Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..
CityNerd's Ray Delahanty rebutted Conor Dougherty's New York Times pro-sprawl op-ed. Via his spicy top 10 list," Delahanty shows how density generates high-amenity, livable neighborhoods that are far less car dependent than the sprawling suburbs that Dougherty celebrates in his hot take.
A gray and white midrise building with an orange art wrap.

Op-Ed: Opportunity Zones Fail to Address Urban Disinvestment Crisis

The theory was that opportunity zone tax incentives would spur the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. But in practice, they have often failed to produce meaningful benefits for long-time residents. In cities across America — from Baltimore to Oakland, Cleveland to Atlanta — the pattern is painfully clear: investment comes, but equity does not.
A sign in front of an apartment building advertising "Affordable Micro Studios" with utilities and wifi included

Lawmakers Reach Rent Stabilization Compromise

Rent increases would be capped between 7% and 10% under the compromise measure approved by a conference committee Thursday night. It still needs to advance back through both chambers by Sunday night to reach the Governor's desk.
Ferguson is a middle aged White man in glasses in a suit posing by some flowers

Ferguson’s Continued Focus on Austerity Places King County in Jeopardy

King County Council members are sounding the alarm after Governor Bob Ferguson’s opposition to lifting the property tax cap threw their future budget into chaos. Ferguson’s opposition to new revenue options is also jeopardizing the state budget and could force deep service cuts and potentially a special session to hammer out details.
A photo of a tent in front of a glass window with exhibiting large portrait style photos of people.

Op-Ed: Harrell’s Record on Homelessness Is Cynical, Cruel, and Cosmetic

Homeless encampment sweeps have tripled under Mayor Harrell, but shelter capacity has shrunk, and the number of people who are unsheltered remains stubbornly high.
A roundabout is filled with green plants and is surrounded by fresh concrete and new curb curb cuts. It's a residential neighborhood with a purple single family house on the corner.

Tacoma Voters Narrowly Reject Levy in Street Safety Setback

Tacoma voters balked at the price tag of the Streets Initiative II levy. That leaves Tacoma officials scrambling to come up with plan B to grapple with street safety and maintenance needs.

After a Baby Step Toward Housing Density, Edmonds Starts Backpedaling

The new housing growth framework in Edmonds allows some additional density around existing commercial hubs and centers. But with one neighborhood already getting a second look, the entire plan could unravel in the face of opposition.
Orange signs warn of the bike path closure just east of Expedia Park. A dozen joggers and dog walkers crowd the waterfront path. The Seattle skyline is in the distance.

Elliott Bay Trail Upgrades Temporarily Close Waterfront Bike Path

Seattle's waterfront bike path from Expedia Park to Myrtle Edwards Park is closed for renovations through August. A detour to the waterfront pedestrian path is offered, but people biking must yield to pedestrians. The pedestrian path will be closed for renovations after the bike path work is complete.

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A dozen people gather in the courtyard plaza between the buildings that compose El Centro de La Raza complex.

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.

The Urbanist to Host ‘Future of Seattle Housing’ Panel April 23

RSVP to save yourself a spot at the Future of Seattle Housing Panel hosted by The Urbanist and Seattle YIMBY from 6pm to 8pm on April 23.
Attendees fill seats in long tables at Teku Tavern two members of House Our Neighbors present to the group.

Join The Urbanist for Our April Social Events and Walking Tours

The Urbanist is hosting four social events in April. We're also kicking off our urbanism-themed walking tours starting in Kirkland. Plus, on May 10 we'll be hosting a booth at the opening celebration at Downtown Redmond Station.

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A elevated platform sits on the side of an urban road with a smattering of large midrise apartment buildings bordering it.

A Local’s Guide to the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension

Andrew Villeneuve offers recommendations for Redmond eats, activities, and happenings and invites urbanists to Northwest Progressive Institute's Downtown Redmond Link opening day celebration on May 10.

Bellevue’s Bold Middle Housing Plan Faces Uncertain Fate at Planning Commission

The changes being considered by the Bellevue Planning Commission right now would go further than the minimum state mandate, allowing up to six units in many more areas and with considerable flexibility.

Woodinville Scrambles to Implement Affordability Mandate Downtown

After considering a full halt on multifamily development, tourist-focused Woodinville is set to add a 10% affordable housing requirement months ahead of a full analysis of potential affordability programs. Whether it's an earnest attempt at boosting affordability or a proxy for a building moratorium is anybody's guess at this point.

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Op-Ed: Mapping the Missing Housing Opportunities in Seattle Growth Plan

Nat Henry maps out Mayor Harrell's growth plan and finds his transit corridor plan would would upzone fewer than 1 in 10 parcels within a five-minute walk of transit stops. That forces renters onto dangerous, polluted arterial roads, where apartments would be narrowly focused.

Seattle Council Pushes Most Zoning Changes Into 2026, Citing Appeal Delays

Phase two of the One Seattle Plan had included additional housing density around 30 existing commercial centers like Tangletown and Madrona, but now those changes won't be discussed until after this fall's elections, pushing key housing actions into 2026.

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.

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Urbanist Reporters Appear on Hacks and Wonks Podcast

The Urbanist's contributing editor Ryan Packer and reporter Amy Sundberg appeared on back-to-back episodes of the Hacks and Wonks podcast this week. Be sure...
Ryan Packer in a bike helmet along a bike path with an autumn-colored tree behind

Ryan Packer Talks Vision Zero, Traffic Safety on Hacks and Wonks...

Ryan Packer broke down local "Vision Zero" traffic safety campaigns on a recent episode of the Hacks and Wonks podcast.
Photo of Rian Watt wearing a t-shirt from the National Civil Rights museum and an unbuttoned button down shirt. He is smiling slightly.

Rian Watt Talks Primary Results on Hack and Wonks Podcast

The Urbanist's Senior Advisor Rian Watt discussed primary election results and the latest happenings at Seattle City Hall on a August 9 episode of...

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