Dear friends and neighbors,

Each year the state makes hundreds of new investments to improve public spaces around the state. Thanks to persistent and effective advocacy by community members and nonprofits, many projects in the neighborhoods of the 43rd district will receive support over the next two years.

Local community investments

From facilities that support our most vulnerable neighbors to historic entertainment venues, the new investments we secured in this year’s capital budget will create benefits for many years to come. Here are a few highlights:

  • $1 million for foundation repairs and a renovated basement at Lambert House, which serves more than 1,000 at-risk LGBTQ youth annually. The new space will enlarge the clothing and hygiene banks and include new art and music studios.
  • $539,000 to replace the roof of the Eagles Building, home to the ACT Theatre and residents of 44 affordable housing units.
  • $515,000 to replace Pike Place Market’s 30 year-old elevator and to build safer, high-capacity stairs to ensure an accessible and ADA-compliant link between the new waterfront and Western Avenue.
  • $3 million for Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, which is scheduled to open in June 2024.
  • $425,000 for renovations at the Wallingford Food Bank.
  • $320,000 to help restore the exterior of the historic Stimson-Green Mansion.
  • $745,000 for restoration of the Steamer Virginia V, one of last operational examples of Mosquito Fleet
  • $1 million to support Cascade Public Media, home of KCTS 9 and Crosscut, as they move to the 316 Broadway building on First Hill.
  • $250,000 to support the Seattle Symphony Orchestra with improvements to Benaroya Hall Auditorium.
  • $550,000 for the 5th Avenue Theatre to make accessibility upgrades, create a new costume shop, install new HVAC in the orchestra pit to provide heat for musicians, and replace outside signage.
  • $491,000 for the Paramount Theater to refurbish all 2,875 seats and upgrade stage and pit lighting systems.
  • $1.8 million to expand dental care capacity at Neighborcare Health’s 45th Street Clinic.
  • $1.5 million for to support homeless youth services at YouthCare.
  • $3 million for restoration of the ASUW Shell House.

I hope that you share my excitement to watch these projects take shape in the coming months and years.  These investments will benefit generations to come.

Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter. I will continue to send weekly updates on key policies passed during this year’s legislative session. If you missed my previous updates on gun safety, reproductive freedom, public education, housing, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, criminal justice reform, or health care, they are available on my website. Please reach out with any questions at Jamie.Pedersen@leg.wa.gov.

Best wishes,

Jamie