History of Seattle in Timeline

Seattle is the largest city in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, with a 2023 population of 755,078, making it the 18th-most populous U.S. city. It is the county seat of King County, Washington's most populous. The Seattle metropolitan area has 4.02 million residents, ranking 15th nationally. Its rapid growth, at 21.1% from 2010 to 2020, positioned it among the fastest-growing major cities in the United States.

1901: Library fire

In 1901, the Seattle Public Library's mansion location burned down along with most of the 33,000 books in its collection.

1906: Construction of Carnegie library

In 1906, a Carnegie library building was constructed to replace the one that burned down, and was eventually known as the Seattle Central Library.

1911: City Councillors Elected At Large

From 1911, Seattle's nine city councillors were elected at large, rather than by geographic subdivisions.

1917: Seattle Metropolitans win Stanley Cup

In 1917, Seattle Metropolitans became the first American hockey team to win the Stanley Cup.

1918: Jazz Nightclubs along Jackson Street

Between 1918 and 1951, there were nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street in Seattle.

1926: Bertha Knight Landes Elected Mayor

In 1926, Seattle elected Bertha Knight Landes as its mayor, making it the first major American city to elect a female mayor.

1926: Opening of the 5th Avenue Theatre in 1926

The 5th Avenue Theatre, built in 1926, stages Broadway-style musical shows.

1927: Opening of the Henry Art Gallery in 1927

The Henry Art Gallery opened in 1927, becoming the first public art museum in Washington.

1929: Tacoma-Seattle Railway Service Ends

Tacoma–Seattle railway service ended in 1929, replaced by automobiles running on the recently developed highway system.

1933: Opening of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in 1933

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) opened in 1933.

1939: Everett-Seattle Service Ends

The Everett–Seattle railway service came to an end in 1939, replaced by automobiles running on the recently developed highway system.

1941: End of Streetcars in Seattle

In 1941, the opening of the Seattle trolleybus system brought the end of streetcars in Seattle.

1951: Jazz Nightclubs along Jackson Street

Between 1918 and 1951, there were nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street in Seattle.

1953: State Route 99 Runs Through Downtown

From 1953, State Route 99 ran through downtown Seattle on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, an elevated freeway on the waterfront.

1956: Closure of Coal Gasification Plant

In 1956, the coal gasification plant at Gas Works Park closed.

1960: Replacement of Central Library

In 1960, the Seattle Central Library building was replaced with an International Style design.

1960: Seattle Population Demographics in 1960

In 1960, white residents made up 91.6% of Seattle's population.

1967: SuperSonics Arrive in Seattle

In 1967, Seattle became home to the Seattle SuperSonics of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1969: Seattle Pilots awarded MLB franchise

In 1969, Seattle was awarded a Major League Baseball franchise called the Seattle Pilots, who played at Sick's Stadium.

1970: Medic One Established

In 1970, Seattle saw local developments of modern paramedic services with the establishment of Medic One.

1974: Seattle Awarded Conditional Expansion Franchise

In 1974, Seattle was awarded a conditional expansion franchise in the National Hockey League, but it did not come to fruition.

1974: Seattle called "Best Place to Have a Heart Attack"

In 1974, a 60 Minutes story called Seattle "the best place in the world to have a heart attack" due to the success of the Medic One paramedic system.

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1974: NBA All-Star Game in Seattle

In 1974, the NBA All-Star Game was held at the Seattle Center Coliseum.

1974: Original Sounders Team

In 1974, the original Seattle Sounders team of the North American Soccer League was formed.

1974: Founding of the PNB School in 1974

The PNB School (founded in 1974) is one of the top three ballet training institutions in the United States.

1976: Seahawks enter NFL

In 1976, the Seattle Seahawks entered the National Football League as an expansion team.

1977: Mariners Begin Play

In 1977, the Seattle Mariners began play at the multi-purpose Kingdome.

1977: Seattle Thunderbirds Founded

In 1977, the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team began representing Seattle in the Canadian major-junior Western Hockey League.

1977: Opening of the Seattle Aquarium in 1977

The Seattle Aquarium opened on the downtown waterfront in 1977.

1978: Burke-Gilman Trail Opens

In 1978, the Burke–Gilman Trail, a 27-mile path for cyclists and pedestrians along the Ship Canal and Lake Washington between Ballard and Bothell, first opened on a former railroad.

1978: SuperSonics Championship Contenders

In 1978, the SuperSonics were championship contenders.

1979: MLB All-Star Game at Kingdome

In 1979, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held at the Kingdome in Seattle.

1987: NBA All-Star Game in Seattle

In 1987, the NBA All-Star Game was held at the Kingdome in Seattle.

1990: Population growth between 1990 and 2000

Seattle's foreign-born population grew 40% between the 1990 and 2000 censuses.

1990: Downtown Population Growth since 1990

The Downtown population of Seattle experienced a significant increase, with a 77% rise since 1990, reaching over 60,000 by 2009.

1991: Sherry Harris elected as a Seattle city councilor

In 1991, Sherry Harris was elected as a Seattle city councilor and became the first openly gay black woman elected to public office in United States history.

1991: SAM Moves to Downtown Location in 1991

In 1991, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) moved to its current downtown location, with the 1933 building becoming SAM's Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM).

1995: Mariners success

Mid-to-late 1990s saw relative success that saved the team from being relocated for the Seattle Mariners.

1996: Seattle Reign Begin Play

In 1996, the Seattle Reign, a women's professional basketball team, began play in the rival American Basketball League.

1996: SuperSonics Championship Contenders

In 1996, the SuperSonics were championship contenders.

1997: Adam Smith Represents 9th Congressional District

Since 1997, Democrat Adam Smith has represented part of southeastern Seattle in the 9th congressional district.

1997: Launch of the Poetry Circus in 1997

The Seattle Poetry Festival launched first as the Poetry Circus in 1997.

1998: Seattle Reign Fold

In 1998, the Seattle Reign, a women's professional basketball team, folded.

1999: Mariners move to Safeco Field

In 1999, the Seattle Mariners moved to a purpose-built baseball stadium, Safeco Field (now T-Mobile Park).

2000: Single-Person Households in 2000

According to the 2000 U.S. Census interim measurements of 2004, Seattle has the fifth highest proportion of single-person households nationwide among cities of 100,000 or more residents, at 40.8%.

2000: Seattle become first MLS team to win a continental title

In 2000, Seattle became the first MLS team to win a continental title.

2000: Kingdome Implosion

In 2000, the Kingdome was imploded.

2000: Seattle Storm Foundation

In 2000, the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association were founded.

2000: Population growth between 1990 and 2000

Seattle's foreign-born population grew 40% between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. The 2000 United States Census Bureau indicated that Seattle had the highest percentage of self-identified mixed-race people of any large metropolitan area in the United States.

2001: Seattle Central Community College named Community College of the Year

In 2001, Time magazine selected Seattle Central Community College as community college of the year for its diverse student body and team-based approach.

2001: MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park

In 2001, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

2001: Mariners tie MLB wins record

In 2001, the Seattle Mariners tied the all-time MLB single regular season wins record with 116 wins.

2001: Seattle hosted the 2001 national Poetry Slam Tournament

Seattle hosted the 2001 national Poetry Slam Tournament.

2001: Damage to Alaskan Way Viaduct

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake caused damage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

2003: Seahawks Move to Qwest Field

In 2003, the Seattle Seahawks moved into Qwest Field (now Lumen Field) at the site of the former Kingdome.

2003: Opening of McCaw Hall in 2003

McCaw Hall opened in 2003 on the site of the former Seattle Opera House at Seattle Center, hosting the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

2004: Single-Person Households in 2004

According to the 2000 U.S. Census interim measurements of 2004, Seattle has the fifth highest proportion of single-person households nationwide among cities of 100,000 or more residents, at 40.8%.

2004: Increased Public Transportation Trips

From 2004 to 2009, there was an increase in public transportation usage. The annual number of unlinked public transportation trips increased by approximately 21%.

2004: New Central Library design

In 2004, the Seattle Central Library was redesigned by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.

2004: Storm win WNBA championship

In 2004, the Seattle Storm claimed the WNBA championship.

September 2005: King County's "Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness"

In September 2005, King County adopted a "Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness", shifting funding from homeless shelter beds to permanent housing.

2005: Seattle Ranked Most Expensive American City in 2005

In 2005, Forbes ranked Seattle as the most expensive American city for buying a house based on the local income levels.

2005: Seahawks in Super Bowl XL

In 2005, the Seattle Seahawks lost Super Bowl XL to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Detroit.

2005: Seattle Listed as Most Literate City

Seattle was listed as the most literate of the country's 69 largest cities in 2005, according to studies conducted by Central Connecticut State University.

2006: LGBT Population in 2006

According to a 2006 study by UCLA, 12.9% of city residents polled identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, the second-highest proportion of any major U.S. city.

2006: American Community Survey (2006-2008)

According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, approximately 78.9% of residents over the age of five spoke only English at home.

2006: Transit Now Proposition Passed

In 2006, King County voters approved the Transit Now proposition, which led to increased bus service hours on high ridership routes and funded five limited-stop bus lines known as RapidRide. This aimed to enhance public transportation in the area.

2006: Biotech Industry and Development in South Lake Union in 2006

In 2006, former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced a desire to spark a new economic boom driven by the biotechnology industry and major redevelopment of the South Lake Union neighborhood was underway.

2006: Population Growth and Accommodation Plans in 2006

In 2006, regional planners expected the population of Seattle to grow by 200,000 people by 2040, after growing by 4,000 citizens per year for the previous 16 years.

2006: Storm sold to separate ownership

In 2006, the Seattle Storm were sold to separate Seattle-based ownership.

2006: SuperSonics Team Sale

In 2006, there was a team sale of the SuperSonics.

2006: Seattle Listed as Most Literate City

Seattle was listed as the most literate of the country's 69 largest cities in 2006, according to studies conducted by Central Connecticut State University.

2007: Seattle Public Transit Ridership

According to the 2007 American Community Survey, 18.6% of Seattle residents used public transit, giving it the highest transit ridership of all major cities without heavy or light rail prior to the completion of Sound Transit's 1 Line.

2007: Danny Sherrard, 2007 National Poetry Slam Champ

Danny Sherrard was the 2007 National Poetry Slam Champ and 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam Champ.

2007: Racial Tie-Breaking System Struck Down

In 2007, Seattle's racial tie-breaking system in schools was struck down by the United States Supreme Court, but the ruling left the door open for desegregation based on other indicators.

2007: Roads and Transit Measure Rejected

In 2007, Seattle-area voters rejected a measure that combined roads and transit improvements. This outcome led to a subsequent focus on transit-only proposals.

2007: Expansion and Reopening of SAM in 2007, Olympic Sculpture Park Opened

In 2007, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) expanded and reopened, and SAM also opened the Olympic Sculpture Park.

2007: Thunderbirds Move to ShoWare Center

In 2007, the Seattle Thunderbirds moved to the ShoWare Center in Kent.

2007: Seattle Listed as Second Most Literate City

Seattle was listed as the second most literate of the country's 69 largest cities in 2007, according to studies conducted by Central Connecticut State University.

2007: Expansion of the Seattle Aquarium in 2007

The Seattle Aquarium was expanded in 2007 with an auditorium, gift shop, and cafe alongside new exhibit spaces.

2008: Seattle has Highest Percentage of College Graduates

A 2008 United States Census Bureau survey showed that Seattle had the highest percentage of college and university graduates of any major U.S. city.

2008: American Community Survey (2006-2008)

According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, approximately 78.9% of residents over the age of five spoke only English at home.

2008: Danny Sherrard, 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam Champ

Danny Sherrard was the 2007 National Poetry Slam Champ and 2008 Individual World Poetry Slam Champ.

2008: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2008 to 2009, there was an estimated 6744 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2008: SuperSonics Relocate

In 2008, the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2008: Transit Only Measure Passed

In 2008, voters in the Seattle area approved a transit-only measure that would increase ST Express bus service, extend the Link light rail system, and expand and improve Sounder commuter rail service. The focus was to improve public transportation.

March 17, 2009: Seattle Post-Intelligencer Switches to Online Publication

On March 17, 2009, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (P-I) ceased publishing a daily newspaper and switched to a strictly online publication.

2009: Increased Public Transportation Trips

From 2004 to 2009, there was an increase in public transportation usage. The annual number of unlinked public transportation trips increased by approximately 21%.

2009: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2008 to 2009, there was an estimated 6744 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2009: MLS Cup 2009 in Seattle

In 2009, Lumen Field hosted MLS Cup between Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

2009: Sounders FC join MLS

In 2009, Seattle Sounders FC began play in Major League Soccer (MLS).

2009: Link Light Rail Line Opens

In 2009, a Link light rail line (now the 1 Line) began service from downtown Seattle south to Sea-Tac Airport. This marked the city's first rapid transit line with intermediate stations within the city limits.

2009: Downtown Population Growth in 2009

In 2009, the Downtown population of Seattle crested to over 60,000, up 77% since 1990, indicating increasing downtown core growth.

February 2010: Seattle's Climate Neutral Goal in February 2010

In February 2010, the Seattle city government committed Seattle to become North America's first "climate neutral" city.

2010: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2010 to 2019, there was an estimated 6725 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2010: Seattle's Economy in 2010

In 2010, Seattle's gross metropolitan product (GMP) was $231 billion, making it the 11th-largest metropolitan economy in the United States.

2010: Sounders win U.S. Open Cup

In 2010, the Seattle Sounders won the U.S. Open Cup.

2010: Storm win WNBA championship

In 2010, the Seattle Storm claimed the WNBA championship.

2010: Seattle Population Demographics in 2010

In 2010, the census revealed that Seattle was one of the whitest big cities in the U.S., with white residents constituting 69.5% of the city's population.

2011: Sounders win U.S. Open Cup

In 2011, the Seattle Sounders won the U.S. Open Cup.

March 2012: Top Radio Stations in Seattle

In a March 2012 report by Arbitron, the top FM radio stations in Seattle were KRWM (adult contemporary), KIRO-FM (news/talk), and KISW (active rock), while the top AM stations were KOMO (all news), KJR (AM) (all sports), and KIRO (AM) (all sports).

June 2012: Opening of the Seattle Great Wheel in June 2012

In June 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel opened as a new attraction on the city's waterfront.

2012: Same-Sex Households in 2012

According to 2012 estimates from the United States Census Bureau, Seattle has the highest percentage of same-sex households in the United States, at 2.6 percent.

2012: HistoryLink study on diversity in Seattle

According to a 2012 HistoryLink study, Seattle's 98118 ZIP code (in the Columbia City neighborhood) was one of the most diverse ZIP Code Tabulation Areas in the United States.

2012: Seattle Reign FC Founded

In 2012, Seattle Reign FC, a founding member of the National Women's Soccer League, was founded.

2012: Seattleites Approve Referendum 74 and Legalize Cannabis

In the 2012 U.S. general election, Seattleites voted to approve Referendum 74, legalizing gay marriage in Washington state, and also voted to approve the legalization of recreational cannabis use.

November 5, 2013: Ballot measure changes election system

On November 5, 2013, a ballot measure was passed that changed Seattle's city council election system to a hybrid system of seven district members and two at-large members.

2013: Crime Rate Increase Start

From 2013 to 2018 there was a slow increase in crimes in Seattle.

2013: Inaugural season at Starfire Sports Complex

In 2013, Seattle Reign FC played at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

2013: Failed Purchase of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, an effort to purchase the Sacramento Kings franchise and relocate it to Seattle as a resurrected Sonics squad was denied by the NBA board of governors.

2013: Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII

In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII by defeating the Denver Broncos 43–8 at MetLife Stadium.

2014: Pew Research Center study on religion

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, Christians are the largest religious grouping in Seattle (52%), followed by those of no religion (37%), Hindus (2%), Buddhists (2%), Jews (1%), Muslims (1%). About 34% of Seattleites are Protestant, and 15% are Roman Catholic. 6% call themselves agnostics, while 10% call themselves atheists.

2014: Seattle Reign home games in Seattle

From 2014, Seattle Reign held their home games in Seattle until 2018.

2014: Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX

In 2014, the Seattle Seahawks advanced to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row, but lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

2014: Sounders win Supporters' Shield and U.S. Open Cup

In 2014, the Seattle Sounders won the MLS Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup.

December 2015: Original Completion Date for Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Tunnel

The 2-mile Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel was originally scheduled to be completed in December 2015 at a cost of US$4.25 billion.

2015: Hybrid Election System Implemented

In 2015, Seattle implemented a hybrid system for city council elections, consisting of seven district members and two at-large members.

2015: Washington Global Health Alliance in 2015

In 2015, the Washington Global Health Alliance counted 168 global health organizations in Washington state, with many headquartered in Seattle.

2015: Majority Female City Council

In 2015, the majority of the Seattle city council was female.

2015: Merger of Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma in 2015

In 2015, the maritime cargo operations of the Port of Seattle merged with the Port of Tacoma to form the Northwest Seaport Alliance.

2015: Mandatory Curbside Food Waste Collection for Composting

Since 2015, curbside collection of food waste for composting in Seattle has been mandatory to offer to all households, promoting environmental sustainability.

March 2016: Link Light Rail Extended to University of Washington

In March 2016, the Link light rail line was extended north to the University of Washington, expanding the reach of the city's rapid transit system.

November 2016: Sound Transit 3 Package Approved

In November 2016, voters in the Puget Sound region approved the Sound Transit 3 package, involving an additional tax increase to expand light rail to West Seattle and Ballard, as well as Tacoma, Everett, and Issaquah.

2016: Sounders win first MLS Cup title

In 2016, the Seattle Sounders won their first MLS Cup title, defeating Toronto FC in a penalty shootout.

2017: University of Washington Ranked Eleventh in the World

In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Washington eleventh in the world.

2017: Sounders finish as runners-up in MLS Cup

In 2017, the Seattle Sounders finished as runners-up in MLS Cup against Toronto FC.

2017: Thunderbirds win WHL championship

In 2017, the Seattle Thunderbirds won one WHL championship.

2018: Crime Rate Increase End

From 2013 to 2018 there was a slow increase in crimes in Seattle.

2018: Seattle Kraken Expansion Team

In 2018, a new Seattle-based group successfully applied for an expansion team in the NHL, which was named the Seattle Kraken.

2018: Seawolves Inaugural Season

In 2018, the Seattle Seawolves began play and won the league's inaugural championship.

2018: Storm win WNBA championship

In 2018, the Seattle Storm claimed the WNBA championship.

2018: Income and poverty statistics in 2018

In 2018, the median income of a Seattle city household was $93,481, and the median income for a family was $130,656. 11.0% of the population and 6.6% of families were below the poverty line.

2018: Seattle Reign home games in Seattle

Until 2018, Seattle Reign held their home games in Seattle.

February 2019: Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Tunnel Opens

The opening of the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel was delayed to February 2019 due to issues with the tunnel boring machine.

2019: Paine Field Opens

A secondary passenger airport, Paine Field, opened in 2019 in Everett, 25 miles (40 km) north of Seattle, and is predominantly used by Boeing.

2019: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2010 to 2019, there was an estimated 6725 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2019: Move to Tacoma's Cheney Stadium

In 2019, Seattle Reign FC moved to Tacoma's Cheney Stadium.

2019: Seawolves defend title

In 2019, the Seattle Seawolves successfully defended their championship title.

2019: Sounders win second MLS Cup title

In 2019, the Seattle Sounders won their second MLS Cup title against Toronto FC.

2020: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2020 to 2024, there was an estimated 6325 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2020: Bartell Drugs acquired by Rite Aid

In 2020, Bartell Drugs, a family-run pharmacy chain in Seattle, was acquired by Rite Aid.

2020: Rebrand to OL Reign

In 2020, OL Groupe became the majority owner and rebranded Seattle Reign FC as OL Reign.

2020: Sea Dragons Inaugural Season

In 2020, the Seattle Sea Dragons played at Lumen Field in the league's inaugural season prior to its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Storm win WNBA championship

In 2020, the Seattle Storm claimed the WNBA championship.

October 2021: Link Light Rail Extended to Northgate

In October 2021, the Link light rail line was further extended north to Northgate, continuing the expansion of the city's rapid transit system.

2021: CenturyLink Stops Providing Cable Television Service

In 2021, CenturyLink ceased providing cable television service in Seattle.

2021: First Population Decline in 50 Years

In 2021, Seattle experienced its first population decline in 50 years.

2021: Seattle Kraken begin play

In 2021, the Seattle Kraken began play in the NHL.

2021: Storm win WNBA Commissioner's Cup

In 2021, the Seattle Storm won the first-ever WNBA Commissioner's Cup.

2021: Crime Rate Spike

In 2021, there was an increase in crimes in Seattle.

2021: Bruce Harrell Elected Mayor

In the 2021 mayoral election, Bruce Harrell was elected as mayor, succeeding Jenny Durkan.

January 1, 2022: Bruce Harrell Takes Office

On January 1, 2022, Bruce Harrell took office as the mayor of Seattle.

2022: Playoff drought ends

From 2001 to 2022, the Mariners failed to qualify for the playoffs which was the longest active postseason drought in major North American sports.

2022: Ballard FC founded

In 2022, Ballard FC was founded as an independent, semi-professional soccer team.

2022: Seattle Hosts CONCACAF Champions League Final

In 2022, Seattle hosted the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final.

2022: Fortune 500 Companies Headquartered in Seattle in 2022

In 2022, seven companies on the Fortune 500 list were headquartered in Seattle: Amazon, Starbucks, Expeditors International of Washington, Nordstrom, Weyerhaeuser, Expedia Group, and Zillow.

2022: Seawolves finish as runners-up

In 2022, the Seattle Seawolves finished as runners-up in the championship game.

2022: Crime Rate Spike

In 2022, there was an increase in crimes in Seattle.

2022: Seattle Reign home games in Seattle

Since 2022, Seattle Reign held their home games in Seattle.

2023: Seattle's Electricity Production

As of 2023, at least 88% of Seattle's electricity is produced using hydropower. Less than 40% of this hydroelectricity is acquired via the Bonneville Power Administration. The remaining known electricity sources consist of wind power, nuclear power, and biogas.

2023: Library system's collection size

As of 2023, the Seattle Public Library system consists of 27 branches with a combined total of 3,119,298 items.

2023: Ballard FC wins national title

In 2023, Ballard FC won its first national title.

2023: Record Cruise Passengers in 2023

In 2023, Seattle had a record total of 907,572 cruise passengers, surpassing Vancouver, BC, as a departure point for Alaska cruises.

2023: Violent Crime Statistics in Seattle

In 2023, Seattle recorded 5,000 violent crimes, resulting in a violent crime rate of 683 per 100,000 people, and 5,174 property crimes per 100,000 people.

2023: MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park

In 2023, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

2023: Sea Dragons Return

In 2023, the Seattle Sea Dragons returned alongside the XFL after the league's re-launch under new ownership.

2023: City Council Votes to Ban Caste Discrimination

In 2023, the Seattle city council voted to ban caste discrimination as part of the city's anti-discrimination laws, making it the first such ban in the United States.

2023: Seattle Parks System Ranking

In 2023, the Trust for Public Land ranked Seattle eighth in the United States among municipal parks systems.

April 2024: 2 Line Opens Between Bellevue and Redmond

In April 2024, the 2 Line opened between Bellevue and Redmond.

August 2024: Link Light Rail Extended to Lynnwood

In August 2024, the Link light rail line was extended to Lynnwood.

2024: Millionaires and Billionaires in Seattle

According to a 2024 study by Henley & Partners, the city of Seattle has an estimated 54,200 millionaires and 11 billionaires.

2024: Seattle Lacks 24-Hour Retail Pharmacy

As of 2024, Seattle lacks a 24-hour retail pharmacy due to the closure of locations across several chains.

2024: Crime Rate Statistics

From 2020 to 2024, there was an estimated 6325 crimes per 100,000 people in Seattle.

2024: West Seattle Junction FC joins USL League 2

In 2024, West Seattle Junction FC joined USL League 2.

2024: Religious Service Attendance

In 2024, a Household Pulse Survey estimated that 64 percent of adults in the Seattle area rarely or never attend religious services, the highest percentage among large U.S. metropolitan areas.

2024: Seattle Aquarium Expansion Under the Overlook Walk

In 2024, a new three-story building at the Seattle Aquarium opened under the Overlook Walk.

2024: Overlook Walk Opens

In 2024, the Overlook Walk opened to connect Pike Place Market to the downtown waterfront via overpasses integrated with an expansion of the Seattle Aquarium.

2024: Seattle Reign Name Restored

In 2024, the Seattle Reign name was restored.

2024: Sea Dragons Fold

In 2024, the Seattle Sea Dragons folded prior to the season during the XFL's merger with the United States Football League to form the United Football League.

2025: 2 Line Planned Extension into Seattle

In late 2025, plans include the 2 Line extending into Seattle via the Interstate 90 floating bridge.

2026: Seattle to host FIFA World Cup

In 2026, Seattle will be one of eleven US host cities for the FIFA World Cup.

2030: Seattle's Goal to Reach Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030

By 2030, Seattle has a goal of reaching net-zero per-capita greenhouse gas emissions.

2040: Population Growth and Accommodation Plans by 2040

By 2040, regional planners expected the population of Seattle to grow by 200,000 people. Former mayor Greg Nickels supported plans to increase the population by 60%, or 350,000 people, by 2040.