The Sound Transit Executive Committee convened on Thursday, April 3, 2025, to discuss various agency matters, including the establishment of performance standards for the new CEO, Dow Constantine, and to hear public comments, which included a request for a town hall meeting in West Seattle regarding the light rail extension.

The meeting commenced with roll call, establishing the presence of committee members Claudia Balducci, Cassie Franklin, Bruce Harrell, Ryan Mello, Julie Meredith, Christina Walker, and Dave Somers, with Chair Somers presiding. Following brief opening remarks and the acting CEO's statement that there was no report, the committee moved to public comment.

Public Calls for West Seattle Town Hall and CEO Accountability

Katie from Sound Transit staff reported on the receipt of written public comments and indicated that two individuals were signed up for virtual public comment. Among the written public comments was a form letter submitted by multiple individuals. This collective communication requested a town hall in West Seattle to discuss the light rail extension, referencing a May 2024 public statement made by then Chair and now CEO Constantine to support such an event.

Another written comment came from Joe Kunzler, who provided edits to resolution number R2025-06, seeking to clarify the CEO's role and inclusion within the board's operations and emphasizing the CEO's responsibility for workplace climate.

During virtual public comment, Kunzler reiterated his suggestions regarding the CEO's role in ensuring safe, inclusive, and compliant board operations, as well as taking ownership of the workplace climate.

Martin Westerman, another virtual commenter, identified himself as the author of a forthcoming book, "Why the Environmental Movement Will Fail and How You Can Make Money on It," and stated he is using Sound Transit as a case study. Westerman expressed concerns about the Downtown to West Seattle railroad, citing the DEIS and FEIS studies which reportedly indicated no improvement in transit over existing Metro buses and alleged irreparable harm to the environment due to carbon emissions from railroad construction.

Board Initiates Discussion on CEO Performance Standards

Following public comment, the committee turned to business items, beginning with a discussion on developing performance standards for the CEO. Chair Somers explained that Board Member Strauss had submitted a proposed resolution on this matter, though he was not present at the meeting. Somers highlighted the board's obligation to develop these standards, which would relate to future performance bonuses and the review of the CEO's contract at the end of 2026.

Key areas of importance identified by board members during the CEO search process included public engagement by the CEO, board development and review of goals and procedures, and oversight of the capital plan, operations, maintenance, safety, and security. Somers proposed circulating past CEO performance standards and other relevant ideas to board members, aiming to have a conversation over the next two months and finalize performance goals by the end of May. Board Members Walker and Mello expressed their support for this direction and volunteered to participate in the subcommittee working on these measures. Board Member Harrell sought clarification on the process, and Board Member Balducci also indicated her support.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Joint Development Updates Presented

The committee then received the annual Transit Oriented Development report from Thatcher and Bowden, highlighting accomplishments in 2024 and plans for 2025. The report detailed various housing and commercial projects near Sound Transit stations, emphasizing the agency's commitment to equitable TOD. Board Member Balducci requested a breakdown of housing units built versus those in the process of development and encouraged a more open and creative approach to TOD projects.

Kristen Hoffman, Deputy Director of Joint Development, provided an update on the joint development design work for the West Seattle and Ballard Link extensions. The presentation focused on the potential for building over underground stations and the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach, drawing on feedback from industry engagement, including Urban Land Institute (ULI) technical assistance panels. Key themes from the industry included the viability of partnering with Sound Transit, the need for a development consultant, reducing risk and complexity, and planning for sequential delivery of the station and overbuild. Board Member Somers inquired about the relationship between joint development and public-private partnerships. Board Member Balducci raised concerns about the carrying costs associated with overbuilding and the timing of private development.

Other Business

Board Member Balducci announced her intention to bring forward a study and potential proposal regarding the agency's pet ridership policy, noting the upcoming opening of a station near a major dog park and the current policy requiring pets to be in containers.

The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st, at 10:30 a.m.