Major infrastructure investments are essential to Seattle’s future. Light rail expansion will improve mobility, connect neighborhoods, and strengthen our regional economy. But for small, independent, and family-owned businesses along construction corridors, these projects can also bring real disruption.
In North Delridge, several small businesses are preparing for the impacts of future Sound Transit light rail construction under the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) program. Owners have raised concerns about construction disruption, declining foot traffic, and uncertainty about long-term stability.
Right now, uncertainty is the biggest challenge. Businesses still do not have a clear timeline from Sound Transit outlining when relocation assistance will begin or which expenses will qualify for reimbursement. They know relocation is coming, but, without clear guidance, planning the next chapter becomes extremely difficult.
For more than two years, I have pushed for stronger protections for ST3-impacted small businesses through meetings with business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and Sound Transit representatives, along with walking tours of impacted areas. I also sent multiple advocacy letters to the Sound Transit Board urging clearer guidance and stronger anti-displacement strategies.
In 2025, I also advocated for passage of HB 1733, which raised the state reimbursement cap for relocation expenses from $50,000 to $200,000, strengthening protections for businesses facing displacement from transit expansion.
Sound Transit remains responsible for providing relocation assistance and fair compensation to people displaced by its light rail projects, including fair market property payments, moving costs, and re-establishment support for small businesses. I do not sit on the Sound Transit Board, which oversees implementation of this vital work.
My job is to bring businesses, community partners, City departments, and Sound Transit together to ensure the agency responsible meets its obligations while the City provides leadership and voluntary support to help businesses manage the disruption ahead.
My office is working with community partners and City departments to deliver relief now while pursuing a more durable solution.
BUILDING ON A PROVEN SEATTLE MODEL
Seattle has faced this challenge before.
When light rail was first constructed through Southeast Seattle, community leaders partnered with the City and Sound Transit to create the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF).
With the leadership of former Councilmember Richard McIver, the fund was established in 2000 to support businesses affected by construction. It provided capital access, technical assistance, and long-term investment in local entrepreneurs. The result was a successful anti-displacement strategy that helped stabilize hundreds of small businesses.
Today, a new wave of projects is moving forward. Many ST3-impacted areas are located within Seattle’s critical maritime and industrial corridors, including West Seattle, SODO, Ballard, and other Maritime Industrial Lands.
These neighborhoods power our local economy, support thousands of jobs, and help sustain Seattle’s role as a leading global port city.
A two-Step Approach to Support Small Businesses
To respond to these concerns, the City is advancing a strategic two-step effort that begins with immediate support for North Delridge businesses and builds toward a citywide solution.
Step 1: Providing Immediate Relief for North Delridge
Last fall, I sponsored a $250,000 budget investment to launch the North Delridge Small Business Support Pilot Project.
Implemented with RVCDF and Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, the pilot provides near-term relief while gathering information that will guide future policy.
The intent is for participating businesses to receive support such as:
- Business needs assessments
- Technical assistance and advising
- Planning and data collection support
- Future relocation planning
This pilot allows the City to test ideas and gather learnings locally while helping businesses remain stable during an uncertain period.
Step 2: Creating A Scalable Citywide Fund
I have directed staff to draft legislation creating a permanent public-private partnership fund, modeled closely after RVCDF, to support ST3-impacted small businesses across Seattle.
During the Fall 2025 budget process, I also sponsored legislation directing the Mayor’s Office and City departments to study how to design a scalable and durable solution to guide implementation.
The strategy is straightforward:
- Pilot: Launch a pilot that delivers relief now
- Legislative Framework: Establish legislation for a permanent fund
- Scalable Solution Citywide: Study results and scale the model citywide
To be clear, this effort does not let our partners at Sound Transit off the hook financially. Sound Transit remains responsible for relocation assistance and compensation tied to its projects. The City’s role is to strengthen the broader support system and help amplify the impact of existing anti-displacement work.
LISTENING TO BUSINESSES AND MOVING FORWARD
Local business voices continue to shape this work.
On March 19, 2026, the Council’s STEPS Committee, which I chair, will host a community roundtable conversation with ST3-impacted business owners, Sound Transit, the Office of Economic Development, Council Central Staff, and RVCDF.
Their insights will guide the next phase of this effort. By investing early, learning from past success, and building strong partnerships, Seattle can protect the small businesses that anchor our neighborhoods.
For West Seattle and communities across District 1, this collaborative effort reflects a simple commitment: stand up for local businesses, deliver meaningful relief during disruption, and build a path that helps them succeed long into the future.