News Release
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2026
FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Rob Saka
CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov
Councilmember Saka, Mayor Wilson introduce joint resolution in support of Seattle Center renovation investments
SEATTLE – Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee (also known as “STEPS”), introduced joint Mayoral/Council Resolution 32205, calling for new infrastructure investments in Seattle Center ahead of a potential bond measure in 2027. The resolution affirms Seattle Center as a “central civic, cultural, and economic asset” for the City and calls for any capital investment proposal to have “funding from private and other non-City sources.”
"For many community members and visitors, Seattle Center represents the soul of Seattle. But it’s no secret that the Center’s facilities are very dated and crumbling fast," said Councilmember Saka. "Our resolution is a commitment to the community that we will not let this iconic asset fade away. By starting the process to consider a capital investment proposal and potential bond measure by the end of 2027, we are laying the groundwork to restore and revitalize Seattle Center so that it remains a world-class destination for decades to come. This legislation establishes the framework for a robust public-private partnership that leverages Seattle’s vibrant private and philanthropic communities to amplify the impact of any city investment. It’s also an opportunity to create good-paying union jobs and drive economic opportunity. Renovating Seattle Center is an investment in the future of our city and a rising tide that lifts all boats in our communities.”
The resolution outlines a multi-agency effort to assess long-term needs and modernize the campus. Priorities include:
- Formally stating the City Council's intent to consider a bond measure for the 2027 ballot or earlier.
- Requesting that the Mayor include appropriations in the upcoming budget to advance projects like the Armory renovation and the scoping of an expanded Veterans Memorial.
- Urging a partnership with Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities to transition the campus toward sustainable, carbon-neutral operations.
“Seattle Center is one of our city’s great gathering places – a place where arts, culture, community, and civic life come together,” said Mayor . “I’m grateful to Chair Saka and the City Council for their partnership and I look forward to working together to ensure that Seattle Center continues to be a vibrant, welcoming public space for generations to come.”
Background
Despite being the most visited cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest — drawing 11.3 million visitors in 2025 and generating $3.3 billion in annual economic output — large-scale public investment in Seattle Center’s infrastructure has not occurred since 1991. Much of the campus’s underlying systems, including electrical, plumbing, and life-safety features, are now over 50 years old.
The potential revitalization comes as the National Basketball Association takes steps towards possibly bringing the long-awaited SuperSonics back to Seattle. In March, the City Council joined Mayor Wilson in declaring Climate Pledge Arena, located in the heart of Seattle Center, “fully prepared to serve as the team’s home.” While Climate Pledge Arena is ready to host a new NBA franchise today, this resolution addresses the surrounding city-owned Seattle Center campus by investing in critical renovation and modernization upgrades.
Next steps
The Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee will hold a briefing and potential vote on the proposal at its next meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 9:30 a.m. Consideration by the full City Council could happen as early as June 2.
Additional quotes
“It’s been almost 35 years since we made meaningful public investments in Seattle Center. It's our city's treasured gathering space, home to more than 30 arts and cultural institutions and many of our favorite sports teams, concerts, and annual events. Yet critical infrastructure and urgent upgrades have been overlooked with much of campus untouched since the 1962 World's Fair. Passing this bond measure ensures the cultural heart of our city is around for generations to come." - Rob Johnson, Executive Director, Seattle Center Foundation
“Securing funding for Seattle Center renovations is the first step in creating hundreds of union jobs right here in Seattle. This is a watershed moment for the local economy and working-class families.” - Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary, Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council
“Revitalizing the Seattle Center campus presents an opportunity to modernize aging infrastructure, transition the campus to a carbon-neutral energy system, and create family-wage union jobs through construction, operations, and long-term maintenance.” - Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor
“Seattle Center is one of the most iconic places in our region, where families gather, communities celebrate, and memories are made. The longer we wait, the more expensive these needed improvements become. This is our chance to invest in Seattle’s future, create good-paying jobs, and give local communities the opportunity to build something generations will continue to enjoy and be proud of.” - Marianna Hyke, Political Coordinator, North Coast States Carpenters Union
About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing over 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.
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