Seattle – On Thursday, the Seattle City Council will discuss a resolution advancing Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan and moving forward a proposal for interactive wayfinding kiosks in the right-of-way.  

The proposed dual-sided, interactive digital kiosks, intended for installation in the public right-of-way, support Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan by enhancing Seattle’s built environment. The kiosks will provide public benefits to the Downtown core, including wayfinding, transportation information, and public information supporting safety, health, public art, and community events, in addition to advertising. Kiosks will also include a call button allowing users to reach 211, 311, or 911 operators when needed.  

If the proposal is approved by Seattle City Council, it would permit the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) to install, maintain, and operate interactive wayfinding kiosks first in the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Through a multi-phase deployment, DSA could then deploy additional kiosks to the Ballard Business Improvement Area, U District Business Improvement Area, SODO Business Improvement Area, and West Seattle Junction Business Improvement Area, at the city’s discretion and with community input. 

DSA will be responsible for equipment upkeep and maintenance of the kiosks, while revenues are shared between DSA and the City. DSA expects the kiosks to generate more than $ 1 million in revenue annually that can be used to fund public safety and capital improvements within the 300 square blocks of the MID service area. Should kiosks be deployed to other neighborhoods, funds generated would go toward funding the BIA where the kiosks are located. 

On Thursday, May 8, sample kiosks will be available to the public. Press interested in a public demonstration must RSVP to Karissa.Braxton2@seattle.gov.