Hi all,

Sending another Good News Downtown, a communication to showcase uplifting, interesting, positive stories about activities and people Downtown.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had a couple of opportunities to spend time on the new Waterfront. I was at the Grand Opening event with my family on September 6 and was back just a few days later to hold a Downtown Activation Plan press event at the soon-to-open Boon Boona Coffee at Overlook Walk. Both events were memorable in their own way – with the Waterfront celebration building memories with my family, and with the press event celebrating the progress we have made Downtown.

Two years ago, we launched DAP with a bold vision: Downtown Seattle runs on people so we need to make Downtown a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone. Today, we’re seeing the tangible results of that vision come to life. Tourism is on the rise, with hotel bookings climbing steadily. Pedestrian traffic continues to increase, bringing people back to enjoy the city’s many dining and after-work entertainment options. Event attendance is not only recovering but thriving, with arts and live music venues – like ACT Theater and Benaroya Hall – reporting attendance levels that surpass pre-pandemic numbers.

But the DAP is not just about short-term recovery – it’s about long-term reinvention. We’re transitioning from recovery to building something stronger, focusing on key areas like housing, business diversity, safety, and public spaces. By tackling challenges such as vacant properties and simplifying the permitting process, we’re laying the groundwork for a Downtown that’s not only prosperous but also deeply aligned with Seattle’s values of creativity, equity, and resilience.

This transformation is powered by people – business owners, residents, cultural leaders, and visitors who all contribute to the renewed energy in Downtown Seattle. We’ve already seen the incredible progress that’s possible, but the most exciting phase is ahead.

As always, if you have Good News Downtown that you would like to share, please send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

– Markham

Weekly digest

Credit: Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times

💙 Seattle was one of 24 cities nationwide to participate in a meal-packing event for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Hundreds of volunteers gathered at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall to pack around 200,000 free meals on the 24th anniversary of 9/11. The effort will support neighbors across the region facing food insecurity, highlighting how acts of kindness can bring people together and strengthen our community: Seattle volunteers pack free meals to mark 9/11 in act of service – Seattle Times.

⚽ Excitement is building for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup! The Seattle Sports Commission released a Watch Party Playbook to help local businesses and community groups host their own viewing events. From the official Seattle Fan Celebration at Seattle Center to local fan zones across the region, there will be plenty of ways to cheer together and join the global celebration.

🏨 Downtown hotels set a new revenue record in July, surpassing the blockbuster 2023 summer that featured the MLB All-Star Week and Taylor Swift concerts. This year’s success was driven by leisure travel, major events, and the Seattle Convention Center’s strongest month for convention bookings in 14 years. This provided a steady base that helped Downtown thrive all summer long: July hotel performance data – Visit Seattle.

Credit: Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times

🍴 Restaurant Spotlight: Belltown’s Lenox was named one of Bon Appétit’s best new restaurants in the U.S., spotlighting chef Jhonny Reyes’s unique Afro-Latin and Pacific Northwest flavors. The restaurant offers dinner and weekend lunches in a vibrant environment, making it a fresh destination for all Seattle food lovers.

Looking ahead

🌎 It's Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 – October 15, there are many ways around the city to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our Hispanic community. Seattle Magazine put together a comprehensive list of the best ways to celebrate Hispanic culture, including several Downtown events and businesses: Hispanic Heritage Month in Seattle – Seattle Magazine.

🏃 On Saturday, September 20, from 12 – 6 p.m., Walk Don’t Run invites you to explore a 3-kilometer route through Pioneer Square, Downtown, and Belltown, where streets and parks will come alive with music, art, and performances.

It's not too late to sign up! Businesses and organizations can still join the experience by opening their doors and participating. Enhance your involvement by featuring art, performances, music, or offering food and drink specials inspired by the art marathon: community partnership — WALK DONT RUN.

Credit: Seattle Parks and Rec

🀄 Summer is winding down, but the fun isn’t over yet at Hing Hay Park! From Monday Mahjong to Thursday Tai Chi, these free community events run through the end of September and are open for everyone to enjoy: Enjoy FREE family fun all... – Seattle Parks and Recreation