New Law Redirects Seattle Stadium Tax Revenue to Support Pioneer Square, Chinatown

Funds will go towards preservation, safety, and small business programs in south downtown neighborhoods

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of an old brick building in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, contemplative mood.The redirected stadium tax revenue aims to preserve the historic character and support local businesses in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood.Seattle Today

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a new law that will redirect a portion of sales tax revenue generated at Seattle's Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park stadiums into a Community Preservation and Development Authority (CPDA) account. The funds will be used to support preservation efforts, public safety projects, and small business programs in the Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District neighborhoods, which have been impacted by major public works projects over the years.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to provide much-needed support to two historic south downtown neighborhoods that have faced challenges from large-scale developments like stadium construction. By redirecting existing tax revenue, the state is investing directly in community preservation, safety, and economic development initiatives that can help these areas thrive.

The details

The new law, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, will deposit a share of the retail sales tax collected at Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park into the CPDA account, with funds split between operating and capital subaccounts. The money can be used for seismic repairs to unreinforced masonry buildings, business support programs, and street-level public safety investments. The CPDA must file biennial reports to the Legislature on its strategic plans and measured impacts.

  • Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on April 3, 2026.
  • The CPDA funding is set to expire unless the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee recommends an extension by December 1, 2034.

The players

Governor Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington state who signed the bill redirecting stadium sales tax revenue to support Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District.

Representative Santos

One of the original sponsors of the bill in the state House of Representatives.

Violet

A community member who was photographed standing with lawmakers at the bill signing ceremony.

Community Preservation and Development Authority (CPDA)

The entity that will receive and oversee the distribution of the redirected stadium sales tax revenue for preservation, safety, and small business programs in the target neighborhoods.

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC)

The legislative committee that will review the CPDA funding and make recommendations on whether to extend it beyond the initial expiration date.

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What’s next

The CPDA boards and the Department of Commerce will now be responsible for deciding how to allocate the operating and capital funds from the redirected stadium sales tax revenue in the months ahead.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant investment in the long-term vitality of Pioneer Square and Chinatown-International District, two historic neighborhoods that have faced challenges from major development projects. By redirecting existing tax revenue, the state is empowering these communities to address pressing needs around preservation, public safety, and small business support.