Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee (also known as “STEPS”), called on the City Auditor to conduct a performance audit of Seattle’s Vision Zero program. Adopted in 2015, Vision Zero is the City’s ambitious goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.
While Seattle has made significant progress in recent years and is trending in the right direction on several key safety metrics, current outcomes fall short of the City’s stated goals. People continue to lose their lives on City streets each year, particularly pedestrians.
“Safety is the highest priority for my office and the STEPS Committee that I oversee. Performance audits exist for a reason; they are one of our strongest tools for accountability,” said Chair Saka. “Vision Zero is about saving lives, and while we are seeing some real progress, the fact remains that too many people are still dying and suffering serious injuries on our streets. This audit will help us take a hard look at what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to sharpen our approach to prevent further tragedies on our roads.”
Managed by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Vision Zero is grounded in a federal Safe System Approach that combines roadway design, enforcement, policy, and education strategies to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes. The audit will evaluate how effectively these strategies are being implemented, whether resources are being deployed in the highest-risk locations, and how outcomes are being measured and tracked over time.
By initiating this comprehensive review now, the City secures a critical multi-year window to implement data-driven adjustments. Chair Saka’s proactive approach ensures Seattle is best positioned to meet its safety milestones and enhance road safety for all residents well before the 2030 deadline.
Results of the audit will be presented at a future meeting of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee and are intended to inform policy, budget, and operational decisions for years to come. The next meeting of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee will be this Thursday, April 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. SDOT will provide a review of 2025 traffic safety data and an overview of 2026 Vision Zero projects. Immediately following the meeting, Chair Saka will have availability for media interviews. To request an interview or accommodations please contact Sue Romero at 206-867-1484 or sue.romero@seattle.gov.