Yearly Archives: 2025
Washington Senate OKs Rent Stabilization Bill After Gutting It
On Thursday, the Washington State Senate took the leap and approved a rent stabilization bill, but first senators gutted it with provisions that quickly earned the ire of tenant advocates. An original 7% cap on annual rent increases could instead rise to 20% or more.
Tickets Going Fast for Seattle Housing Panel and Other Urbanist Events
We've expanded capacity to our "Future of Seattle Housing" panel at El Centro de la Raza. RSVP soon to save your ticket before we run out. And check out our other April events.
Seattle’s Scooter and Bikeshare Boom Reaches New Heights
Seattle bikeshare and scootershare companies clocked 6.3 million rides in 2024, up 28% over 2023 and a record high. The momentum has continued in the first quarter of 2025, with ridership up 76% over the first quarter of 2024. If this pace is maintained, Seattle is on track to exceed 10 million rides in 2025.
Op-Ed: Anti-Speeding Technology Could Have Saved My Son
Lori Markovitz shares how House Bill 1596 could have saved her son by requiring anti-speeding technology for motorists with records of reckless driving. The bill needs to pass the state Senate by Wednesday to avoid a cutoff and become law in Washington state.
Five Things to Watch at Sound Transit Under CEO Dow Constantine
Expectations are high for longtime board member Dow Constantine's new job as Sound Transit CEO. Here's what The Urbanist's newsroom has at top-of-mind in the months ahead.
Sunday Video: How Big Box Retailers Are Bankrupting Cities
Big box stores are hollowing out North American cities, reinforcing sprawl and driving, destroying local businesses, and financially draining communities. Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes explains all that and more in his latest video.
City of Seattle Prevails Against Housing Growth Plan Appeals
Hearing Examiner Ryan Vancil dismissed all appeals of Seattle's growth plan. Despite a myriad of issues raised by six appellants, the proposal will move forward thanks to a recently passed state law intended to prevent predatory delay of housing plans.
Op-Ed: Clark County Rallies Against Republican Plan to Block Light Rail
After the last attempt to replace the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver stalled out due to Clark County Republicans’ opposition to bringing MAX light rail across the river, proponents hoped to have better luck, but a similar debate is erupting. The C-Tran board is set to vote Tuesday on funding MAX operations.








