Facing a housing slowdown, foisting more costs onto new homes to fund a hodgepodge of transportation projects is a terrible idea. The four members of the Seattle City Council who are set to retire are making some last bids to cement their legacy and pass some major legislation on their
Take the challenge and go carless from October 2 to 8. For the last two years, Disability Rights Washington has invited elected leaders and policymakers across Washington State to participate in the Week Without Driving challenge. This year, advocates are taking the challenge nationwide. Nationally, more that 123 groups from
This month, King County voters have the chance to significantly expand our county’s capacity to support people experiencing mental health crises by passing the behavioral health levy on the April Special Election ballot. They should take the opportunity by voting yes for these desperately needed services, then keep the
At a public meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Sound Transit Board of Directors intend to select preferred station locations for the light rail system’s extension to Ballard through a new downtown tunnel. It’s imperative that Sound Transit pick the best station options and communicate that decision to the
Design review is currently under the microscope, with a stakeholder process evaluating the problems of housing delays and racial inequity. The Seattle City Council recently passed an extension of a Covid-era design review exemption for affordable housing projects. Councilmember Dan Strauss and the Mayor’s Office also floated a pilot
Seattle is nearing its final 2023-2024 budget and some big decisions are still in flux. The Mayor’s budget puts parking enforcement back in the Seattle Police Department (SPD), but the City Council’s balancing package keeps it in the Seattle Department of Transportation, where we think it belongs. At
Third Avenue in downtown Seattle is a place where many a plan goes to die, and yet the planning efforts keep stacking up. The Seattle City Council recently recommitted to taking another look at how to redesign the street, but the specifics are still being ironed out. A 2019 study
Cops often earn triple the salaries of Seattle’s social service workers; pay inequity is undermining the city’s response to homelessness. Seattle’s response to homelessness hinges on workers earning about $40,000 per year. Is it any wonder then that hundreds of positions remain unfilled, turnover is high,
Rent stabilization and ending apartment bans, a match made in heaven. Rents are going up, and almost no one is being spared. Even tenants in subsidized affordability programs are being impacted by rising housing costs. This is because those rents are set to the area median income (AMI) as determined
An open letter to Julie Timm Hello and welcome Julie Timm, soon-to-be Sound Transit CEO: As you prepare to step into your new role as CEO of one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding transit agencies, The Urbanist editorial board wants to congratulate you. We’re excited for the