New report links near-term initiatives to the Seattle Transportation Plan’s 20-year direction, connecting current work to citywide goals.
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Today we released the first implementation outlook for the Seattle Transportation Plan, providing a framework for how our current and upcoming work will deliver on the City’s 20-year plan for a safe, connected, and sustainable transportation system.
Co-created with community and unanimously adopted by City Council in April 2024, the Seattle Transportation Plan reflects a shared vision for the future of transportation in Seattle. This first implementation outlook provides transparency and accountability by showing early actions on those commitments and offering the public a new way to stay informed and engaged as progress unfolds.
The implementation outlook organizes planned investments and initiatives, showcasing where work is anticipated to make significant progress on the goals and “key move” strategies laid out in the Seattle Transportation Plan. The implementation plan spotlights cross-cutting initiatives shaping the department’s priorities for 2025–2027, including:
- Expanding Vision Zero safety projects that support our goals to eliminate serious crashes and improve routes to schools, parks, and transit
- Delivering the voter-approved 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy, a $1.55 billion investment in streets, bridges, sidewalks, and transit connections
- Coordinating on major regional efforts like hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup™ matches and continued partnerships to support WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project
- Planning major safety and accessibility improvements along Aurora Ave N, one of Seattle’s busiest corridors with a history of serious crashes
- Advancing climate action with low-pollution neighborhoods, expanded electric vehicle charging, and cleaner travel options—including support for transformative projects like Sound Transit light rail expansion
The implementation outlook reaffirms safety as a top priority through Vision Zero, with redesigned intersections, protected bike lanes, and traffic calming to prevent serious injuries and deaths. It also emphasizes street lighting, safe rail and freight crossings, and agency coordination to improve visibility.
Equity and climate goals are advanced by working closely with communities from the start, using plain language, supporting youth programs, and investing in what neighborhoods say they need. Accessibility is improved through new curb ramps, upgraded signals, and affordable ORCA passes for youth, older adults, and families with low incomes.
To advance climate justice, the plan highlights ongoing work on Low-Pollution Neighborhoods, expanded Electric Vehicle charging, Healthy Streets, and commercial e-cargo bikes. It also emphasizes the City’s significant investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, transit, and freight infrastructure to improve mobility and support economic vitality.
Public spaces are made more welcoming through programs like People Streets and Public Spaces, expanded permits for block parties and play streets, and improvements to sidewalks, greenways, and curb access. Curbside management is modernized through digital permitting pilots, updated regulations, and partnerships to improve load zones and reduce conflicts.
And to keep streets working now and into the future, the plan includes repaving, bridge repairs, and infrastructure upgrades, guided by smart asset management, seismic retrofits, and tech-forward tools like AI-powered safety data and digital permitting.
“This report is our roadmap for the next three years, turning the Seattle Transportation Plan’s 20-year vision into meaningful action. Our spotlight initiatives, focused on making transformative impact, effective coordination, and responsible stewardship guide the next several years. We’re making major investments in key corridors, focusing on seamless communication and risk mitigation, and extending the life of our transportation system to deliver lasting value. This 3-year outlook reflects the voices of our community, sets clear priorities, and holds us accountable to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation for all. Every project we take on is a step toward creating a connected city where people can move comfortably and confidently – today and into the future.” – SDOT Interim Director Adiam Emery
The Seattle Transportation Plan was shaped with input from thousands of community members who participated in meetings, surveys, and events across the city. That engagement continues to guide our approach, ensuring that projects reflect the needs and priorities of the people they serve.
Initiatives showcased in the implementation outlook are consistent with commitments tied to voter-approved funding sources: the Seattle Transportation Levy and the Seattle Transit Measure, which provide reliable resources to maintain and improve streets, expand transit access, and reduce climate impacts.
To ensure accountability, City Council has directed SDOT to provide progress reports tracking outcomes and measuring progress every two years, with the first progress report due in 2026. Detailed information on capital projects will be shared in Council-directed annual levy delivery plans, with the 2026 Seattle Transportation Levy Delivery Plan anticipated in early 2026.
The release of the first STP implementation outlook marks an important step in aligning today’s work with the city’s long-term transportation priorities. This milestone sets the stage for continued progress as we work to deliver on Seattle’s shared transportation future.
The full plan is available here. Thank you for your interest in this important milestone!