The Registry: Downtown Seattle sees further progress on economic revitalization: A comprehensive look at December 2024

This story was originally published by The Registry on Jan. 16, 2025.

Downtown Seattle, a city that faced the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier than most urban centers in the United States, has been steadily charting its path to recovery. The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) has been at the forefront of this journey, tracking key economic indicators and providing a monthly Revitalization Dashboard to measure progress. The December 2024 update highlights significant milestones in visitation, workforce activity, hotel demand, and residential growth, painting an optimistic picture of a city rediscovering its vibrancy.

One of the most striking indicators of Downtown Seattle’s recovery is its visitor numbers. In December 2024, the city attracted more than 2.4 million unique visitors, which is 88 percent of the foot traffic recorded in December 2019, before the pandemic altered urban dynamics. This growth also represents a 6 percent increase from December 2023, suggesting a strong rebound in tourism, holiday shopping, and downtown events.

Notably, the Pike-Pine Corridor—encompassing Pike and Pine streets from First to Ninth Avenues—was a major hub of activity, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors during the month. This represents a 7 percent increase over November 2024, underscoring the corridor’s role as a key economic and cultural artery in downtown revitalization.

While remote and hybrid work models remain prevalent, Downtown Seattle has seen incremental increases in office worker foot traffic. During December 2024, the downtown area averaged more than 75,000 workers per weekday, achieving 58 percent of pre-pandemic levels from December 2019. The holiday season, with major midweek holidays, likely contributed to a 5 percent year-over-year rise in office attendance.

These figures highlight the continued importance of downtown as a business hub, even as companies reimagine traditional workspaces. The sustained presence of workers downtown fuels nearby businesses, from coffee shops to lunch spots, and serves as a critical factor in the city’s broader recovery.

Seattle’s hospitality sector, a key pillar of its economy, has shown remarkable resilience. In December 2024, more than 255,000 hotel rooms were sold, marking 84 percent of the demand recorded in December 2019. This represents a 9 percent increase from December 2023, driven by a combination of leisure travel, conventions, and holiday events.

Major conventions at the Seattle Convention Center and a vibrant holiday season have drawn both domestic and international visitors, highlighting the city’s enduring appeal as a travel destination. This upward trend in hotel occupancy is a promising sign for the recovery of Seattle’s tourism industry, which was severely impacted by the pandemic.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging metrics is the growth in downtown’s residential market. By the end of Q4 2024, the number of occupied apartment units in the city had reached nearly 59,000, a 4 percent increase from Q4 2023 and an impressive 17 percent rise compared to Q4 2019.

This surge in apartment occupancy underscores the downtown area’s growing appeal as a residential destination. With access to cultural events, parks, and amenities, downtown living offers an attractive lifestyle for professionals and families alike. This trend not only bolsters the local economy but also strengthens the community fabric, making the area more vibrant and sustainable in the long term.

Beyond these metrics, 2024 was a year of significant achievements for downtown Seattle:

• Business Growth: The Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) saw 88 new street-level businesses open, revitalizing the retail and dining sectors. These openings reflect confidence in downtown as a place for commerce and innovation.
• Community Engagement: Over 3,500 hours of free programming were hosted in key downtown parks, including Bell Street Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Park, and Westlake Park. These events, ranging from concerts to family activities, played a pivotal role in attracting visitors and enhancing the downtown experience.

As Seattle enters 2025, the momentum continues with several marquee events scheduled to bring excitement and economic activity downtown:

• Youth Volleyball Tournament: The MLK Seattle Kickoff, held January 18–20 at the Seattle Convention Center, will draw nearly 6,000 attendees, utilizing both convention buildings and generating millions of dollars in economic impact.
• Lunar New Year Celebrations: Ushering in the Year of the Snake, Westlake Park will host festivities on January 26, featuring performances by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
• Literary Spotlight: Renowned author Percival Everett will visit Town Hall Seattle for a live conversation on January 23, drawing literature enthusiasts from across the region.

Downtown Seattle’s journey toward recovery is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its community, businesses, and residents. While challenges remain, particularly in the return-to-office space, the growth in visitation, residential demand, and business openings offers a hopeful glimpse of a brighter future.