenders. SDOT is exploring cross-departmental enforcement authority delegation. Councilmember Rinck raised concerns about labor trafficking and language access. Chair Saka emphasized the need for enforcement as a final resort, citing jurisdictional exploitation by unpermitted vendors.

4. Alley Vacation Petition (CF 314530) Deferred due to time constraints; will be heard at the next regular committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 322052 adopted (5-0): The committee recommends adoption by the full City Council. The resolution directs capital planning for Seattle Center, sets a target for a bond measure decision by end of 2027, and calls for robust public-private partnerships. A formal amendment on partnership language may be added before the June 2 council vote.
• Next committee meeting: Scheduled for August 6, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (June and July meetings preempted by the Select Committee on the Seattle Transportation Benefit District).
• Street vending update: The administration will return in fall 2026 with a full report on long-term policy options, lessons from FIFA implementation, and a landscape assessment including potential human trafficking concerns.