Seattle City Council Approves DSA’s Installation of IKE Digital Kiosks

SEATTLE, June 24, 2025 — The Seattle City Council on Tuesday approved the installation of IKE Smart City digital kiosks throughout downtown, advancing a new interactive platform that will improve wayfinding, support small businesses and enhance the visitor experience — all at no cost to the city.

The program will begin with 30 kiosks downtown, with additional installations planned for SoDo, Ballard, West Seattle and the U District as part of a future, second rollout. The first kiosks are expected to be in the ground within the next year, in time to welcome the 750,000 visitors projected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We’re excited City Council has taken this important step forward for downtown,” DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes said. “These kiosks will help people navigate the city, discover local businesses and stay connected, all while generating revenue to support cleaning, beautification and events in downtown. A sincere thank you to Council President Sara Nelson for her leadership and support in moving this legislation across the finish line.”

IKE — interactive kiosk experience — kiosks are already operating in more than 20 cities nationwide. In Seattle, they’ll provide real-time transit information, promote arts and culture, offer Wi-Fi, display digital art and serve as a safety tool with emergency call buttons and public alerts. Advertising revenue from the kiosks will fund DSA/MID direct services, enhancing downtown’s continued revitalization.

“This is a smart, zero-cost solution that benefits everyone who lives, works and visits downtown,” Scholes said.