Hi all,

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

If you have news or events to share, or if you want to talk about the work being done to revitalize Downtown, send me an email.

Weekly digest

🎉🏙️ Seattle City Hall was abuzz when Katie Wilson was sworn in as Seattle’s 58^th mayor on January 2. In her remarks, Mayor Wilson highlighted the importance of civic participation and outlined her vision for a city where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive: Katie Wilson sworn in as Seattle mayor: ‘This is your city’ – The Seattle Times.

🚲🛴 More people than ever are using bikes and scooters to get around Downtown. In 2025, Seattle’s bike and scooter share program hit a record high, with riders taking more than 10 million trips. The Seattle Department of Transportation credits this success to investments in protected bike lanes, parking zones, and safety improvements that make it easier and more enjoyable for people to navigate Downtown: 10 million riders: Seattle bike and scooter share sets new record in 2025 – SDOT Blog.

Credit: KOMO

🏈🥇 The Seahawks clinching the NFC’s top seed brought a massive boost to Downtown businesses. Fans flooded SoDo and Pioneer Square Saturday after the Hawks’ win over the 49ers, packing restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops long after the game ended. Hospitality leaders said the unexpected boom highlights how major sports milestones drive growth and vitality throughout Downtown: Seahawks win provides unexpected boost for Pioneer Square as celebratory fans flock – KOMO News.

Violent crime Downtown dropped by 36% in 2025, reaching its lowest levels since 2017, according to recent data from the Downtown Seattle Association. This reduction reflects how public safety efforts and community partnerships are making Downtown a safer place to live, work, shop, and visit: Violent crime plummets 36% in Downtown Seattle, lowest since 2017 – My Northwest.

📚☕ Downtown is gearing up for an exciting lineup of new restaurants, cafes, bars, and retail openings in 2026, offering even more reasons to visit, dine, shop, and enjoy Downtown in the year ahead. Highlights include the return of Barnes & Noble and plans for new dining establishments and cafes along the Waterfront’s Overlook Walk.

Looking ahead

🎫🎞️ It’s time to secure tickets for Noir City, the annual celebration of the film noir genre. In its 18th year, the annual festival is hosted by Turner Classic Movies host Eddie Muller and will return to SIFF Cinema Downtown February 13 – 19. Want to join the celebration? Festival passes go on sale Wednesday, January 7.

Credit: Pioneer Square

🖼️🚶 Check out Pioneer Square’s art scene at the Special Second Thursday Art Walk this Thursday, January 8. Stroll galleries, check out captivating exhibitions, and enjoy an evening in Seattle’s original neighborhood.

🌊🔥 Don’t let the winter keep you from enjoying the Seattle Waterfront. Cozy up to a wood-burning fire on Pier 62 with hot beverages, beautiful views, sunsets, and meeting new and old friends! Friends of Waterfront Park are holding Waterfront Park Firepit Socials on January 10, and every Saturday through the end of March.

"Worlds Seen and Unseen Paintings" by Gary Faigin. Credit: Harris Harvey Gallery

🧑‍🎨🎨 Seattle’s 2026 art calendar is shaping up to be a must-see year for culture lovers, with a slate of compelling exhibits and events Downtown. Highlights include “Worlds Seen and Unseen: Paintings by Gary Faigin” at the Harris Harvey Gallery and “Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest” at the Seattle Art Museum.