In a remarkable collaboration that promises to transform the scenic Elliott Bay Waterfront in Seattle, the City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle have come together to announce an ambitious public–private partnership aimed at connecting and revitalizing the area’s parks. Mayor Bruce Harrell was joined by Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho, philanthropist Melinda French Gates, Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez, Downtown Seattle Association Board Chair Sung Yang, Friends of Waterfront Seattle President and CEO Joy Shigaki, and Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe Leonard Forsman to announce Elliott Bay Connections.
The unprecedented public-private partnership aims to connect, restore and revitalize parks along the Elliott Bay waterfront. Based on information sent out, Elliott Bay Connections will be undertaken at zero cost to taxpayers with the goal of delivering a new greenway and park improvements by June 2026 when Seattle hosts the World Cup.
This visionary initiative holds the potential to enhance the recreational, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the region while fostering sustainable development practices. With a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the waterfront and creating a seamless blend of urban and natural spaces, this partnership represents a significant step towards shaping the future of Seattle’s iconic waterfront.
The heart of the City of Seattle and Port of Seattle partnership, vision lies in the comprehensive revitalization of the parks along the Elliott Bay Waterfront. These parks, with their stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape, have long been cherished by both residents and visitors. By combining the resources, expertise, and shared goals of the City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle, this partnership aims to create a unified, cohesive park experience that highlights the waterfront’s inherent beauty while also addressing the diverse needs of the community.
“Seattle’s waterfront is a truly one-of-a-kind place with something for everyone: visitors, families, residents, and workers alike,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Elliott Bay Connections advances our decades-long efforts to reconnect the city to the waterfront, ensuring a seamless transition from downtown and safe, accessible pathways to experience the natural beauty of our region. This public-philanthropic approach is a shining example of bold Space Needle Thinking and a One Seattle effort, and we are so grateful to these donors for their commitment to help make Seattle’s waterfront a vibrant, world-class destination in time for the 2026 World Cup when thousands of soccer fans from around the world will come to our city.”
