The City Council’s expanded transportation committee, chaired by Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), is now officially the “Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee.” Today, Councilmember Saka announced that this committee will now also be known informally as the “Safety, Transportation, Engineering Projects, Sports & Experiences (STEPS) Committee.” This newly restructured committee is designed to strengthen traffic safety, modernize transportation policy, and oversee major civic and sporting events. Thursday’s kickoff meeting will include a briefing by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) on traffic safety and progress toward Seattle’s Vision Zero goals as the first agenda item.
“Safety is the foundation of everything this committee will do,” said Chair Saka. “Whether we’re talking about everyday travel, major transportation projects, or preparing to host global events, our responsibility is to move people safely and reliably through our city.”
In addition to SDOT, the STEPS Committee provides Council oversight of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit and Seattle Center, aligning transportation safety and engineering, capital projects, and civic venues under a single committee structure. The scope reflects the growing intersection between mobility, safety, and how people access major cultural, sports, and community experiences.
Together with regional partners, the Executive, and other Council committees, the STEPS Committee will play a key role in preparing Seattle to successfully host major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while continuing oversight of Memorial Stadium redevelopment and Seattle Center venues.
“STEPS reflects how Seattle actually functions today. Transportation safety, major civic projects, and world-class sports and cultural experiences are deeply connected, and this committee is built to lead across all of them,” noted Chair Saka.
Immediately following the meeting, Chair Saka will have availability for media interviews.
Meeting information
- WHO: Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee
- WHAT: First meeting of 2026
- WHEN: Thursday, Jan.15 at 9:30 a.m.
- WHERE: Council Chamber, City Hall
600 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
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