University Of Washington Master Plan Moves Forward In Council

SEATTLE, WA – The University of Washington got some good news from the Seattle City Council. The Planning Committee sent their plan to expand its Seattle campus and build an "innovation district" to the full council for consideration.

With a few conditions.

The focus of the plan is an "innovation district" that would provide a place for researchers could work with government institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies to develop startups aimed at advancing technology and more. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

There would also be space for another 7,000 students, more office space for the university, more research areas, and athletic facilities.

While approving the plan, the committee did ask for changes.

While the university proposed having a goal of having only 15 percent of its students and employees commute alone by 2028, the committee is insisting that the goal be lowered to 12 percent.

The committee also said that the school needs to add hundreds of units of housing for their lower-income workers. UW's plan calls for 150 units while the committee wants three times that.

The full council will likely consider the plan next week. If they approve it, the university's Board of Regents will consider he proposal and make changes.

The university will then return to the council with a revised proposal. That could happen by the end of the year.

Image via University of Washington.