“Taller, denser, faster”: Mayor Wilson announces accelerated approach to comprehensive plan

Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced bold steps to meet the scale of Seattle’s housing crisis by combining and accelerating the next phases of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan. What had been a multi-year process could now be complete as soon as 2027, rapidly accelerating the ability to build more housing near transit, and in and around growth centers. 

“We need to go taller, denser, and faster,” said Mayor Wilson. “To address our housing shortage, we’re planning for a city where everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe, welcoming neighborhood with access to jobs, services, and community,”

The mayor announced this accelerated approach to zoning changes at an event hosted by Housing Development Consortium this week.

The Mayor has directed the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to move quickly to advance this work. In 2026, the City will launch a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) environmental review process to evaluate expanded potential land use and zoning changes that will lead to rezone legislation anticipated in 2027. OPCD is developing the full scope and engagement plan.

“This work is about aligning our growth with the resources that residents need and the ways that people get around the city,” said OPCD Director Rico Quirindongo. “We’re aligning land use with transit investments, expanding capacity in growth areas, and advancing a more coordinated environmental review to support housing at the scale Seattle needs.”

This effort will expand opportunities for housing within a short walk of transit, not limited to major arterials; increase capacity in and around growth centers, including new and expanded Neighborhood Centers; and take early action to meet new state requirements under HB 1491 to provide for the density and housing choices we need in our transit station areas.

This work continues in close partnership with the City Council.

“We have heard from a wide coalition of businesses, labor, housing providers, neighborhoods, and environmental advocates,” said Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2), Chair of the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan. “The message is clear – go bigger and bolder, work with urgency, build the safe, accessible, affordable, walkable neighborhoods we all want. I look forward to working with Mayor Wilson, my colleagues on City Council, and community members to plan for a better Seattle.”

“I’m excited to see this announcement from the Mayor that will allow us to move at the speed necessary to meet the housing demand in our City and build neighborhoods that are walkable, thriving places to live. Accelerating the timeline for Phases 3 and 4, starting with a bolder SEIS scope, will give Council the tools to quickly address our housing crisis. In particular, pursuing wider transit corridors will mean more housing options for families to live within a short walk of our robust transit system, and in locations that are off of busy arterials,” said Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9), Chair of the Housing, Arts, and Civil Rights Committee.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“We applaud Mayor Wilson’s commitment to moving Phases 3 and 4 of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan forward more quickly. Expanding housing near transit, strengthening neighborhood centers, and exceeding the baseline requirements of HB 1491 are critical steps to meet Seattle’s housing needs. HDC looks forward to working with the City and our members to help turn this accelerated vision into homes and thriving communities for all Seattle residents.”Patience Malaba, Executive Director, Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County

"Over the next 20 years, Seattle's Comprehensive Plan update will help lead the way to make housing more affordable, grow transit-oriented communities to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and vehicle miles traveled. Futurewise was proud to participate in this update and is excited to continue to participate in the work of implementing this update in a way that supports environmental justice alongside housing justice."Alex Brennan, Executive Director, Futurewise