Year Two Progress on Seattle’s Transportation and Climate Justice Executive Order

In December 2022, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed the One Seattle Transportation and Climate Justice Executive Order. The Executive Order directs City departments to work together as One Seattle to prioritize and expand actions that build resilience in communities that are hardest hit by the climate crisis, expand workforce opportunities, make streets safer, and improve air quality for a healthier Seattle.

As of January 2025, the City has completed eight of the actions and made advancements on the remaining 15 actions. We're taking a look back on progress highlights from 2024.

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Voters Pass the Transportation Levy

Last November, Seattle voters approved ballot measure Proposition 1 for a $1.55 billion Transportation Levy with more than overwhelming support. The levy will generate around $170 million annually over eight years to fund transportation upgrades for a safer, more reliable, and better-connected local transit system. Key projects will include sidewalk construction and repairs, safety enhancements, street maintenance and modernization, and extending the lifespan of aging bridges. These projects will also boost the local economy and create new regional jobs.

School Streets Program Expands to 16 Schools and Counting

As of the current school year, 16 schools are participating in the School Streets program, which allows schools and other outdoor neighborhood activities to request the closure of nearby streets to traffic for students and caregivers to safely walk, roll, or bike.

Three schools have made their School Streets programs permanent: Emerson Elementary in Ranier Beach, Genesee Hill Elementary in West Seattle, and Whittier Elementary in North Ballard. Two more schools will have permanent School Streets installed in 2025: Maple Elementary in Beacon Hill and Olympic Hills Elementary in Lake City.

Low Pollution Neighborhoods Plan Coming in 2025

In 2023, the City of Seattle received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for low-pollution neighborhoods planning, which includes improving air and water quality, mobility, and community health. Throughout 2024, City staff identified seven initial focus areas for low-pollution neighborhoods work: South Park, Georgetown, Lake City, Chinatown-International District, Columbia City, Capitol Hill, and Beacon Hill. These areas were chosen because they have experienced environmental injustices and historical inquiries, face higher rates of traffic collisions, and include residents dependent on public transit.

Seattle Youth Recommend Improvements to Transportation

In December 2023, Seattle hosted the first ever Youth Transportation Summit, which brought together 60 young participants to discuss climate change and transportation access. The group identified five key recommendations, which were presented to Mayor Harrell, Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) Director Jessyn Farrell, City Councilmember Saka, and SDOT. Their recommendations are detailed in the Youth Climate and Transportation Action Plan.

Progress Toward a Zero-Emissions City Fleet

In 2024, the City of Seattle continued to explore new ways to achieve a zero-emissions City fleet by 2030. This included piloting several fossil fuel-free vehicles, including vans, mowers, and tractors.

OSE partnered with Seattle City Light and Finance and Administrative Services to develop the City Fleet Electrification Strategy, which will be released in 2025. The plan will outline how to transition the fleet to 100% fossil fuel-free vehicles by 2030 while ensuring infrastructure can support the changes.

What to Expect in 2025

This year, Mayor Harrell will announce an Executive Order to respond to Seattle's current and future climate challenges with a focus on environmental justice, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and growing a green economy.

SDOT will prioritize delivering on the 2025-2032 Transportation Levy, and OSE will continue to share progress on the goals outlined in the Transportation Electrification Blueprint to advance Seattle's transportation and electrification efforts.

Read the full 2024 Progress Report on the One Seattle Transportation and Climate Justice Executive Order.

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