Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Seferiana Day Hasegawa
Phone: 206-809-4744
Email: seferiana.dayhasegawa@seattle.gov
Mayor Wilson and Executive Zahilay join community organizers in the fight to keep Graham Street Station on track
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a plan today to build Graham Street Station as promised. First proposed and approved by Seattle voters in 1999, the station was deferred twice and is poised for a third delay in Sound Transit’s current update to the ST3 System Plan.
In solidarity with community organizers who have fought for the Graham Street Station for more than a decade, Mayor Wilson and Executive Zahilay will introduce an amendment at the May 28 Sound Transit Board meeting to keep Graham Street Station on track.
“We’re done with broken promises,” said Mayor Wilson. “South Seattle communities have waited far too long for the Graham Street Station. This amendment is about finally delivering the equitable transit access that Rainier Valley residents deserve and continue to lobby for. On Thursday, the Sound Transit Board has the opportunity – and responsibility – to move this project forward.”
“South Seattle residents have waited too long for the transit investments they were promised decades ago, and this community should not be asked to wait any longer or settle for less,” said Executive Zahilay. “This amendment to deliver the Graham Street Station is about equity, opportunity, and making sure Southend families, workers, and seniors have the reliable transit access they deserve. I’m grateful to Mayor Wilson and the many residents, advocates, and community organizations who made their voices heard and urge the entire Board to support this important amendment.”
Amendment No. 8 to Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers' Substitute Resolution No. R2026-11 will move Graham Street Station definitively onto the list of projects that will be built within the ST3 System Plan. It also outlines ways that the City of Seattle, King County, and Sound Transit will work together to advance the station. If adopted, Sound Transit will use $25 million in secured federal grant funds – plus any savings from the Pinehurst Station – for Graham Street Station construction. They will also pursue additional local and federal grants and apply identified cost saving opportunities to the project. Meanwhile, the City of Seattle will expedite permitting and other processes to realize savings and commits to providing up to $30 million as “last funding in” if all other options have been exhausted.
For community leaders such as Velma Veloria, former Washington State Representative and Filipino Community of Seattle Community Relations Specialist, this amendment is a step in the right direction. “Our Graham community has seen decades of delay, I believe one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods deserves the investment it was promised, and we stand with the mayor in urging the Sound Transit Board to move Graham Street Station forward.”
Located along the Sound Transit’s 1 Line between the Columbia City and Othello stations, Graham Street Station would improve light rail access for thousands of Rainier Valley community members. For many residents, especially seniors, youth, and working families, and transit-dependent households, the station represents both improved mobility and deeper connections to the region.
“As a homeowner for over 20 years, getting Graham Street Station means staying connected to the people I love and making it easier for our neighborhood to visit and stay connected to the rest of Seattle and the region through light rail,” said Mijo Lee, a nearby resident.
Knowing how transformational a light rail station could be, local leaders worked with the Graham community to create a neighborhood vision that was published by Puget Sound Sage in 2019. Since then, they have worked diligently with one another and the City of Seattle to plan for the future station. Mayor Wilson’s and Executive Zahilay’s announcement comes on the heels of two community-organized events where dozens of community leaders and members gathered near the site of the future station.
“The Graham Street Community Vision says it all,” shared Rachtha Danh from Puget Sound Sage. “For years, this community has done the hard work of coalition building, organizing, and imagining a future where South Seattle families are better connected, and Graham Street Station is part of that promise.”
In fall 2025, community members and City staff came together for a Graham Street Block Party that reflected the neighborhood’s long tradition of organizing, celebration, and community connection. Neighbors gathered around maps and future station plans while sharing food, music, performances, and stories about what they hope Graham can become for future generations. Seattle Councilmember Dionne Foster was one of the attendees.
“I saw young families, seniors, and everyone in between show up and engage and tell the City what they wanted for this station,” said Councilmember Foster. “We can’t afford to break their trust. I support Mayor Wilson’s and Executive Zahilay’s amendment and urge the Sound Transit Board to pass it. I am also deeply grateful for the community members who have shown up tirelessly to advocate for this station. They are the true champions of this story.”
The Sound Transit Board will meet this Thursday, May 28 from 1:30 – 5:00 PM in the Ruth Fisher Board Room at Union Station. They will discuss and vote on the proposed ST3 System Plan, including amendments. The meeting is open to the public.
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What People Are Saying
Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2)
“South end residents have been working for well over a decade in preparation for Graham Street Station. From the Filipino Community of Seattle to Cham Refugees Community and hundreds of advocates, it is essential the city build on the work of community leaders to deliver for Seattle’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. The Rainier Valley has persevered through decades of underinvestment, inequitable development, and displacement. Thank you Mayor Wilson for your leadership, fighting for transit justice and upholding our commitment to South Seattle. Let’s build Graham Street Station.”
King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis (District 2)
“I’m thrilled that Sound Transit will have amendments for the Board to consider before voting tomorrow. Inclusion of Graham Street and transit mitigation funds around the Boeing Access Road (BAR) station area would be important accommodation in consideration of the underlying issues of equity. Approving these adds will send a clear signal to the region about Sound Transit’s commitment to racial and social justice. This is an amazing win for the surrounding communities, and I am hopeful that Sound Transit will find a way to deliver the BAR station before another 20 years fly by.”
Violet Lavatai, Tenants Organizers and Advocates
“As someone who has spent decades advocating for tenants and working families in this community, I know transit access is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Graham Street Station would give so much stability for the people who already live here and rely on public transit every day.”
Slayman Appadolo, Cham Refugee Community
“For our Cham Community Center, this feels like the City’s investment coming full circle. The Graham Street Station would help our families stay connected to jobs, school, and opportunity across Seattle while also bringing more people to learn more about our neighborhood and the many different cultures that make up this wonderful neighborhood and community.”
David Tran, Lam’s Seafood
“For Lam’s Seafood and all of the small businesses in the neighborhood, Graham Street Station would make it easier for customers and employees to access the neighborhood, and we’re honored to be at the center of a more connected and vibrant community.”
Brady Rainey, SouthEast Seattle Senior Center
“For 65 years, the SouthEast Seattle Senior Center has served our community, and a light rail station at MLK and Graham would be transformative for older adults by making it easier and safer to reach essential services, participate in programming, and stay socially connected.”
Kirk Hovenkotter, Transportation Choices Coalition
"Mayor Wilson is showing how you Build the Damn Trains. The neighbors of Graham Street have voted for and paid into Sound Transit for decades. Thanks to this amendment, those neighbors will get a station. And the region will have a new way to reach this neighborhood."
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