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Seattle forecast warns of stalled job growth

City economists say slow hiring, weak office demand and AI shifts could weigh on revenue and growth.

News

Seattle may see little meaningful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/03/seattle-unemployment-rate-higher-than-washington-2026-job-losses-tech-layoffs" data-vars-content-id="80a6e83d-178b-4c1c-b81f-f088b504ca75" data-vars-headline="Seattle forecast warns of stalled job growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/03/seattle-unemployment-rate-higher-than-washington-2026-job-losses-tech-layoffs" target="_self">job growth</a> through the end of 2027, according to a recent city forecast.Why it matters: A prolonged slowdown wouldn&#x27;t hit just workers and businesses. It also would create pressure on Seattle&#x27;s coffers, which increasingly rely on taxes tied to office values, business activity and high-paying jobs for revenue, according to the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="April economic report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OERF/meeting%20materials/2026/2026-04-10%20Forecast%20Council%20-%20April%202026%20Forecast.pdf" data-vars-content-id="80a6e83d-178b-4c1c-b81f-f088b504ca75" data-vars-headline="Seattle forecast warns of stalled job growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OERF/meeting%20materials/2026/2026-04-10%20Forecast%20Council%20-%20April%202026%20Forecast.pdf" target="_blank">April economic report</a>.

Seattle weighs pickleball trims as boom cools

Cities are still adding courts, but gardens, disc golf and fitness zones are gaining ground.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball craze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="e4a331e4-c7ec-4c35-a0d1-3180be11a898" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs pickleball trims as boom cools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball craze</a> — so hot during the pandemic and immediately afterward — may be cooling off.The big picture: The number of pickleball courts across the 100 most populous U.S. cities increased just 4% from 2025 to 2026. That&#x27;s compared with 13% growth from 2024 to 2025 and 14% from 2023 to 2024.

Seattle's ghost signs preserve echoes of the past

Some of the city's oldest buildings carry painted reminders of another era.

Along some of Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oldest streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/23/historic-pioneer-square-restrooms-set-luxury-standard" data-vars-content-id="bbfd2088-4074-4ba8-9884-f7b783bcc2f5" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s ghost signs preserve echoes of the past" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/23/historic-pioneer-square-restrooms-set-luxury-standard" target="_self">oldest streets</a>, you can still see painted advertisements from decades ago on the sides of buildings — some faded nearly beyond recognition. Seattle University professor emerita Marie Wong calls them ghost signs.Why it matters: Many of these remnants of the early- and mid-20th century are in danger of being lost, Wong tells Axios — and Seattle has no policy specifically aimed at preserving them.

Seattle crowds — and spending — surge

Visitor traffic and spending are climbing downtown even as office vacancies remain a drag.

Downtown Seattle is drawing more visitors and shoppers as tourism season ramps up.The big picture: Cruise ships are back, tourists are crowding the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="waterfront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" data-vars-content-id="44d35f39-2e98-4a44-92cd-35fce8663f0b" data-vars-headline="Seattle crowds — and spending — surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" target="_self">waterfront</a> and shoppers are spending more money downtown than they were this time last year, according to the Downtown Seattle Association&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest dashboard" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/downtown-dashboard/" data-vars-content-id="44d35f39-2e98-4a44-92cd-35fce8663f0b" data-vars-headline="Seattle crowds — and spending — surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/downtown-dashboard/" target="_blank">latest dashboard</a>.

Sound Transit delays Ballard light rail amid $35B budget gap

A revised plan keeps West Seattle, Tacoma and Everett extensions moving without fully funding Ballard.

Sound Transit&#x27;s board voted Thursday to postpone plans to build <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="light rail to Ballard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/23/sound-transit-possible-light-rail-cuts-ballard-west-seattle-tacoma-seattle-officials" data-vars-content-id="dfbaea2f-9262-4ff5-b68c-802cbf279ef9" data-vars-headline="Sound Transit delays Ballard light rail amid $35B budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/23/sound-transit-possible-light-rail-cuts-ballard-west-seattle-tacoma-seattle-officials" target="_self">light rail to Ballard</a> — part of an effort to address a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$35 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/26/sound-transit-seattle-light-rail-75-year-bonds-35-billion-shortfall" data-vars-content-id="dfbaea2f-9262-4ff5-b68c-802cbf279ef9" data-vars-headline="Sound Transit delays Ballard light rail amid $35B budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/26/sound-transit-seattle-light-rail-75-year-bonds-35-billion-shortfall" target="_self">$35 billion</a> budget shortfall.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/ActiveDocuments/Substitute%20Resolution%20R2026-11.pdf" data-vars-content-id="dfbaea2f-9262-4ff5-b68c-802cbf279ef9" data-vars-headline="Sound Transit delays Ballard light rail amid $35B budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/ActiveDocuments/Substitute%20Resolution%20R2026-11.pdf" target="_blank">plan</a> delays some projects local voters approved 10 years ago in the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure — although it preserves plans to extend light rail to Tacoma, Everett and West Seattle.

Seattle-to-Bellevue light rail service to start March 28

Line 2 service across Lake Washington will open March 28, linking the Eastside to downtown Seattle.

Sound Transit&#x27;s long-awaited light rail connection between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle and Bellevue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/21/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-delay-2026" data-vars-content-id="9f12b31d-37a8-4355-8168-eac382c737b9" data-vars-headline="Seattle-to-Bellevue light rail service to start March 28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/21/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-delay-2026" target="_self">Seattle and Bellevue</a> will begin service March 28, completing a project that local voters first approved 18 years ago.Why it matters: The opening of Line 2 over Lake Washington will let riders travel by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="light rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" data-vars-content-id="9f12b31d-37a8-4355-8168-eac382c737b9" data-vars-headline="Seattle-to-Bellevue light rail service to start March 28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" target="_self">light rail</a> from the Eastside into downtown Seattle — and from Redmond all the way north to Lynnwood.

Light rail to Federal Way is opening, 17 years after approval

The south King County extension adds 3 new stations and connects riders to Seattle and Lynnwood.

Three new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sound Transit stations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" data-vars-content-id="31e24326-c337-4bf3-b2d6-006542753e3c" data-vars-headline="Light rail to Federal Way is opening, 17 years after approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" target="_self">Sound Transit stations</a> will open in south King County this weekend, expanding light rail service deeper into Seattle&#x27;s suburbs.Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve ever driven from Seattle to Federal Way during rush hour, you might be glad there&#x27;s a new train for that — and it&#x27;s scheduled to run every <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight minutes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/link-1-line-service-to-federal-way-begins-dec-6" data-vars-content-id="31e24326-c337-4bf3-b2d6-006542753e3c" data-vars-headline="Light rail to Federal Way is opening, 17 years after approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/link-1-line-service-to-federal-way-begins-dec-6" target="_blank">eight minutes</a> during peak times.

Monorail station at Seattle Center getting a $23M upgrade

The 63-year-old station will soon be easier to find, safer to use and more accessible to all riders.

Seattle&#x27;s aging monorail station at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" data-vars-content-id="4c958dac-cc8f-4f5a-8b9d-15a4a6ec6aa2" data-vars-headline="Monorail station at Seattle Center getting a $23M upgrade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" target="_self">Seattle Center</a> is getting a makeover.Why it matters: The station doesn&#x27;t meet modern safety and accessibility standards, project leaders say — plus, it can be hard for people to find amid the many attractions nearby.

High-speed rail plans inch forward in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, B.C., are inching closer to a faster train — but it's still far off.

Transit

Plans for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-speed rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/16/high-speed-rail-portland-seattle-vancouver" data-vars-content-id="19584594-51f5-4b0a-990f-595cbb593cfc" data-vars-headline="High-speed rail plans inch forward in the Pacific Northwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/16/high-speed-rail-portland-seattle-vancouver" target="_self">high-speed rail</a> line that connects Seattle to Portland and Vancouver, B.C., are slowly moving forward — although it will likely be decades before anyone can board one of the trains.Why it matters: The Cascadia region is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expected to gain" data-vars-click-url="https://wstc.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-1021-BP11B-Cascadia-2050-1.pdf" data-vars-content-id="19584594-51f5-4b0a-990f-595cbb593cfc" data-vars-headline="High-speed rail plans inch forward in the Pacific Northwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wstc.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-1021-BP11B-Cascadia-2050-1.pdf" target="_blank">expected to gain</a> at least 3 million residents by 2050. A bullet train could help move those people quickly, cutting car and plane trips that generate emissions and fuel climate change.

Seattle-Bremerton riders get relief Sunday with second ferry

A second boat will mean more sailings and shorter waits for riders between Seattle and Bremerton.

A second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/07/ferry-glitches-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="3937427c-bc4c-4b5d-9233-55461abce8fe" data-vars-headline="Seattle-Bremerton riders get relief Sunday with second ferry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/07/ferry-glitches-washington-state" target="_self">ferry</a> will begin service Sunday between Bremerton and Seattle, substantially reducing wait times between boats.The big picture: The addition of the second boat on the Seattle-Bremerton route is part of Gov. Bob Ferguson&#x27;s plan to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferry service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/05/15/washington-ferry-guide-2024" data-vars-content-id="3937427c-bc4c-4b5d-9233-55461abce8fe" data-vars-headline="Seattle-Bremerton riders get relief Sunday with second ferry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/05/15/washington-ferry-guide-2024" target="_self">ferry service</a> to pre-pandemic levels by July.

Seattle to Bellevue light rail gets delayed again

The long-awaited light rail between Seattle and Bellevue won't open until early 2026, Sound Transit says.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Light rail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" data-vars-content-id="aba1ff26-ad15-4dc3-8aae-c5632e501db2" data-vars-headline="Seattle to Bellevue light rail gets delayed again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/13/light-rail-lines-change-schedule-when" target="_self">Light rail</a> connecting Bellevue and Seattle likely won&#x27;t open until next year, after Sound Transit officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/spring-construction-update-2-lines-cross-lake-connection" data-vars-content-id="aba1ff26-ad15-4dc3-8aae-c5632e501db2" data-vars-headline="Seattle to Bellevue light rail gets delayed again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform/spring-construction-update-2-lines-cross-lake-connection" target="_blank">announced</a> yet another project delay.Why it matters: The regional transit agency had previously targeted opening the East Link connection by the end of this year — a timeline that had already been pushed back several times.

What to know about Seattle's $1.55 billion tax measure

With $1.55 billion on the line, here's how a new transportation levy aims to reshape Seattle.

Seattle voters will soon decide on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.55 billion transportation levy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/07/11/billion-transportation-tax-voters" data-vars-content-id="5eb50fbf-d129-4244-8463-fb595b41565d" data-vars-headline="What to know about Seattle&#x27;s $1.55 billion tax measure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/07/11/billion-transportation-tax-voters" target="_self">$1.55 billion transportation levy</a> — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest property tax measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-council-approves-15-billion-transportation-levy-proposal/281-09e7d65c-86d4-41e9-8e5e-c5a00bb337f9" data-vars-content-id="5eb50fbf-d129-4244-8463-fb595b41565d" data-vars-headline="What to know about Seattle&#x27;s $1.55 billion tax measure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-council-approves-15-billion-transportation-levy-proposal/281-09e7d65c-86d4-41e9-8e5e-c5a00bb337f9" target="_blank">largest property tax measure</a> in city history — that aims to expand transit services and address deteriorating infrastructure.Why it matters: The levy, if approved, will fund <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improved sidewalks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/06/25/seattle-sidewalk-expansion-proposal-may-be-infeasible/" data-vars-content-id="5eb50fbf-d129-4244-8463-fb595b41565d" data-vars-headline="What to know about Seattle&#x27;s $1.55 billion tax measure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/06/25/seattle-sidewalk-expansion-proposal-may-be-infeasible/" target="_blank">improved sidewalks</a>, extended bike lanes, and better transit, advocates say.

What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when

Some projects have been delayed, but a new connection to Lynnwood opened in August.

Sound Transit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="light rail system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/22/light-rail-projects-delay-seattle-king-county-bellevue" data-vars-content-id="43df2d55-694c-42b2-be32-563cea7159a1" data-vars-headline="What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/22/light-rail-projects-delay-seattle-king-county-bellevue" target="_self">light rail system</a> is expanding, with new service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to Federal Way" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/03/federal-way-light-rail-opening-seattle-sound-transit" data-vars-content-id="43df2d55-694c-42b2-be32-563cea7159a1" data-vars-headline="What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/03/federal-way-light-rail-opening-seattle-sound-transit" target="_self">to Federal Way</a> the latest of several additions planned in the coming decades.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Since 2008" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/board-adopts-sound-transit-2-plan-proposing-50-miles-light" data-vars-content-id="43df2d55-694c-42b2-be32-563cea7159a1" data-vars-headline="What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/board-adopts-sound-transit-2-plan-proposing-50-miles-light" target="_blank">Since 2008</a>, Seattle-area voters have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/massive-puget-sound-transit-expansion-passes/281-350239164" data-vars-content-id="43df2d55-694c-42b2-be32-563cea7159a1" data-vars-headline="What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/massive-puget-sound-transit-expansion-passes/281-350239164" target="_blank">approved</a> more than $65 billion to grow the region&#x27;s light rail system. But some projects are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="behind schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/be-bolder-to-get-light-rail-done-expert-panel-tells-sound-transit/" data-vars-content-id="43df2d55-694c-42b2-be32-563cea7159a1" data-vars-headline="What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/be-bolder-to-get-light-rail-done-expert-panel-tells-sound-transit/" target="_blank">behind schedule</a>, making it hard to track what&#x27;s next.

Navigating Seattle's closed-off "Healthy Streets" post-COVID

Two years ago, Mayor Bruce Harrell committed to making 20 miles of street closures permanent.

Seattle&#x27;s &quot;Healthy Streets&quot; program is a legacy of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/36426205.117/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDMvMTEvY292aWQtcGFuZGVtaWMtbWFyY2gtMTE_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/639874bd1979e85fdf07d7f0B31093414" data-vars-content-id="cf3e3184-64cf-4e44-9e19-0473a9c018b4" data-vars-headline="Navigating Seattle&#x27;s closed-off &quot;Healthy Streets&quot; post-COVID" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/36426205.117/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDMvMTEvY292aWQtcGFuZGVtaWMtbWFyY2gtMTE_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/639874bd1979e85fdf07d7f0B31093414" target="_self">COVID-19 pandemic</a> that comes with its own set of rules.Why it matters: For drivers, knowing how to respond to these closed-off streets is crucial for the safety of everyone using them.

Transit 🚗

Sound Transit delays Ballard light rail amid $35B budget gap

Seattle-to-Bellevue light rail service to start March 28

Light rail to Federal Way is opening, 17 years after approval

Monorail station at Seattle Center getting a $23M upgrade

High-speed rail plans inch forward in the Pacific Northwest