Yearly Archives: 2025
Op-Ed: Seattle Voters Want Progressive Change, Data Shows
A recent Change Research poll found progressive Alexis Rinck is the only Seattle municipal official with a positive approval rating. In contrast, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Council President Sara Nelson, City Attorney Ann Davison were all under water. Precinct results for the recent social housing funding measure indicate widespread progressive buy-in as well.
Sound Transit Picks Dow Constantine, Elevating Board Insider to CEO
The Sound Transit Board of Directors revealed today its CEO pick is King County Executive Dow Constantine, who has served on the board for 16 years. Constantine has been a controversial candidate, with some observers seeing a seasoned executive who helped build the agency and others a borderline case of nepotism.
Sound Transit Recommends Costly, Car-Oriented Infill Station in Northern Tukwila
A decades-long planned Link infill station in North Tukwila is set to move into environmental review with a single alternative recommended by Sound Transit staff. The recommended alternative forsakes a long standing objective to connect with Sounder and leaves the station relatively isolated.
Op-Ed: Legislature Should Advance Amtrak Planning in Central and Eastern Washington
If the Washington legislature is serious about setting tangible goals for Amtrak Cascades this year, now is the time to also restart the conversation on advancing east-west passenger rail service and connecting Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Ellensburg, Auburn, and Seattle. All Aboard Washington is pushing for an amended version of HB 1837 setting eastward expansion goals.
House Committee Waters Down Parking Reform Bill to Placate Local Opposition
Issaquah Rep. Victoria Hunt added long implementation timelines and additional exemptions to Washington's parking reform bill as it passed out of Local Government Committee on Friday. Bill sponsors still tout the policy's significant potential to reduce costs for homebuilding.
Op-Ed: Adam Smith Is Responsible for Trump’s Victory, Not the ‘Left’
Defending the rich and blaming progressives for losses is a throughline in U.S. Rep. Adam Smith's long career, and it's gotten Democrats nowhere. Despite his recent efforts to again blame the Left, Smith and his corporate-friendly New Democratic coalition bears the blame for Trump's win, Austin Field argues.
Sunday Video: Portland’s ‘Weird’ Westside Express Commuter Rail Line
In this video, Climate and Transit dives into the history of Portland's Westside Express Service commuter rail line and what the future could hold for the "weird" and aging service.
The Urbanist’s Guide to Seattle’s 17,000 Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms
Our map of cherry blossoms hotspots covers more than 44,000 flowering stone fruit trees across Seattle. Check it out to plan your flower tour.