Dear City Representatives and Councilpersons,

We wanted to contact you as concerned business owners and community members of Pioneer Square, a historic and vibrant district within District 1. Rob Saka's mission statement emphasized the importance of common sense and thoughtful deliberation in legislation, alongside a commitment to improving public safety, ending homelessness, building affordable housing, and enhancing public infrastructure. While your words are encouraging, the reality we face in Pioneer Square starkly contrasts with the vision he has laid out.

Our community, comprised of retail businesses, restaurants, and the oldest areas of art and culture in Seattle, represents the gateway to our city. Most of us opened our businesses here one year or more ago, drawn by the area's rich history and immense potential. Like many others, Pioneer Square has the makings of a true gem for Seattle. However, we increasingly find this potential overshadowed by insurmountable challenges without a promise of support.

Despite said commitment to community-based solutions and addressing the underlying causes of our city's issues, we, the entrepreneurs and family businesses of Pioneer Square, are left feeling ignored and unsupported. We are not just waiting for change anymore. We are actively and passionately coming together, meeting regularly, and strategizing how to effect the change promised. We understand and empathize with the broader challenges. However, Pioneer Square is ignored, and left to fend for itself as we strive to revitalize this district.

Pioneer Square has and continues to face a perception problem; Pioneer Square is seen as a pass-through rather than a destination. The current plans to transform our historic art district into a transit depot exacerbate this, threatening to undo our progress and resilience, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We are steadfast and resilient, but we cannot continue to shoulder this burden and allow the city to ignore the detrimental impact of its overreach.

Councilmen Saka, you must begin to provide the tangible support and leadership needed to help us reenvision and revitalize Pioneer Square. We need actions, not just words, to address the issues plaguing our district and turn it into the vibrant, thriving area it has the potential to be. The community is not just galvanizing; different industries are coming together, and we will ensure our community's collective voice is no longer ignored and our needs addressed. We are here to thrive, not just survive.

As Chair of the Transporation Committee, Mr. Saka, we ask that you honor your commitments and work with us to transform Pioneer Square into a destination that all District 1 residents and business owners can be proud of - not a bus depot to serve FIFA plans for the 2026 World Cup, i.e. Fédération Internationale de Football Association, International Federation of Association Football.

We would greatly appreciate your immediate attention and action on this matter. The community is tired. It's time for real change and genuine support for Pioneer Square.