Washington State has big housing plans and ambitious planning tools, but it needs binding commitments across public, private, and social sectors to turn vision into reality. As it stands, housing isn't being built fast enough to stem the affordability crisis.
Kitsap Transit is planning a new fast ferry terminal on the Seattle waterfront and eyeing three potential sites, with Pier 48 the clear frontrunner. Through August 11, the agency is accepting comments to guide its study.
The view east up N 34th Street with the steel-spanned Aurora Avenue bridge in the distance.
Summer road work means delays for bus riders, but King County Metro is seeking to design detours to minimize the pain. Some transit riders argue more mitigation is needed.
A bright red RapidRide bus with the sun glinting in the sky
The adoption of a locally preferred alternative allows Metro to fully advance design work while seeking federal funding. Outstanding questions remain, including how bus priority will be added along a contentious segment in Houghton.
As the city prepares to celebrate the grand opening of the full Seattle Waterfront revamp, the only planned direct connection between downtown and the waterfront is set to remain uncompleted. At the center of the issue is an antiquated traffic signal.
Students hold signs urging gun prevention and holistic approached to end violence.
A group of high school student activists make the case we don’t need more cops in schools. We need more care, as the Seattle Student Union fought for and had been promised. The research is clear on what works.
A peach-colored house with teal trim and a grassy lawn
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) just got a bit easier to build in Seattle, as legislation passed in May went into effect yesterday. The reform will help Seattle meet state mandates to make ADUs easier to built. Ultimately, wider middle housing reforms planned in the coming months may prove more attractive to builders.
Alexis and Shaun stand in a picnic area with trees and the pipes and beams of Gas Works in the background.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck's new "Roots to Roofs" bill would provide zoning bonuses for community-based organizations to build housing and other cultural spaces, building on the rejected Connected Communities pilot. It already has the support of Land Use Chair Mark Solomon.