The U District Partnership Endorses Seattle Proposition 1

October 22, 2024

The U District Partnership is proud to endorse Seattle Proposition 1, the “Keep Seattle Moving” levy. As a dynamic hub of innovation, education, and commerce, the U District is undergoing rapid transformation, with new residential and commercial developments reshaping the landscape of north Seattle. Also, on any given week, the U District facilitates over 270,000 trips to and from the UW campus. That’s over 45,000 drivers, 13,000 bikers, and nearly 90,000 people taking transit. 

As we continue our efforts to make Seattle’s University District a welcoming, vibrant, and accessible community for everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits here, we can’t lose sight of the needs of our transportation infrastructure. This proposed levy will provide essential funding to improve the streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, bridges, and public transit systems that are vital to keeping the U District and the entire city moving.

Building on the 2015 levy to “Move Seattle”

Since 2006, Seattle voters have been asked every nine years to consider a transportation-related levy to fund critical investments in transit and mobility infrastructure. In 2015, Seattle voters approved the $930 million Move Seattle levy, a nine-year levy that resulted in significant improvements in the U District. It funded projects like the redesign of NE 43rd Street, which now connects the heart of the neighborhood to U District Station; NE 45th Street’s upgraded Route 44 bus corridor; protected bike lanes and better connections to the Burke Gilman Trail; and numerous sidewalk, crosswalk, and lighting improvements to make the neighborhood safer for pedestrians. 

The funding established by voters in 2015 expires next year. This is why Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle City Council are proposing the 2024 Keep Seattle Moving levy, which will appear on ballots this November 5 as Proposition 1. This new $1.55 billion levy builds on the progress made under the previous levy, with a renewed focus on safety, accessibility, and sustainability. 

Why is this levy important for the U District?

In recent years, the U District has experienced unprecedented growth. Between 2010 and 2020, the population in the neighborhood increased by over 33%, far outpacing Seattle’s overall growth rate of 21%. The neighborhood has added 20 major new residential and commercial developments around the University of Washington and along key transit corridors like NE 45th Street and Brooklyn Avenue NE. The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development projects the addition of approximately 20,000 new housing units in the U District by 2035. With more people living, working, and visiting the U District, the need for safe and maintained streets, sidewalks and bridges and reliable transportation options is greater than ever. 

The U District is also home to hundreds of small businesses, from retail spaces like the University Book Store and Shiga’s Imports, to our numerous bubble tea cafes, and diverse global eateries. These businesses rely on accessible and efficient transportation to attract customers, ensure employees can get to work, and facilitate the movement of goods and services. The proposed transportation levy will fund improvements that make it safer and easier for people to access the U District, whether they’re coming by bus, bike, or foot. 

If passed, the levy could fund specific key projects in the University District including:

• University Bridge Maintenance and Seismic Upgrades: Critical funding will go toward maintaining and upgrading the aging University Bridge, which serves as a key connection between the U District and the rest of Seattle. Seismic retrofitting and structural repairs would ensure the bridge remains safe and functional, especially as traffic and population grow in the area.
• People Streets and Public Spaces. The levy allocates $57 million to enhance business and commercial districts through the “People Streets & Public Spaces” initiative, focusing on improvements in lighting, seating, and pedestrian access. Additionally, the levy supports “Neighborhood Street Improvements,” allowing community members to co-create projects that address local needs, particularly in underinvested areas, resulting in safer and more inclusive public spaces​.
• NE 42nd Street Green Street Project: Levy funds would be allocated to advance the development of NE 42nd Street into a “green street” to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. This project would create more green space, improve walkability, and prioritize non-motorized transportation, especially in the busy corridor between the University of Washington campus and U District Station.
• Sidewalk and Pedestrian Infrastructure Upgrades: Levy dollars could target crucial sidewalk repairs and curb ramp installations, particularly in high-foot-traffic areas like University Way NE and near the U District light rail station. Enhanced crosswalks and improved lighting would make the area safer for pedestrians, especially students, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Lid I-5 Feasibility Study: The levy allocates funding for a feasibility study of a potential lid over I-5 between NE 45th Street and NE 50th Street. This project could reconnect the neighborhood with green space, reduce noise pollution, and offer new opportunities for public amenities and/or housing while improving safety around the highway.

Vote for a Growing, Connected U District

The Keep Seattle Moving Levy is important to the future of our neighborhood. As the U District continues to grow, we need the infrastructure in place to support that growth and ensure a connected, thriving community. By investing in safe, reliable, and accessible transportation, the levy will help ensure that the U District remains a vibrant and connected place to live, work, and visit. We encourage all U District residents, businesses, and stakeholders to support this critical initiative and vote for the Keep Seattle Moving Levy this fall.