Adiam Emery, SDOT’s Interim Director. Blog stats: 1,100 words | 5-minute read
Adiam Emery stepped into her new role as Interim Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) on February 4, bringing over 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to a safe, reliable, and equitable transportation system.
No stranger to SDOT, Adiam began her career here as an intern while studying at the University of Washington. She has since held key leadership roles, including transportation engineer, operations manager, and division director. Most recently, she served as Deputy Mayor in Mayor Harrell’s administration, where she worked closely with SDOT on critical transportation initiatives.
“I’m honored to return to SDOT and continue the City’s important work to help everyone in Seattle get where they need to go safely and easily. As we move forward, my focus is on delivering the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our transportation system works for all.” – Adiam Emery, Interim Director, SDOT
As Interim Director, Adiam is prioritizing:
- Safer Travel: Advancing the Vision Zero Action Plan efforts with expanded pedestrian head-start signals (now active at 80% of the city’s traffic signals), more No Turn on Red restrictions (installed at 130 new intersections in 2024, for a total of around 300 in the city), and a commitment to safety in every project.
- Delivering Projects: Rolling out the 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy to build more sidewalks, expand transit access and community connections to schools and light rail, and maintain the city’s bridges for years to come. All of this aligns with the bold, long-term vision set out in the 20-year Seattle Transportation Plan and Climate Change Response Framework.
- Future-Ready Streets: Investing in infrastructure that supports downtown activation, major events like the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™, and long-term mobility needs.
With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Adiam is ready to lead SDOT through this pivotal moment for Seattle’s transportation future. We sat down with Adiam for a quick chat to help you get to know her.
Tell us about yourself – what should Seattleites know about your journey?
I was born and raised in Ethiopia, where my parents’ philanthropy and impact in our hometown of Aksum inspired my commitment to public service. One of eight siblings, we moved to the United States to pursue our college educations. I came to Seattle and studied civil engineering at UW with a focus on transportation.
Transportation is an essential function of a city. It connects people and communities – that’s what drew me to this field. I started as an intern at SDOT and was inspired by my boss, Chuck Morrison, to dive into traffic modeling. I’m a lifelong learner and that passion has guided my career.
In 2003, my life changed when my sister was killed by a hit and run. The pain and loss never goes away, and it made Vision Zero [Seattle’s work to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets] my north star. As SDOT Division Director, I signed policies expanding pedestrian head-start signals and lowering the speed limit to make streets safer. I live and breathe this. Seattle is my home – my kids were born here – and I’m inspired by the progress we make every day.
What excites you about leading SDOT?
I’m excited to continue prioritizing safer travel. I’m a collaborator, and believe the best solutions come from working together to co-create and co-develop solutions to make a real difference for people.
At the Mayor’s Office, I brought together departments like SDOT, Parks, and the Office of Sustainability to partner to promote climate-friendly transportation. With 62% of Seattle emissions coming from transportation, we must create better connections to schools, libraries, and community spaces.
The voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy gives us a huge opportunity to invest in safer, more reliable mobility for everyone. It’s been a dream journey, and I’m thrilled to return to SDOT and continue this work that I’ve been blessed to be part of.
What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Seattle’s transportation system?
Seattle’s geography – hills, water, bridges – makes transportation unique. As we grow and add housing density, we must expand safe, accessible mobility options.
The 2015 Levy to Move Seattle laid the groundwork for better transit, including bus rapid transit. High-quality, frequent service is key to managing growth. We also need to balance goods movement with safe routes for walking, biking, and rolling.
Moving goods efficiently is critical to supporting businesses and keeping the city running. With limited principal arterials, especially for large freight and transit vehicles, we need to improve connectivity while maintaining access for everyone who travels and works in Seattle.
The new voter-approved 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy allows us to build on this progress. We’ll expand our sidewalks for vulnerable travelers, strengthen our bike network, and enhance safety across the city. People walking and rolling are the most at risk, and they must remain a priority.
Seattle also has major events coming up, including the FIFA World Cup 26™. This is an opportunity to showcase how our transportation system handles an influx of people while improving long-term mobility for residents and visitors alike. Leading with transit will help us build capacity and sustain the city’s continued growth.
How do you balance safety, climate goals, community partnerships, and major projects?
The 20-year Seattle Transportation Plan and the new levy are shaped by extensive community input. Ensuring every voice is heard is central to our work.
One major challenge is rebuilding aging infrastructure – bridges, pavement, and sidewalks – while minimizing disruptions. We’re also coordinating with Sound Transit on major light rail expansions and with WSDOT on Revive I-5.
We must be creative and strategic in sequencing projects, supporting businesses and communities, and reducing impacts on travelers. Close collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders is essential.
What’s your favorite way to travel and explore Seattle?
Seattle is a gem – every time I return from traveling, I appreciate our city’s clean air and natural beauty.
I love public transit, though the first and last mile can be challenging in winter. In warmer months, I walk to transit and take long bike rides. I’ve done the Seattle to Portland ride, so cycling is in my DNA.
I also enjoy walking and discovering local community hidden gems. Columbia City’s urban energy and proximity to Lake Washington make it one of my favorites, as is the Central District, where I used to live. Accessing trails, restaurants, and businesses on foot or by transit makes exploring Seattle a joy.
Thank you, Adiam, for sharing your insights!
In months ahead, Adiam will connect with community members, leaders, businesses, advocates, and other organizations to hear your vision for Seattle’s transportation system today and future.