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Monthly Archives: September 2025

King County Metro Delays Planned Electrification Work, Pushing Out Fiscal Cliff

Pivoting away from full-scale bus base retrofits that go all-in on battery electric buses means that Metro won't face a fiscal cliff until the early 2030s, according to budget writers. Metro's General Manager also framed the move as one that helps to preserve core bus services.
Harrell weather a pink button up shirt with pedestrians on the Overlook Walk in the background.

Harrell Budget Doubles Down on Police Spending

In Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2026 budget proposal unveiled Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department was the big winner, seeing a $34.5 million increase. The mayor would use a new 0.1% “public safety” sales tax increase and a business tax overhaul to close a $122 million deficit and fund new investments.

Seattle School Board Considers Returning Police to Garfield High

Last week, the Seattle School Board was scheduled to vote on a pilot program that would return police to Garfield High School, but delayed the vote to October 8. Critics have argued better ways exist to promote safety, and that a return of police could contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and disparate outcomes for Black and brown students.

School Board Directors Are Begging Seattle to Allow More Housing

A majority of the Seattle School Board joined the push for additional neighborhood growth centers last week, pointing to a link between additional housing density and stable student enrollment.
A group of over dozen people with their bikes on a wetland boardwalk segment of the trail.

Join The Urbanist for Campaign Events Ahead of the November Election

The Urbanist is focusing much of our upcoming events programming on getting our endorsed candidates elected. In the coming month, we are hosting panels, canvasses, volunteer trainings, and some social events. Join us!

King County Council Frontrunner Peter Kwon Averse to Taxes, Bold Plans

While SeaTac City Councilmember Peter Kwon came in first with nearly 28% of the vote in a six-way primary race to be District 5's next King County Councilmember, his campaign’s message has been high-level and light on specifics. In The Urbanist's interview with Kwon, a strong theme of tax-aversion emerged.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Test Your Wits with The Urbanist Crossword for September 21

Take the 12th installment of The Urbanist's crossword series, which runs every two weeks. If you love to take a contemplative moment with a brain-teasing puzzle, but you’re tired of nationally syndicated crosswords with no local flair or stance on high-capacity transit, you’re right where you need to be.

Seattle Council Punts on Housing Expansion, Tightens Tree Preservation Rules

Reductions in the size of proposed growth centers and new tree retention rules that could stifle homebuilding were among the dozens of Seattle growth plan amendments approved this week. Council rejected moves to make the plan bolder in a number of areas, fretting over the risk of legal appeals.