The Sound Transit Board of Directors held their board meeting April 24 where they approved key funding and contract motions related to the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions, while also celebrating the service of outgoing interim CEO Goran Sparrman and welcoming newly appointed CEO Dow Constantine The meeting included significant public comment regarding the future of transit projects and highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges for the regional transit authority.
The board addressed three main business items, all concerning the advancement of the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension projects. Resolution R2025-10 authorized amendments to the 2025 budget, allocating an additional $61.4 million for the West Seattle project and $7.4 million for the Ballard project. This funding will allow the projects to move further through the preliminary engineering phase and into final design.
Following the approval of the budget resolution, the board also passed Motion M2025-16, authorizing a contract modification for program management support services (PMSS) with Connect Seattle Partners for $41.5 million. This contract will support the cost work plan, owner's representative services, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement for both the West Seattle and Ballard projects. Additionally, Motion M2025-17 authorized a contract with Jacobs Engineering for $27.3 million for phase 1 civil engineering design services for the West Seattle Link Extension. This initial phase will focus on affordability and refining the preliminary design, with future phases contingent on board approval after a review of cost-saving opportunities.
Board members engaged in a robust discussion about these motions, acknowledging the rising costs associated with the projects and their potential impact on the overall ST3 program. Several board members expressed concerns about ensuring the completion of the entire spine, including reaching Tacoma and Everett. While ultimately supporting the motions to allow for further information gathering and project advancement, the board emphasized the need for transparency and clear understanding of trade-offs in future decisions.
The meeting also featured a significant public comment period, with individuals expressing a range of perspectives on Sound Transit's plans.
Key themes from public comment included:
• Concerns about the Chinatown International District (CID) station location: Commenters raised concerns about the impact of proposed station options on the CID's cultural and historical significance, with some advocating for a 4th Avenue station and others supporting north and south options.
• Support for alternative transit technologies: One commenter highlighted urban gondola systems as a potentially more cost-effective and less disruptive alternative to light rail.
• Requests for community involvement: Residents from West Seattle requested a formal meeting with the board to present their research and ensure community voices are included in the decision-making process for the West Seattle Link Extension.
• Financial concerns and project impacts: Commenters raised concerns about rising costs, underwhelming ridership on recent expansions, and potential disruptions to businesses and residents during construction.
• Support for the ST3 plan: Some commenters urged the board to uphold the ST3 plan and build previously planned stations.
• Celebration of Redmond Link opening: A commenter expressed excitement for the upcoming opening of the Redmond Link extension and its positive impact on the community.
Prior to the business items, the board took time to acknowledge the contributions of interim CEO Goran Sparrman, who served in the role from January 2024 through May 2025 after postponing his retirement. Board members and staff offered heartfelt thanks for his leadership, expertise, and dedication during a period that included the historic openings of the Lynnwood extension and the new 2 Line. Sparrman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and credited the agency's staff for their hard work and dedication.
Incoming CEO Dow Constantine, who previously served in the role of King County Executive for 15 years before Sparrman's interim tenure, also addressed the board. Constantine expressed inspiration from Sparrman's example and reaffirmed his commitment to trusting staff, executing the board's vision, and delivering a safe and reliable transit system for the region. He highlighted the agency's recent accomplishments, including the repaired downtown Seattle transit tunnel and the upcoming Redmond Link opening. Constantine emphasized the guiding principles of regionalism and transparency as he takes on his new role.
