Yearly Archives: 2025

Sunday Video: Why Traffic Is Worse Than Ever and NYC’s Solution

CityNerd dives into rising traffic congestion and Manhattan's congestion pricing system that just went into effect, seeking to address the issue.
Sunset out of an Intercity Transit bus window in Thurston County.

Op-Ed: Washington State Should Allow Riders to Serve on Transit Boards

Transit advocates are gearing up to pass House Bill 2191, which would allow Public Transit Benefit Authority boards across the state to create voting seats for transit riders. The bill came up just short last session.
A sign on an apartment building indicating the parking entrance

Bateman Takes Aim at Washington’s Parking Mandates

A new bill introduced at the state legislature by longtime housing advocate Jessica Bateman would represent a sea change, limiting the ability of cities and counties to mandate high amounts of parking.
The pedestrian bridge to the University Washington campus looms in the background and a bus stop with two buses waiting at a stop light.

Metro Plans Reduced Service as Staff Hold Shawn Yim Memorial Friday

To allow staff to participate in a memorial for slain bus driver Shawn Yim, King County Metro has announced plans for reduced service Friday. Amalgamated Transit Union 587 is honoring Yim with a 10am funeral procession through Downtown Seattle and a memorial service at Lumen Field Event Center.

Chief Rahr Fires Seattle Cop Who Struck and Killed Jaahnavi Kandula

On Monday, interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr fired SPD Officer Kevin Dave. Dave was driving 74 miles per hour in response to an overdose call almost two years ago when he killed graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula while she was in a crosswalk.
A small neighborhood cafe commercial storefront with people sitting outside in patio chairs

Statewide Neighborhood Cafe Bill Returns, Expanded to More Types of Businesses

A popular bill from 2024 that would legalize neighborhood cafes in residential areas across Washington is back in 2025. It will likely continue to face headwinds from local governments.

How Routine Lake Washington Boulevard Traffic Calming Turned Into a Fight

The idea of slowing drivers along one of the city's most scenic waterfront routes had been seen as the compromise position, in the face of competing visions for Lake Washington Boulevard. But behind-the-scenes, the upgrades have been under attack.
In the foreground are OPCD planners and in the background are city councilmembers at the dais.

Moore Leads Housing Backlash in Seattle Council’s First Comprehensive Plan Meeting

As the Seattle City Council took its first look at Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle Comprehensive Plan on Monday, Cathy Moore delivered a slow-growth manifesto, tinged with derision for renters, who she portrayed an unengaged and a detriment to neighborhoods.