The Urbanist is hosting an Urbanism on the Eastside panel on July 6 featuring candidates and elected officials from Woodinville to Newcastle and cities in-between. The Urbanist’s Ryan Packer will moderate the discussion which will touch on pressing issues like transportation, housing, and fledgling growth plans. RSVP to save your spot!

Our panelists include:

• Mason Thompson, Bothell Mayor
• Naren Briar, Bellevue City Council candidate
• Kelly Jiang, Issaquah City Councilmember
• Kurt Dresner, Kirkland Council candidate
• Paul Charbonneau, Newcastle City Councilmember
• Melissa Stuart, Redmond City Councilmember
• Michelle Evans, Woodinville City Councilmember

Following the model of our Future of Seattle Housing Panel, attendees can submit questions in advance.

Hear from these leading voices raising the banner for housing abundance, economic justice, and safe streets on the Eastside. Urbanist issues are going mainstream in the suburbs. For example, Bothell reelected Mason Thompson and elected an urbanist majority to City Council in 2023. Urbanist majorities in more cities across the Eastside could be a gamechanger.

If you’re interested in attending our forum but don’t have any questions in mind, consider reading up on recent Eastside news. A rundown of some recent headlines:

• Bellevue’s city council members waffling on how much density to add in their zoning code.
• Sound Transit starts I-90 testing, full 2 Line opening slips to 2026.
• A retrospective on Redmond’s recent growth boom near its light rail stations.
• Woodinville’s debate over mandatory affordable housing.
• In Eastside affordable housing efforts, ARCH provides both help and hurdles.
• Newcastle’s council adding environmental and equity language to their growth plan, despite their mayor’s opposition.

You can find the other events The Urbanist is hosting this month here or on our events calendar.

July 6th Future of Urbanism on the Eastside Panel

• What: A panel hosted by The Urbanist focused on the future of Eastside transportation, housing, and growth plans. Panelists include councilmembers and candidates for council from every city between Newcastle and Woodinville.
• Where: Highland Community Center, 14224 NE Bel Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007
• When: July 6th 4 PM – 6 PM,
• Transit Stops: 2 Line (Bel-Red Station, walking required), Routes 226, 249, and Rapid Ride B. 
• RSVP: RSVP here. A suggested donation of $5 goes towards covering the cost of renting the venue.
• Submit your questions: Question form.

Sound Transit Starts I-90 Testing, Full 2-Line Opening Slips to 2026

The unpowered tow across the I-90 floating bridge Wednesday marks a big milestone for the beleaguered East Link project. A grand opening of the 2 Line in early 2026 is highly dependent on how the next few months of testing go.

The Urbanist