Will Seattle Continue to Grow As a World-Class City?

The coming battle over building a new tunnel across the Seattle waterfront may be a preview of how Seattle sees itself and whether the city wants to remain a world player. A decision not to build the tunnel, at a time when the city has yet to put in place an effective public transit system, could stunt the city’s growth.

The Wall Street Journal, in a story on the topic today, points out that incoming Mayor Mike McGinn remains an opponent to the tunnel and plans to ask “tough questions” about the product. The article points out that Seattle is accomplished at saying “no” to big projects.

Clearly, there are many city residents who would prefer to see Seattle remain a small city. Yet, at the same time, everyone wants to see job growth. Unfortunately, economic growth is increasingly concentrated in a few world-class cities. Seattle may not have the option of remaining small while still maintaining its status as one of America’s few “world-class” cities. Read the journal story here: https://online.wsj.com/article/SB126074498042189847.html