GNDT April 22 – 28

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 04/28/2026 02:41 PM PDT

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 us an email.

Credit: Ryan Packer / The Urbanist

More foot traffic, stronger sales: Pike Place pilot boosts market activity 🏙️🚶

A pilot to make Pike Place Market car-free resulted in more visitors. Following the rollout of a daytime vehicle restriction pilot in early 2025, data from the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority shows overall commercial sales rose 6.5% year-over-year, with retail sales up 9.2% and restaurant sales increasing 10.2% during the busy summer months. The Market also saw a 5.6% increase in visitors from within 30 miles, bringing an additional 127,000 local residents Downtown.

The pilot helped balance the needs of vendors, visitors, and ADA access by maintaining delivery and drop-off access while limiting general vehicle traffic during peak hours. By restricting most cars between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Market was able to reduce congestion while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. The program will now continue through Labor Day as the City and Pike Place Market PDA evaluate next steps.

These results build on several years of work to improve safety and pedestrian access at one of Downtown’s most iconic destinations. As the Market heads into the busy summer season, new businesses are opening and additional infrastructure upgrades are planned, including safety barriers and entry controls to support full street closures during major events: Pike Place pilot boosts sales and visitation – The Urbanist.

Weekly digest

People attending an event in Pioneer Square

Credit: SDOT

⚽🍻 Pioneer Square is preparing to transform into a pedestrian-only spot during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, with big-screen watch parties, a stage, and a beer garden along South Jackson Street. These activations will allow visitors to order food from nearby restaurants and gather in one of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods, helping drive traffic to small businesses: Seattle’s Pioneer Square plans big-screen watch parties, beer garden for World Cup – Fox 13 Seattle.

🦺🤝 Community partners are expanding on-the-ground safety support in the Chinatown-International District through Seattle’s Safety Ambassadors Program, increasing visibility and support for residents and small businesses. Backed by the City, the C-ID Business Improvement Area, and partners like the Asian American Foundation, the program will double its ambassador team, building on efforts that already include hundreds of wellness checks, business visits, and de-escalation responses: Seattle doubles safety ambassadors in CID ahead of World Cup – KING 5.

Two people holding up food at a food bank

Credit: ACRS

🥕🥬 The Asian Counseling and Referral Service is continuing to support families in the Chinatown-International District through food access and job training programs designed to meet people where they are. In 2025, the organization distributed nearly one million pounds of food while expanding employment services like its Ready to Work program, helping residents build skills and connect to stable jobs: As costs rise, food banks help families access food, find work and build stability – The Seattle Times.

🚌🚦 The City is adding new bus-only lanes along Denny Way to improve reliability on Route 8, one of Seattle’s busiest routes connecting Downtown, Seattle Center, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill. Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced the phased project, which will prioritize transit along key sections of this corridor and improve connections: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrates new Denny Way bus reliability project to improve Route 8 – King County Metro.

Looking ahead

🌅🏃‍➡️ Join the RunWESTIN Concierge at The Westin Seattle every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. for a free, guided 3-mile group run through Downtown. Open to runners of all paces, this meetup starts in the lobby by the concierge desk and offers a fun way to stay active while exploring the city with others.

🔔 Join our Acting Director Beto Yarce this Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m., at Pike Place Market as he rings the opening bell. He will deliver a few remarks about his experience with the market and the role it plays in the vibrancy of Downtown.

Randy Johnson Number Retirement Ceremony Night

Credit: Seattle Mariners

⚾️🔱 Celebrate Randy Johnson's No. 51 jersey retirement at the Seattle Mariners game on Saturday, May 2. Johnson's number will be the fifth retired in franchise history. He was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2012 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

🍽️ There’s still time to explore new restaurants or revisit some favorites through Seattle Restaurant Week! Hundreds of restaurants across Seattle are offering special curated menus at various price points through Saturday, May 2.

Credit: Pike Place Market

🌼🌷 Come celebrate the 18th Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market next weekend, May 9 – 10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., where more than 30 local flower farms will fill the Market with fresh bouquets featuring tulips, daffodils, irises, and peonies. It’s a perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing to pick up flowers, browse handmade vendors, and explore with family and friends.