Seattle's World Cup plans face state budget roadblocks
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Seattle World Cup organizers are asking the state for over $20 million to prepare the city for next year's games — but so far, Washington lawmakers aren't fully on board.
Why it matters: Local organizers say Seattle's Lumen Field, which is set to host six World Cup matches next year, needs certain upgrades to meet requirements set by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer.
Zoom in: Seattle's World Cup organizing committee is seeking $19.4 million from Washington's Legislature to help cover the stadium improvements, April Putney, the committee's chief strategy officer, told Axios.
- The money would support upgrades to Lumen's playing field, security perimeter, and broadcast infrastructure, among other things, Putnam said.
- The committee also asked for $1.7 million to upgrade a practice field at the University of Washington, plus $100,000 for Gonzaga University, which may serve as a team base camp.
Yes, but: While the state Senate and state House have proposed fully funding the UW and Gonzaga projects, they're proposing substantially less money than requested for the publicly owned Lumen Field.
- The Senate's capital budget, which passed the chamber earlier this month, would provide $12 million for the Seattle stadium, while the House capital budget would provide about $4 million.
The big picture: Lawmakers are also debating how much to provide for the World Cup in the state's transportation and operating budgets.
- While former Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Senate proposed spending $5.5 million to help local governments provide event security, Gov. Bob Ferguson's plan doesn't include that funding.
What they're saying: House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Seattle) told reporters last week that while lawmakers want the World Cup to be successful, "it's not something we can prioritize above the basic needs of people in our state who are struggling."
- With the state grappling with a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall over the next four years, "we also have to be realistic," Fitzgibbon said.
What's next: Putney told Axios that the organizing committee is doubling its efforts to get the full amount it is requesting, calling the World Cup "a once-in-a-generational opportunity" for Washington.
- "We want to make sure that we are ready for it," Putney said.
- The House and Senate are expected to agree on their final spending plans in the coming weeks, with the Legislature scheduled to adjourn April 27.