Seattle Council approves major comprehensive plan update after hours of debate over trees, displacement and phase two

Council member Hollingsworth moved and the council adopted the first phase of the 2025 comprehensive plan update (Council Bill 120985) after an extended debate that included dozens of public commentators and several council amendments.

The plan, as amended, aims to expand housing capacity across Seattle and directs the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to return with additional amendments next year. Council members described the package as a multi-phase effort: Phase 1 creates capacity and policy direction while subsequent phases will address zoning implementation, tree protections, and anti-displacement strategies.

Supporters, including land-use attorneys, builders and housing advocates, told the council the passage is a necessary first step to address Seattle’s housing shortage. "Please pass this first phase decisively without further delay so that we can start working in earnest on the next phase of addressing our housing emergency," said Josh Friedman, who testified in support of the package during public comment.

Opponents and many public commenters pressed the council on tree canopy, stormwater, and environmental review. Several speakers argued the updated plan could increase impervious surfaces and worsen flooding and sewage overflows; engineer Donna Bresky raised concerns that the plan did not include identified funding for the water and sewer upgrades she said are necessary to support growth. "The comprehensive plan has a Seattle Public Utilities business plan in it from 2019… there have been miles of pipe listed as unsuitable for new water service," Bresky testified.

Councilmembers worked through a series of targeted amendments before the final vote. Chair Hollingsworth said the plan "sets Seattle on a path toward more abundant housing and inclusive growth" while acknowledging remaining work on tree canopy, anti-displacement measures and Phase 2 zoning. In floor remarks, several councilmembers emphasized they expect more outreach and additional environmental analysis where required by state law before any further upzones are implemented.

The bill passed on a roll-call vote after amendment votes; the council recorded eight members in favor and none opposed on the final passage.

Next steps: the resolution accompanying the plan tasks OPCD and other departments to produce additional amendments and studies in 2026, including focused outreach in the Central District, environmental work required under SEPA, and proposals to reduce displacement pressure. The council also approved a docket resolution to return certain neighborhood center candidates for additional study during Phase 2.