Seattle's 2025 budget is set to enhance the city's vibrancy and accessibility, with a strong focus on infrastructure and community engagement. Key initiatives include preparations for FIFA events and significant transportation projects, particularly the Revive I-5 initiative, which aims to improve city streets.

This year, Seattle has made substantial progress, completing nearly 8,000 sidewalk repairs and marking around 1,300 crosswalks. The city also introduced its first freight bus lane in SoDo and opened a 24/7 bus lane along Aurora Avenue, timed perfectly for the FIFA Club World Cup. These improvements are expected to ease traffic and enhance public transit, especially as the city gears up for future light rail stations in Pinehurst and Southeast Seattle.

The budget also emphasizes community support, with over 1.2 million free transit rides provided to local families in 2024, a service that will continue into 2025. Collaborations with WSDOT, King County Metro, and Sound Transit are crucial for managing major projects and learning from ongoing challenges.

Looking ahead, the 2026 budget will allocate funds for increased street use inspections and address unpermitted vending during peak times. Additional investments will focus on downtown cleanup, graffiti removal, and creating inviting public spaces. Safety remains a priority, with plans to enhance pedestrian safety at Pike Place Market and expand traffic safety camera programs, aligning with the city's goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.