Mayor Wilson Proposes $347.7 Million Housing Budget as Sound Transit Officially Opens Pinehurst Infill Station

Mayor Katie Wilson Transmits $347.7 Million Housing Investment Package

SEATTLE, Washington — Establishing equitable neighborhood development as the cornerstone of municipal governance, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson unveiled her administration’s 2027–2028 Proposed Biennial Budget in late September 2026. The budget allocates an impressive $347.7 million to the Seattle Office of Housing for 2027, powered by $140.2 million in dedicated revenues from the voter-approved JumpStart payroll expense tax.

The housing blueprint allocates $16.3 million toward immediate tenant rental assistance and anti-displacement initiatives, while creating a dedicated Housing Ombud office within City Hall. The new ombud will directly assist affordable housing non-profits and private builders to navigate the municipal permitting process, slashing bureaucratic friction and lowering construction delivery costs.

Sound Transit Celebrates Opening of Pinehurst 130th Street Infill Station

Transit and civic leaders joined Sound Transit executives on September 30, 2026, to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the Pinehurst Station at Northeast 130th Street in North Seattle. Serving as Sound Transit’s first modern infill light rail station, the new stop connects local residents directly to the Link 1 Line, slashing travel times to Downtown Seattle and the University of Washington to under 15 minutes.

The station opening serves as a catalyst for active transit-oriented development across North Seattle. Sound Transit confirmed that its systemwide transit-oriented housing pipeline now encompasses over 3,800 attainable homes, backed by a $4 million annual contribution to regional revolving housing funds.

A Synchronized Approach to Pacific Northwest Growth

Regional transportation analysts commended Seattle’s synchronized delivery of new rail infrastructure alongside record housing investments. By expanding light rail access and streamlining affordable housing development, Seattle continues to set the benchmark for sustainable Pacific Northwest urbanism.