People Streets and Public Spaces Capital Program
Transforming our streets into places where people want to be.
Updated: April 2026
We work with local communities to create and build people-centered streets and plazas to activate business districts and community spaces and improve pedestrian and transit rider experience.
Our projects aim to transform our streets by:
- Creating public spaces that bring people together
- Reflecting community identity
- Making Seattle a more livable city for everyone
These projects support local businesses by bringing more people into neighborhoods and creating places where people want to spend time. They also help meet climate goals by making it easier to walk, bike, and use transit.
A key component of the program is to focus on investing in neighborhoods across the city, especially in areas that have had fewer public space improvements.
We’re building from a strong foundation. Across Seattle, we’ve already created vibrant public spaces through:
- Capital improvements like plazas and lighting,
- Public-private partnerships,
- Community activations like block parties and street cafés.
Example Projects
Program Goals
This program is tied to the larger goals of the Seattle Transportation Plan to use our streets more intentionally to strengthen neighborhoods.
At its core, the program is about co-creating spaces with communities. Spaces that are safe, welcoming, and reflective of local culture—and that support walking, rolling, transit, small businesses, gathering, and play.
Our goals are clear:
- Build long-term partnerships with communities
- Distribute investments more equitably
- Create safe, vibrant, and inclusive spaces
- Design for people of all ages and abilities
- And ensure these spaces are cared for over time
Types of Projects
Big Projects
Larger, transformational projects, including five identified in the levy.
Neighborhood Partnership Projects
Medium-sized pilot projects like neighborhood plazas and street transformations.
Spot Fixes
Small, community-informed upgrades like signage, seating or streetscape elements.
Current Projects
Levy Identified Projects (In Blue)
- Union St Revival Corridor
- NE 42nd St Green Street
- CID Alley Activation
- Occidental PromenadeS Henderson St
Neighborhood Partnership Projects & Spot Fixes (In Green)
- W Crockett St
- Fortson Square
- SW Lander St
- 18th Ave SW
Spot Fixes (In Orange)
- U District
- 15th Ave S and S Columbian Way Plaza
Emerging Opportunities (In Purple)
- Little Brook Plaza
- Barbara Bailey Way Pedestrianization
- Mt Baker Boulevard Pedestrianization
- Columbia City Lighting
- Mapes Creek Trail
Project Funding
As a key Seattle Transportation Plan goal, this program is supported and funded through the Seattle Transportation Levy. This program is part of a long-term investment model with ongoing maintenance and stewardship.