Amazon, corporate welfare king: Amazon threw in the towel on a new branch office at Long Island City because the company could not get its way to receive government subsidies ($). Richard Florida says that this debacle should push cities and states to enter into compacts to reject corporate welfare.
Promise of midblock crossings: Philadelphia shows how adding midblock pedestrian crossing can reorient the city in favor of pedestrians.
Edmonds housing backlash: A backlash to a housing strategy in Edmonds may stall an effort to make space for more people and housing ($).
Leading the charge: Hilary Franz, Washington’s Public Lands Commissioner, has a bold plan to save forests from wildfires, create jobs, and build affordable housing.
Cross-country HSR: It’s possible to replace cross-country air travel with high-speed rail.
Mukilteo’s big crook: Anti-taxer Tim Eyman has been caught shoplifting ($).
Unintentional parking reformers?: Knowing or unknowing, but national Republicans pushed through a tax expenditure bill last year that apparently increases the cost for parking lots.
F on shoveling: Should Seattle should get an F for snow shoveling?
Obstacle to ADUs: Sightline argues that parking requirements for accessory dwelling units are “climate killers” and overly burdensome.
Falling tax rates: Property taxes will fall for the first time in a long time in many King County cities ($).
CAHSR still moving ahead: California Gavin Newsom bungled his proposal to temporarily scale-back his state’s high-speed rail program this week. Robert Cruickshank says that the program should not stall.
Concerned about gentrification: Business owners in the University District still oppose land use changes in the neighborhood.
Fare-free transit debate: Think-tank Transit Center asks if transit should be free.
Schwebebahn: CityLab profiles Wuppertal, Germany’s odd suspended railway transit system known as the “Schwebebahn”.
End of an era: Seattle Councilmember Mike O’Brien will not run for reelection ($).
WA’s head biking apostle: Crosscut profiles Barb Chamberlain who is the Washington State Department of Transportation’s hardworking active transportation program director.
Going green: Oregon has unveiled a cap-and-trade bill to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
Setting the bar: On the back end of Capitol Hill, there is a very interesting infill townhouse development proposed.
Thwarting anti-vaxxers: Washington could preempt personal objections to certain vaccinations.
Compounding disaster: Richard Florida explains how natural disasters can lead to gentrification.
Promise of fourplexes: Legalizing fourplexes in much of Portland could reduce displacement risk, according to the city’s analysis.
Win them back: How transit agencies could win back their riders.
