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Seattle Mayor Signs Legislation to Streamline Sound Transit Permitting
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell joined King County Executive Shannon Braddock and regional transit leaders to sign legislation streamlining the permitting process for Sound Transit’s West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions.
The new laws were passed unanimously by the City Council and aim to cut permitting time in half—from 240 days to 120—by simplifying land use codes, improving accessibility, enhancing vegetation management, and sequencing construction to minimize disruption.
“This is the largest transit expansion in the nation. We won’t let red tape delay progress,” said Harrell. The reforms fulfill a February 2025 executive order and signal deepened collaboration between the City and Sound Transit. Seattle has also boosted staffing and developed a four-year work plan to support project delivery. The Ballard extension will span 7.7 miles with nine stations; West Seattle’s 4.1-mile line will add four stations. Both are slated for completion by 2039 and 2032, respectively.
