The Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a resolution supporting a long-term effort to modernize Seattle Center, setting the stage for a potential bond measure in 2027 that could fund major infrastructure upgrades at one of the city’s most visited public destinations.
The resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Rob Saka and Mayor Katie Wilson, outlines a citywide strategy to assess Seattle Center’s long-term needs and begin planning improvements to aging facilities and infrastructure across the campus.
Supporters say the effort is intended to preserve Seattle Center’s role as a hub for arts, culture, entertainment and community events while preparing the campus for future growth.
“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,” Saka said.
Among its provisions, the resolution formally states the City Council’s intent to consider placing a bond measure before voters in 2027. It also requests that the mayor include funding in future budgets to advance projects such as renovations to the Seattle Center Armory and planning work for an expanded veterans memorial.
The measure further calls for partnerships with Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities to help transition the campus toward more sustainable and carbon-neutral operations.
The action comes as city leaders point to growing infrastructure needs at Seattle Center. While the campus remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most visited cultural destinations, attracting approximately 11.3 million visitors in 2025 and generating an estimated $3.3 billion in economic activity, many of its underlying systems have not received major upgrades in decades.
According to city officials, key infrastructure including electrical, plumbing and life-safety systems is now more than 60 years old. The last major investment in Seattle Center’s infrastructure occurred in 1991.
Saka also connected the revitalization effort to Seattle’s long-standing goal of bringing professional basketball back to the city. Earlier this year, the City Council approved legislation affirming Seattle’s readiness to welcome a future NBA expansion franchise, noting that Climate Pledge Arena was designed to accommodate an NBA team.
“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,” Saka said. “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.”
Councilmember Bob Kettle said the resolution represents an opportunity to reinvest in one of Seattle’s most recognizable public spaces.
“Seattle Center is undoubtedly our iconic civic centerpiece and it’s time we reinvest and revitalize it,” Kettle said. “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.”
The resolution now heads to Mayor Wilson for signature. If approved, city departments will begin developing recommendations and funding strategies that could ultimately be presented to voters as part of a future bond package.
