Monthly Archives: February 2025
Community Transit To Reduce Fares for Some Riders in March
On Saturday, March 1, Community Transit will implement a fare change benefitting low-income riders, seniors, Medicare recipients, and disabled riders, as fares drop from $1.25 to $1.00 for these riders. Community Transit's full fare will remain $2.50.
‘Transformative’ Streets Initiative Goes to Tacoma Voters this Spring
The permanent renewal of Tacoma's Streets Initiative would enable the city to make significant progress on overhauling its most dangerous streets, and significantly expand safe bicycle infrastructure. The ballot measure goes to voters in an April 22 special election.
Harrell Teases Plans for Pedestrianizing Pike Place and Overhauling Aurora Avenue
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell teased a few urbanist-minded initiatives as he delivered his annual state of the city speech on Tuesday, putting support behind a push to pedestrianize Pike Place and launched a new "Northern Lights" vision to remake Aurora Avenue. Exactly when either change would occur remains unclear.
Washington Senate Greenlights Elevator Reform Aimed at Boosting Midrise Homebuilding
Senate Bill 5156, approved by the Washington Senate this week, could open the door to more accessible small apartment buildings built around smaller European-style elevators, reducing overall housing costs at the same time.
Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill
Though it was amended to exclude cities with less than 20,000 residents, Senate Bill 5184 still represents one of the most robust statewide parking reform packages to move forward in any state. It now must pass the House.
Tacoma Aims for 325,000 Residents by 2040 with New Comprehensive Plan
Tacoma is striving to pick up its pace of housing growth. The City hopes newly enact multiplex zoning while help it hit 325,000 residents in a few decades time, a population gain of nearly 50%.
Washington Legislature Wants to Rein In Historic Landmarking to Spur Housing
In Seattle, any person can nominate just about any building for historic landmark status — even without the consent of the building owner — which can delay or upend housing projects. The Washington State Legislature is advancing legislation that would place guardrails on historic landmark programs.
Rinck Urges Seattle Leaders to Defend Against Trump Attacks
At a protest Monday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck urged Seattle leaders to take on Trump to defend against attacks on federal workers, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. After earlier talks of collaborating with Trump, Mayor Harrell struck a more defiant tone in "State of the City" speech today, but was light on specifics.