Seattle's future development and growth are at the forefront as the City Council prepares for a major public hearing on September 12 regarding the proposed "One Seattle Plan," a significant update to the city's Comprehensive Plan. This 20-year vision guides decisions on housing, jobs, transportation, utilities, parks, and other public assets. The Council's Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, chaired by Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth and comprising all nine Councilmembers, is currently reviewing the proposal.

In August 2025, the Council introduced over 100 amendments for two key pieces of legislation: the Comprehensive Plan itself and permanent House Bill 1110 (HB 1110), often referred to as "Middle Housing". Compliance with state HB 1110 mandates changes to Seattle's Neighborhood Residential zoning to allow for a greater variety of housing types across the city. "Phase 2" zoning, which will focus on changes within new Neighborhood Centers, expanded Regional and Urban Centers, and along frequent transit routes, is slated for review in the first half of 2026.

Councilmember Rob Saka, whose office issued an update on the process, has proposed 17 of these amendments. His proposals are designed to enhance strategically important transportation elements, safeguard vital infrastructure, support sustainability, build climate resilience, and better address environmental and workforce development issues, particularly in areas like the Duwamish Valley. Saka's approach is informed by extensive community outreach, including walking tours of proposed Neighborhood and Urban Centers in District 1, as well as hundreds of calls, letters, emails, and community meetings.

Key Amendments Proposed by Councilmember Saka Include:

• Limiting housing in the Stadium District to preserve industrial lands.

• Adding a policy to boost transit security.

• Revising policy on missing sidewalks to accelerate progress in closing the 27% citywide gap.

• Adding policy on transportation infrastructure and revising electric vehicle charging policy to promote sustainability, accessibility, and micromobility.

• Adding policies on pavement and bridge conditions for proactive monitoring and investment, and a pothole repair policy.

• Revising policy on low-carbon/low-pollution neighborhoods to protect historically vulnerable areas like the Duwamish Valley.

• Discouraging the concentration of human services in a single neighborhood.

• Expanding policies on balancing utility infrastructure costs and workforce development and economic self-sufficiency opportunities.

• Proposing to rename 'Endolyne Neighborhood Center' to 'Fauntleroy Neighborhood Center' and adjust its boundaries, along with amending boundaries for the High Point Neighborhood Center and Morgan Junction Urban Center.

• Adjusting thresholds for pedestrian improvements by expanding sidewalks and accessibility upgrades.

• Introducing a Cottage Housing Bonus to enhance flexibility and diversify housing options.

• Requiring mailed notices of area-wide rezones.

Community Concerns and Tree Protection: Concerns have been raised from the West Seattle community regarding the proposed Alki Neighborhood Center designation, with some citing a perceived lack of fair process and vetting. Councilmember Saka is encouraging citizens to voice their opinions on this issue.

Another significant area of focus is tree protection, an issue Councilmember Saka is "excited about" as an opportunity to boost protections on both public and private land. He emphasizes that growth and development must coexist with strong protections for large trees, especially Tier 2 and 3 trees (trunks 6 inches or more in diameter). Saka notes that maintaining tree canopy is critical for environmental sustainability and public health, citing significant tree loss in neighborhoods like South Park within District 1 and across the city. He is closely reviewing all proposed tree protection amendments, specifically mentioning Amendments #93 and #102, sponsored by Councilmember Maritza Rivera.

How to Make Your Voice Heard: The Comprehensive Plan and HB 1110 legislation are extensive, with numerous, often technical, amendments. The public has three ways to make their voices heard, with a key opportunity being the public hearing on Friday, September 12.

REGISTER TO MAKE YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT HERE

The hearing will be divided into two sessions, with Session I beginning at 9:30 a.m. reserved for remote public comment.

Session II will begin at 3 p.m. and will be reserved for in person commentors at Council Chambers at City Hall, 600 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Registration for in-person speakers will be from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Accessibility and language accommodations can be requested, and citizens can register online to submit public comment. The City Council is scheduled to begin voting on these amendments on September 17, following the public hearing.