Amazon's return-to-office mandate boosts Seattle downtown foot traffic - Puget Sound Business Journal

The implementation of Amazon's return-to-office mandate has led to a notable increase in foot traffic in downtown Seattle, with a reported 22% rise on Mondays and Fridays in January compared to December. This data, sourced from the Downtown Seattle Association's Revitalization Dashboard, indicates that nearly 46,000 workers visited the Denny Regrade and South Lake Union neighborhoods, although this remains only 74% of the foot traffic recorded in January 2019. Across all downtown neighborhoods, the average weekday worker foot traffic increased by 9% from January 2024, yet it still only represents 57% of pre-pandemic levels. Jon Scholes, the DSA President and CEO, emphasized the positive effects on local businesses, noting that coffee shops and lunch spots are more bustling than before. Additionally, nearly 2 million unique visitors came downtown in January, marking a 14% increase from the previous year, while hotel occupancy also showed signs of recovery.

However, challenges persist in certain areas, particularly around Third Avenue, where safety concerns remain. The report highlights ongoing initiatives under Mayor Bruce Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan, aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and safety of the downtown area. Overall, the data reflects a significant shift in downtown Seattle's dynamics as more workers return to the office.