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The Department of Planning and Development is initiating a planning effort to focus on the neighborhoods of South Downtown. The South Downtown Study is a project of the "Center City Seattle" strategy. The Center City strategy focuses on encouraging economic growth, transportation, new housing and great urban neighborhoods in Seattle's downtown core and the nine centrally located neighborhoods immediately around it.

The South Downtown planning project will examine growth and planning issues specific to the following neighborhoods (see aerial map):

• Pioneer Square;
• Chinatown/International District (including the Little Saigon area east of Interstate 5); and
• the northernmost edges of the Greater Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center.

Project Goals and Objectives
The overall goal of the South Downtown project is to stimulate housing and related development consistent with the Mayor’s Center City for great urban neighborhoods. Several specific goals and objectives for the project include:

• Stimulate housing and jobs through zoning and land use decisions
• Respect neighborhood character and neighborhood plans
• Promote an integrated mix of uses
• Support quality connections between neighborhoods and the downtown as a whole
• Encourage economic vitality and environmental sustainability
• Accommodate regional services and ensure they align with the goals of the local community

See the background page for more information.

Specific Objectives

• Evaluate zoning opportunities and constraints, particularly in regard to achieving more housing and jobs
• Identify the desired character of areas currently lacking clear development direction
• Recommend and implement City land use actions to support an emerging residential/employment community
• Consider opportunities for sustainable practices in future development
• Recommend public and private investments that would contribute to a well-balanced community in South Downtown

For more information on the South Downtown planning effort see Key Contacts.