Seattle's waterfront is a key part of revitalization as the city navigates a gradual economic rebound. Photo: Christine Clarridge/Axios
Seattle's downtown is rebounding, but persistent challenges remain, per the Downtown Seattle Association's 2025 report.
State of play: Here are a few highlights from the report that was released yesterday.
By the numbers: While office vacancies remain high at around 22%, nearly 3 million square feet of office space was newly leased in 2024, the highest figure since 2021.
More local visitors came to the Pike-Pine corridor in 2024 than in 2019, but downtown shops face stiff competition from University Village, Southcenter, and Alderwood Mall.
Fatal overdoses downtown fell 18% from 2023, with fentanyl-related overdose deaths declining 34% year-over-year.
Downtown has also become significantly more racially and ethnically diverse in recent years.
What's next: Seattle's six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 are expected to bring $929 million to King County.
