Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/946983
36 WAC Magazine | wac.net "All this wonderful job growth and residential growth is putting pressure on our transportation system and creating greater demand for more parks, public schools, and recreation opportunities," Jon says. "ankfully, significant public infrastructure investment is either un- derway or will soon begin." It's an inspiring list, highlighted by new light rail extensions, demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, a revitalized downtown waterfront, plans for a new high school at Seattle Center, a major addition to the Washington State Con- vention Center, critical improvements to the downtown ferry terminals, and a new streetcar connecting Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. "We're fortunate to have a downtown that is in demand," Jon says. "People want to live, work, shop and play here. Our challenges—congestion, housing af- fordability, etcetera—are largely a result of our successes." Growing pains Former WAC Chairman of the Board Rob Dunlop moved to Seattle in the 1980s. As president and CEO of Cascade Public Media, Rob has deep connections to our city's issues and to the people looking for solutions. "is is a glorious place to live," Rob says. "e desire to experience the richness of the Pacific Northwest should not be a surprise in driving catalytic growth." With that growth comes very real issues, including homelessness and gentrification, topics reported on re- cently by KCTS nonprofit television and Crosscut, two of Cascade's channels. "One of the main things that we have seen is not everybody has benefitted from the great new jobs in the com- munity," says WAC member Adrienne Quinn, director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services. "What we're seeing is significant displacement of people at the lower ends—people being forced into their cars and shelters," she says. "When we create a chart and overlay rent increases over the last decade with the increase in homelessness, it tracks almost exactly. If there's not affordable housing, that's not an individual failure. at's something that we as a community need to figure out how to address." 'An indomitable spirit' Chairman Seto has seen a lifetime of Seattle cycles and believes the city and its residents will find solutions. "Seattle's citizens always have been focused on innovation, creativity and excellence," he says. Perhaps more than anyone, Mayor Durkan is intimately involved with seeking solutions to challenges pre- sented by our booming city. "I want this city to be one my kids can love," she says. "We have to keep the rich and eclectic mix of people and neighborhoods that makes our city special." is means more affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and im- proving transportation, she says. "Funda- mentally, our future is best guaranteed by building true economic opportunity for everyone in Seattle." To see how far we've come already, just look around from atop the WAC. "Our city has an indomitable spirit," Durkan says. "We are not only up to the challeng- es, but we seize the opportunities." Darrick Meneken is managing editor of WAC Magazine. Reach him at dmeneken@wac.net. To see a time-lapse video of Seattle's growth from the Space Needle, view this great compilation from SeattlePI: wac.net/pi-timelapse "What we're seeing is significant displacement of people at the lower ends—people being forced into their cars and shelters." — Adrienne Quinn, Director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services B R I A N F R A N C I S 36 WAC Magazine | wac.net