Council unanimously approves loan agreement amendment to accelerate state funds for Pacific Science Center
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Summary
The council voted 9–0 to adopt an ordinance amending the loan agreement between King County and the Pacific Science Center to accelerate state funds to the center as a bridge for other expected proceeds; Pacific Science Center said the funds will help maintain services and remove northern campus gates ahead of the World Cup.
The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025‑0260 on Sept. 16 to amend the county’s loan agreement with the Pacific Science Center (PacSci), accelerating state funds to the nonprofit to provide short‑term financing while other expected proceeds are secured.
Braden Segua, government affairs manager for the Pacific Science Center, told the council the ordinance leverages the county’s debt capacity to provide funds already guaranteed by the state “at no cost to the county.” Segua said the accelerated funds will serve as a bridge ahead of proceeds expected from a separate initiative this fall and will help PacSci maintain services and advance the removal of northern gates that presently separate the center from the Seattle Center campus ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Council action: Vice Chair Joe Perry moved the consent agenda item for adoption; the clerk called the roll and recorded a unanimous 9–0 vote to adopt Ordinance 2025‑0260.
Why it matters: Committee materials and the PacSci representative said the transaction uses the county’s borrowing capacity to advance funds the institution will otherwise receive, preserving current service levels for the center’s programs and facilitating planned campus changes tied to a major international event.
Taper: PacSci and the executive’s office said they will continue to coordinate implementation steps with the county finance team; the ordinance was adopted on the consent agenda without opposition.