Seattleites divided on digital kiosks in public spaces
Why it matters: An ordinance signed Tuesday by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will allow the Downtown Seattle Association to install the touchscreen kiosks throughout the central business district.
Each kiosk measures more than 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide, and will display slides that are mostly advertisements when not in active use.
Zoom in: Axios Seattle recently asked readers to share their thoughts about the incoming kiosks, and some questioned if the benefits will justify increased advertising and privatization of public space.
Of the 51 people who responded, two-thirds had negative reactions, with 49% strongly disapproving of the kiosks' installation and about 18% saying they somewhat disapprove.
What they're saying: Advertising was the most common concern mentioned, followed by the kiosks' appearance and size.
"It's crowded in Seattle already — now we will have to dodge bulky, unwanted advertising too?" wrote reader Joni Bosh, who described the kiosks as "billboards at face level."
Even some who like the idea of the kiosks as a way to relay public information worried they'll quickly become defaced and vandalized, turning them into eyesores.
Others raised concerns about privacy, given that the kiosks will include cameras as part of a user-operated selfie booth feature. The city ordinance says the kiosks won't retain those images, nor take other types of photos or video.
The other side: Some readers said the devices — which are already in use in about two dozen other U.S. cities — are useful tools that Seattle should embrace.
Reader Peter Kulseth described them as "another awesome way to demonstrate the tech-focused and futuristic feel that Seattle embodies so well."
A few people described privacy concerns as overblown, noting that the kiosks will be placed on public streets where there is little expectation of privacy.
What's next: The Downtown Seattle Association expects to have all 30 kiosks installed by next summer, when Seattle is slated to host six matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
14 hours ago
- The Hill
How to buy 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets
(NEXSTAR) – The beautiful game is coming to the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2026 and millions of fans from around the world will be looking to get their hands on tickets to watch the best players in the world. But with 6.5 million fans expected to attend and millions more registered online, securing your spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be as simple as logging in to your preferred ticket retailer. According to FIFA, the best way to stay up to date with ticket release dates is by registering your interest on their website. There, you will be prompted to create a FIFA ID, which is needed to apply for and purchase tickets when the time comes. Lottery Tickets for the tournament will be released in several phases, with the first batch of tickets going on sale on Sept. 10. When phase one begins, a selection of registered fans will be able to apply for a random time slot to purchase tickets. Much like leading up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the first phase of ticket sales will happen before the end of World Cup qualification, meaning you won't know who will be playing in the games you buy tickets to in this phase. A later phase will take place after the official draw has taken place and each qualified team has been placed into a group, giving ticket buyers in that phase a chance to see who will be playing where. Right To Buy If you don't want to test your luck with the lottery process, FIFA has provided a way to guarantee your chance at buying tickets with Right To Buy (RTB) digital assets on FIFA Collect. There are multiple ways to earn RTBs: Purchase Glory Packs – includes one RTB for a match in a specific host city Complete challenges – using digital collectibles, complete designated challenges to win RTBs as a reward Purchase Surprise Packs – packs of digital collectibles that have a chance at having an RTB inside Purchase via the Marketplace – other collectors who have earned RTB can resell them Glory packs are limited and if they sell out, they could be found on the FIFA Collect marketplace for a markup. Completing challenges and purchasing surprise packs requires an additional investment. This route also requires some knowledge of digital assets and currencies. Hospitality/Travel Packages In 2025, FIFA released hospitality packages for those looking for a premium experience, including VIP lounges, food and drink. Those packages start at $1,350 per person for single matches but, depending on the team, venue and stage of the competition, could cost several tens of thousands of dollars. Certain verified retailers and travel agencies also offer packages that include anything from flights, lodging, transportation, etc., in addition to entry to the game. Third-Party Ticket Retailers FIFA is keen on keeping its tickets on its own platform, even when it comes to reselling. If someone who purchased tickets is unable to attend a match, they can resell them on the FIFA ticket website. Using third-party resellers could be risky, as it requires the seller to send you the ticket outside of their platform, opening the possibility of fraud. The same goes for purchasing tickets outside of the stadium on match day.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Meet Tsleil-Waututh Nation's new elected chief
A new chief has been elected for the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Justin Sky George began his term on July 1 after an election last month, succeeding Jen Thomas who held the position since 2021. 'It's a huge honour,' George said. 'Moving forward, it's really about building on that success of the past, understanding what has worked and what hasn't and engaging [with] our people.' George was elected alongside six Tsleil-Waututh Nation councillors. Couns. Curtis Thomas, Deanna George and Dennis Thomas were re-elected, while Kalila George-Wilson, James Sandover and Nicholas Kofi were newly elected. During the upcoming term, George hopes they can bring more diverse housing options for the community, including elders. He also said he will strive to enhance cultural programming, such as new possibilities around wellness and healing, and new business opportunities for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. 'Through economic sovereignty, we can truly make decisions as a people,' he said. 'When you have revenues coming in as a people, you can make those decisions on housing, on enhancing wellness, on enhancing all aspects of services that are provided by the nation and grow them.' The new chief has been heavily involved in the community. His first job was interviewing elders about the history and stories revolving around the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and how the land was used. George then went on to Takaya Tours, a canoe and kayak tour agency launched by his father and former chief Leonard George, sharing the nation's culture and stories with the public. He also worked on economic development for the nation for more than 18 years, and served as a councillor for 10. The leadership role isn't new for George, as he was chief from 2007 to 2011, a crucial time for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation during the 2010 Winter Olympics. 'It was the first time Indigenous peoples were recognized as head of state and that was important to the four host nations,' George said. 'The four host nations were so heavily involved in what I deem as a very successful Olympics, we stood as equals. We were full partners with all levels of government … and the Olympic Committee and so on.' The elected chief is excited for the opportunity again with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver next year. 'I think the World Cup … it's another level because it's so global,' he said. 'We're definitely heavily involved and excited about the opportunity again, just to stand with our relatives and the host nations to welcome the World Cup here.' George said he decided to run for chief again for the love, passion and support he has for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, drawing back to personal memories he had as a boy. 'We didn't have a lot, but we had a lot of love, and we had a lot of culture, even within the hurt,' he said, adding that family members and elders taught him songs, dances and teachings around the canoe growing up. 'Really, it's the love and gratitude that I have for the people that gives me the strength to step forward into this role,' George said. 'I'm extremely excited to be part of this new leadership team.' Elected chief and council will hold their term until June 29, 2029. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Axios
2 days ago
- Axios
MARTA and CEO Collie Greenwood part ways as agency faces pivotal year
The MARTA board voted Thursday to "mutually" part ways with Collie Greenwood, ending a three-year leadership tenure marked by new construction, service turbulence and debate over Atlanta's transit future. Why it matters: Greenwood's exit lands as MARTA prepares for next summer's FIFA World Cup, struggles to rebuild post-pandemic ridership and pushes forward on Atlanta's $2.7 billion transit expansion plan. The intrigue: Greenwood chose early retirement due to "immigration and personal matters," according to the resolution ending his employment agreement. Greenwood, who is a Canadian citizen, was unable to attend the meeting because of unspecified immigration issues, board chair Jennifer Ide said. Details were not immediately available. MARTA board members declined to comment after the meeting and agency staff said a press release was forthcoming. Board member Rod Frierson said during the meeting that "[w]e have tried to work through it, and it just wasn't possible." Between the lines: Service disruptions at major events — including the Peachtree Road Race, a Shakira concert, and most recently an escalator mishap that injured 11 after Beyoncé's show — drew public criticism. What they're saying:"It is very unfortunate that immigration is a very complicated issue in the United States today," Ide said after the board vote. "But Mr. Greenwood needed to make the decision that was best for him and his family, and his MARTA family will miss him tremendously." Catch up quick: Greenwood was named permanent CEO and general manager in late 2022 after serving as interim chief following Jeffrey Parker's death earlier that year. He joined MARTA in 2019, initially overseeing the bus network before his promotion to deputy general manager. Zoom in: Greenwood led MARTA's largest capital investments in decades — including bus rapid transit and station rehabs — and an ambitious redesign of the bus system. Under Greenwood, MARTA won the American Public Transit Association's 2024 outstanding public transportation system award, and secured AAA bond status from two credit agencies. Yes, but: MARTA ridership fell 6% in 2024 while national transit usage climbed 24%, the AJC reported in March, citing a Federal Transit Administration report. The agency disputed the findings, citing fare gate and Breeze Card problems. Friction point: MARTA's relationship with City Hall soured over dueling audits, construction delays and debates about the Five Points station renovation. Rhonda Allen, MARTA's chief customer experience officer, will work as acting general manager and CEO until the board appoints an interim. The board also created an ad hoc committee with a representative from each jurisdiction that funds MARTA to search for Greenwood's permanent successor.
