The City Council today unanimously approved an amended joint resolution brought by Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) and Mayor Katie Wilson, calling for infrastructure investments to renovate the more than 60-year-old Seattle Center, ahead of an anticipated bond measure in 2027.
“I’m thrilled that my City Council colleagues join me in supporting Seattle Center as a treasured hub for arts, culture, sports and community gatherings in our city,” said Councilmember Saka, chair of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee (also known as “STEPS”). “In April, we passed legislation affirming our city’s readiness to welcome back our Sonics, building on the fact that Climate Pledge Arena was constructed to be NBA-ready from day one. Today, we are putting forward a concrete plan and schedule, committing to specific actions that back our stated values with tangible investment from city and philanthropic partners. This action reaffirms our commitment to bring Seattle Center back to its former glory by placing a bond measure before voters in 2027, which would allow work to begin welcoming a potential NBA expansion team to Seattle.”
Resolution 32205 outlines a citywide effort to assess Seattle Center’s long-term needs and modernize its campus by:
- Formally stating the City Council’s intent to consider a bond measure for the 2027 ballot.
- 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.
Background
Seattle Center is one of the most visited cultural destinations in the Pacific Northwest, drawing 11.3 million visitors in 2025 and generating $3.3 billion for our economy. However, major investment in its infrastructure has not been made since 1991. Much of the campus’ underlying systems, including electrical, plumbing, and life-safety features, are now more than 60 years old.
What’s next
The resolution will be transmitted to the Mayor’s Office for her signature.
Additional quotes
“Seattle Center is undoubtedly our iconic civic centerpiece and it’s time we reinvest and revitalize it. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this happen next year to build on the work of our private, philanthropic, and business partners.”
-Councilmember Bob Kettle, District 7 (includes Seattle Center)
“Seattle Center has always been the place where our city comes together. As we look toward 2027, this revitalization effort is a chance to strengthen the creative economy that thrives here and ensure this 74‑acre civic ecosystem continues to serve Seattle for generations. Investing in Seattle Center means investing in our civic spirit, our global identity, and our community pride. This resolution sets the stage for a renewed campus that reflects the scale of our ambitions — from world‑class arts and culture to the long‑awaited return of our Sonics.”
-Randy Engstrom, Acting Director of Seattle Center
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