As part of our mission to bring focus, support, and momentum behind the Lid I-5 project, we regularly connect with elected officials, as well as candidates running for key offices in Seattle and King County. Our goal is to educate, but also listen, as we seek out a diversity of perspectives and advice on how we move forward together with such a transformative vision for our city.
This year we reached out to candidates running for Seattle City Council districts that have proximity to the Lid I-5 study areas (districts 2, 3, 4, and 7), all King County Council district races (districts 2, 4, 6, and 8), and the Port of Seattle Commissioner race (position 5) in the August 1, 2023 primary election. We offered them the chance to share their position on Lid I-5 with the public and asked how they would advance the project if elected. We received responses from 18 candidates.
Lid I-5 has 501(c)(3) non-profit status through our fiscal sponsor, the Seattle Parks Foundation, and we do not endorse any political candidates. Only candidates with contact information on file were contacted and all candidates were given an equal opportunity to respond.
Note: Responses are uncorrected and unedited.
Seattle City Council, District 2
No responses.
Seattle City Council, District 3
Ry Armstrong
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes absolutely. It’s a necessity to build a unified Seattle and expand our available space for both green space and possible housing if implemented. I walk over I-5 all the time as someone who does not own a car and it’s disgusting to breathe that air and take that concrete journey over hundreds of cars zooming through the core of our city. I would love for us to the have a beautiful Central Park in the heart of our city. My dream would be to make a state of the art carbon capture sculpture park showcasing the technology of our city right next to the best carbon capture devices ever created: trees and greenery.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
This would be a massive endeavor that I would want to push for vehemently advocating for funding from the Federal government matched with the State to make it an infrastructure investment in the heart of our city. We only have right now to really push and act for this to change the future of Seattle, so why not start right between District 3 and District 7 as the first phase of the construction. I would also very much like to hear from you all how I can best support your vision for how we should proceed. Looking forward to hopefully discussing more!
Efrain Hudnell
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Absolutely! The Lid has the potential to advance several goals all in the same project.
First we can restore connections between two of Seattle’s densest neighborhoods!
Second, we can improve quality of life for the people who currently live near the I-5. People who live nearer to highways have shorter lifespans and are at increased risk on contracting illness due to exposure to constant higher ambient noise, exhaust fumes and particulates.
Third, we can create prime real estate for affordable housing/social housing that’s close to jobs, green spaces and transit.
Fourth, we can create a centralized green space further improving quality of life and counteracting the heat island effect that urban spaces encounter.
Fifth, the lid could be host to a true intercity rail system connecting Seattle to the rest of the region generating opportunities we’ve never seen in the PNW, maybe the country.
Lastly, lidding I-5 is simply the right thing to do and would be a reflection of our values. If we fail to seize this opportunity to undo the harms of the interstate system on our city and its many communities, it will be seen as one of the largest missed opportunities in our lifetimes by those who follow us.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
First and foremost I am committed to funding whatever studies are needed. Further, I am committed to introducing and passing progressive revenue streams for the purpose of “pulling down” state and federal match dollars so that this project is funded with as much public money as possible. Operating on the assumption that some private money will be needed, I will begin seeking out those partners who will not only provide funds, but complement our end goal of building a Seattle that reflects our values. Lastly, we will need to align this project with concurrent infrastructure capital projects like high speed rail, I am committed to doing the work across echelons of government to not only bring in more dollars, but maximize the use potential.
Shobhit Agarwal
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes, because it connects otherwise divided neighborhoods, provides more public space, and limits traffic pollution and noise. Since the lid will put weight on I-5 below, I do not know if there would be enough foundation to support residential buildings. If the experts say otherwise, I would rather build green parks with exercise/play areas and maybe a green dog park for people to enjoy before or after work. Walking and biking lanes and bridges from downtown to capitol hill and first hill would also encourage people to walk/bike to work in downtown.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I will support any city policy changes as well as funding options that feasibly advance this project.
Bobby Goodwin
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes – makes for a sexier Seattle. A Seattle with less noise pollution and with improved air quality. Creates opportunity for expanding canopy and it would make the city more walkable by bridging the current gaps between downtown and first-hill/capitol hill.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
Work on building consensus on the council and instigating conversation in relevant committees. Has implications for transportation, land use, and economic development, and housing!
Andrew Ashiofu
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
I support the Lid I-5 concept because I know the city will be better off the more interconnected it is. When people are able to easily get from downtown to capitol hill without having to take a specific bridge or underpass, people will be better off. Walkability is key for a healthy city and putting a lid over I-5 is a huge step towards a healthier city.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
When I’m in office I will publicly support the Lid I-5 project and bring its attention to the municipal government. There is already some awareness of the idea within the government but more could be done to get feedback from the public. Additionally, as a supporter of equitability and union labor I would work to advance the plan while making sure that marginalized people aren’t negatively affected by the construction and that the construction is done with union labor.
Joy Hollingsworth
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes, I support the Lid I-5 project in concept as an innovative response to meet the growing needs of our city. I am excited about the opportunities that a Lid could create which align with my campaign’s goals and values including the expansion of affordable housing and green spaces and materializing a broader theme of a connected community and city. It is clear that we must be thoughtful planners in developing an infrastructure that will meet our city’s growing needs and future goals. The Lid I-5 project presents enormous benefits to our local economy and provides a solution to meet our city’s population growth, all while creating new jobs, making our city more walkable and aiding freeway congestion. I am excited to hear about the progress the team has achieved in bringing this vision into reality since its introduction to council in 2015 and am happy to lend my support to the project.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
The Lid I-5 project presents a solution to many of our city’s most urgent challenges and a pathway to meet some of our most important goals. I will support the project and advocate for its advancement in city leadership, as well as work with the diversity of stakeholders in the project. As the proposal sits at the border of my district, my constituents will be key stakeholders in the project and must have accessible and transparent leadership to ensure the project’s success. I commit to continuing my work as a community leader and community connector to ensure that those most impacted by decisions have a voice at the table and support the project’s successful implementation.
Alex Hudson
Note: Alex Hudson is a member of the Lid I-5 Advisory Council.
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes! I am a progressive urbanist, and I can clearly see that I-5 has a significant negative impact on the livability, safety, and health of the communities it goes through – especially our dense downtown core. I am on the board of the Freeway Park Association, the first lidded park in the US, and have been a supporter, partner, and Steering Committee member of the Lid I-5 movement for nearly a decade.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
We have to keep Lidding I-5 on the agenda – our state legislative and federal agenda, as part of our Comprehensive Plan, and our long-range vision for downtown and a solution to our housing crisis. I will be a vocal champion, as I have been for years, in keeping this project funded, moving forward, and on the table.
Alex Cooley
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. It mitigates pollution and gives us so much valuable land back.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I will build a coalition of elected as all levels to fund and facilitate its implementation.
Seattle City Council, District 4
George Artem
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
I’m supportive in principle but this is an expensive proposal and I need to understand where the $1B plus dollars and $100M per year funding gaps are going to come from.
Ron Davis
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes! I’m already involved in Lid I-5’s University District area work, as a follow on to the great work being done downtown. I support lidding the freeway because we need new publicly owned land, because this road ripped the city apart and bulldozed largely BIPOC neighborhoods, and because its a way to filter/protect many residents from particulate pollution.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
Funding, advocacy at the State Level, driving forward public process and discussion, and whatever is needed to get the job done!
Seattle City Council, District 7
Andrew Lewis
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. It has the possibility to create an entire new neighborhood from nothing. We absolutely should do this.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I am currently working with LID I-5 to advance a resolution to kick-start this project in the 2024 Comp Plan.
Wade Sowders
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. There’s an enormous scar down the heart of the city; lidding I-5 is an ambitious idea, but one that will address the issue like nothing else.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I’d like to see a concrete plan- get the studies out of the way and bring us at least to the point that we can weigh some hard price tags. Viable alternatives, good cost estimates, good revenue estimates, and possible funding sources. Either work this planning into the city’s existing budget or use the next transportation levy to fund it.
King County Council, District 2
No responses.
King County Council, District 4
Jorge L. Barón
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. Lid I-5 is one of the options available to us to create solutions for a more equitable Seattle and a more sustainable future for the entire region. Several of the elected officials who have endorsed my campaign, including Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Representative Nicole Macri, and Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins are also supporters of the concept. My campaign manager attended June 15 walking tour and was very impressed by the depth and breadth of solutions the project offers — and the thoughtfulness of the Steering Committee and other stakeholders.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I will explore funding options from the County and advocate with state, city, and community partners to advance the project. I look forward to learning more about the role the County can play. One of my top priorities in office would be progressive revenue, which expands funding opportunities for impactful solutions like Lid I-5.
King County Council, District 6
No responses.
King County Council, District 8
Teresa Mosqueda
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
I support the Lid I-5 project in concept. Highways have a direct and detrimental impact on the health of nearby residents, particularly those already living in historically marginalized communities. My goal for this project would be to add public gathering space and green space, ensuring that folks aren’t harmed and crises aren’t exacerbated. By covering a portion of I-5, we can reduce noise and air pollution but also promote neighborhood connectivity.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
The county has a responsibility to act swiftly to support infrastructure investment, taking into account that equitable development is critical for people who live, work, and play across King County. Seattle’s population is growing rapidly (1.68% annually) with King County’s population growth not far behind (1.45% in the past year). Over the next few years and looking even further into the future, this growth will strain virtually every aspect of our public infrastructure including parks and green spaces. We’ve begun to make up for underinvestment, but it is far from enough. As King County continues to grow, we can support and champion more tax reforms on high earners and the nation’s largest corporations that also call Washington home. We can also continue to explore additional non-tax sources of revenue so long as they do not increase the burden on working families.
At City Council, I’ve championed JumpStart Seattle, a progressive payroll tax that makes historic investments in affordable housing and funds critical investments in equitable development for the city’s Green New Deal. As your King County Councilmember, I will continue to work with community, small business owners, and community-minded, small developers to develop more public green spaces. Creating progressive policy that pursues healing from the trauma that many in marginalized communities hold, means centering their voices, and ensuring they are not only at the table, but defining what the table is in the first place. I will continue to build on this record of allocating resources into community-driven public wellness and projects that ensure healthy and thriving communities.
Sofia Aragon
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. I’m interested in learning how a lid on I-5 could produce more surface to build what is needed for a growing population such as housing.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
Continue to learn more about this project and how it would contribute to the city, understand funding needed, convene interested communities, and advocate for funding.
GoodSpaceGuy
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes, I, GoodSpaceGuy, support the Lid I-5 concept.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I will brainstorm about desirable projects.
Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position No. 5
Jesse Tam
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes, I do support Lid I-5 project. It is a good way to utilizr our limited land resources and to revitalize our living qaulities in this region.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
If the porrt is managed well, we should have extra fundings to support loval public real estate development projects. My top priority is to bring fiscal responsibility and accountability back to the port, so the prosperity can be distributed to the communities in the region.
Todd Curtis
Do you support the Lid I-5 project in concept? Why or why not?
Yes. Freeway Park has been in existence for over two generations, and has served as an example of what is possible when it comes to land use in urban areas. As with any urban space, there will be a number of issues that will have to be overcome, and of course significant community involvement in its design, but the potential benefit to future generations will be worth the effort.
What actions will you take to advance the project when you are in office?
I will look at the direct and indirect influence that the Port of Seattle would have in the planning and design of the Lid. Given the Port’s responsibility to ensure transportation access, not just around the Port and Sea-Tac, but throughout the region, I’m certain that if the Port were to take a direct role in the project, it would improve the chance that the project would be approved, and that the project would be completed.
Lid I-5 