Program on the Environment

Even though Seattle is perceived as one of the greenest cities in America, struggles to control Carbon emissions from automobiles still remain. In an effort to address its CO2 struggles, the City of Seattle has placed Light Rail Expansion at the forefront of environmental efforts. While there are expansive plans currently in place to expand the Link beyond the two current lines, a primary factor interfering with expansion projects is the clashing relationship between government and businesses. As a result, the aim of this study is to take a closer look into the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a potential Sand Point Link extension route, with a special focus on the interactions between public transportation efforts and businesses that could potentially be impacted. This study included 21 survey responses from businesses that line this potential route, 3 interviews with significant institutions, and further synthesis and projections from current literature present. After 10 weeks of partnering with the Seattle Subway Foundation, projections indicate that this future potential link route would be a more environmentally and socially beneficial alternative to individual car usage. But in order to surpass the current conflict between institutions and government, there needs to be an overall increase in understanding and communication. Currently, institutions feel left in the dark on future plans and forced to play behind. As a result, businesses have developed resentment towards future potential government transportation plans. Resolving this toxic relationship between the government and businesses would lead to another community supporting infrastructure development for Seattle’s future and in all, ensuring Seattle does its part to address our current climate crisis.