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Yearly Archives: 2025

Sound Transit Plans Major Program Reset Tackling 30- to 40-Billion-Dollar Shortfall

Work to close the 20-25% funding gap announced Thursday will likely have far-reaching implications on everything from system expansion projects to how Sound Transit delivers current service. The coming months will likely see assumptions long thought settled back on the table.

Federal Way Light Rail Extension to Open December 6

Federal Way Link will open on December 6, ahead of the previous plan for an early 2026 opening, Sound Transit announced today.
Shannon Braddock takes a seat in the middle of the dais with the nine County Councilmembers around her during her swearing in ceremony.

King County Restructures School Impact Fees to Comply with State Law

King County is capping school impact fees on multifamily projects, hoping to lessen the burden on homebuilders. The move sparked a debate on how to help overcapacity school districts while avoid undue burdens on builders.

Cities Grapple With ‘Game-Changing’ Impact of Mercer Island Housing Plan Ruling

Cities around the region are starting to grapple with greater accountability for creating more affordable housing, in the wake of a far-reaching decision impacting Mercer Island. Bainbridge Island and Clyde Hill provide an early look at those conversations.
A white six story building with jutting windows.

Seattle Social Housing Developer Strives for High Sustainability and Affordability Standards

With a mandate to design its buildings for an ambitious green housing standard called “Passive House” while maintaining affordability, Seattle's newly funded social housing authority has an important point to prove.
A big flock of pigeons peck around a mostly empty parking lot with one flat bed truck nearby

Why Shoreline’s Vote to Erase Parking Mandates Is a Big Deal

Parking reform has become a national movement, aimed at reducing housing costs. With a nudge from state law, Shoreline joins the trend to support urban development and a shift toward greener transportation options.

Sound Transit’s 2 Line Faces Hurdles Beyond Crossing I-90 Bridge

While the ability to run trains across the floating bridge continues to be a major impediment to getting the full 2 Line running, other issues along the existing 1 Line could pose even greater challenges to maintaining consistent service.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Test Your Wits with The Urbanist Crossword for August 24

Take the tenth 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.