Mayor Bruce Harrell Statement on August 28 Sound Transit Meeting

Mayor Harrell: “We cannot view this as a zero-sum competition between the regional spine and Seattle projects. Instead, we must work together to find innovative solutions that deliver on our promises to voters while managing costs responsibly.” 

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the following statement: 

“Today's Sound Transit Board meeting underscored both the challenges and opportunities we face as we work to deliver the light rail expansion that voters approved in 2016. As we grapple with significant cost increases across the ST3 program, I want to be transparent about the realities we're confronting and our path forward. 

“Major infrastructure projects like light rail expansion are facing significant cost pressures nationwide. From supply chain disruptions to labor shortages, these are challenges being felt across the country. However, we cannot allow these realities to derail our commitment to Seattle voters who overwhelmingly supported this transformative investment in our region's future. 

“As we evaluate our options, we must prioritize delivering projects that will deliver the greatest ridership and serve the densest communities. The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions represent exactly this kind of strategic investment – connecting vibrant, growing neighborhoods with high ridership potential to our regional transit network. These communities overwhelmingly supported Sound Transit expansion, and they deserve to see that investment realized. 

“I firmly believe that the best approach to managing costs is advancing our projects as quickly as possible. Every day of delay adds unnecessary expense to taxpayers. That's why Seattle has taken unprecedented steps to support Sound Transit's work, including streamlining our permitting processes and expanding our partnership team. 

“This moment calls for creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving across all jurisdictions. We cannot view this as a zero-sum competition between the regional spine and Seattle projects. Instead, we must work together to find innovative solutions that deliver on our promises to voters while managing costs responsibly. I appreciate the challenging work ahead and look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members. 

“As a Sound Transit Board Member and as the mayor of the City of Seattle, I will continue to advocate for this approach. Seattle stands ready to continue our partnership with Sound Transit, King County, and regional partners. We've already demonstrated our commitment through legislation that cuts permitting time in half and our ongoing efforts to support project delivery. The voters trusted us to deliver this generational investment in our region's transportation future, and we will not let them down.”