Yearly Archives: 2025
Sunday Video: How Can Cities Fix Big Box Stores?
Big box stores have become a common feature of American suburbs most everywhere. Many are still going, albeit it with lower foot traffic volumes,...
Join Us for The Urbanist’s Summer Garden Party, Bike Rides, Forum
We are hosting a flurry of events over the next month, including our May 31st bagel-themed bike ride, a June 4th Seattle candidate forum, and a Bellevue garden party on June 8th. Space is limited, so get tickets now.
Aurora Avenue Bus Lanes to Turn 24/7 to Aid RapidRide E...
Peak-only bus lanes will be converted to all-day operation between Fremont and N 115th Street as soon as next week. The move was initially planned in response to major construction work on I-5, which has mostly been delayed to 2026 and 2027.
Wilson Leads Harrell in Seattle Mayor Poll
A new Northwest Progressive Institute poll of Seattle voters that found challenger Katie Wilson had a slight lead over incumbent Bruce Harrell in the mayoral race, with 36% of respondents voting for challenger Katie Wilson if the general election for mayor were being held today, while 33% preferring incumbent Bruce Harrell, and 30% unsure.
Harrell Chops Off Dozens of City Blocks from Planned Growth Centers
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has shrunk the dimensions of eight neighborhood centers and six urban center expansions he proposed last year. The move chops dozens of blocks off the growth centers, limiting opportunities for apartments and affordable homebuilding and drawing criticism from housing advocates.
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.
Op-Ed: Inquest into Faletogo Killing Highlights Seattle Police Accountability Failures
A 2018 traffic stop ended with a horrific Seattle police killing of Iosia Faletogo deemed "lawful and proper." Six years later a jury saw it differently, but the inquest also highlighted the need for stronger police accountability mechanisms.
High Point Safety Town Hall Is a Low Point for Saka
Last week, Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka hosted a packed town hall to address gun violence in High Point and other parts of his District 1. The event ended in frustrated shouting, as residents said Saka hadn’t delivered on what he’d promised.








