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Diego Batres joins The Urbanist as its third paid staff member, with a goal of connecting the reporting we publish with actions you can take to build community power.
Recent Posts
Could Seattle’s 20-Year Growth Plan Get Derailed by Predatory Appeal?
The release of the city's final environmental review of the One Seattle growth plan is likely to be followed by an appeal, in an attempt to stop neighborhood-level zoning changes. But while an appeal may add time, it's likely to ultimately fail.
Washington Legislature Sets it Sights on Transit-Oriented Development…Again
House Bill 1491 would require cities to increase development capacity around train stations and bus rapid transit stops. But a contentious affordability requirement for that new development could be a sticking point.
Join The Urbanist for a Meetup with House Our Neighbors on...
Join The Urbanist and House Our Neighbors at TeKu Tavern Monday Feb 3rd at 6pm to socialize and hear about Prop 1A.
After Outcry, Seattle Public Schools Backpedals on Closures – For Now
The idea of closing schools is currently off the table as Seattle Public Schools considers how to close a significant budget deficit. This year's legislative session and school board elections will be pivotal in determining whether that conversation will resurface.
Facing Budget Crisis, Washington’s Leaders Downplay Focus on Highway Expansion
As other states start to reassess their prioritization of expanding highway capacity in the face of ambitious climate goals and other transportation needs, Washington is still in denial mode.
Sunday Video: Seattle’s Long-Forgotten Hill
The Denny Regrade, completed between 1897 and 1930, changed the face of Seattle's downtown forever. This video from Seattle's municipal archives breaks down how it happened and why.
Op-ed: Boosting Freight Rail Is a Forgotten but Essential Climate Action
Moving freight by rail is significantly more efficient than by truck, a fact that could help Washington meet its climate goals. But are state leaders neglecting improvements to the state rail network?
Welcome Diego Batres, The Urbanist’s New Director of Development & Events
Diego Batres joins The Urbanist as its third paid staff member, with a goal of connecting the reporting we publish with actions you can take to build community power.
Join The Urbanist for a Meetup with House Our Neighbors on...
Join The Urbanist and House Our Neighbors at TeKu Tavern Monday Feb 3rd at 6pm to socialize and hear about Prop 1A.
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.
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2025 Is Poised To Be the Year of the Eastside
East Link light rail expansions set the stage for boosting housing and transforming streets to overcome car dependence. The next year will be a pivotal, signaling whether Eastside cities are executing an urban transformation or falling back into old exclusionary patterns, ceding regional leadership back to the other side of the lake.
After Density Debate, Kirkland Plans for Future 10-Minute Neighborhoods
Kirkland's 20-year growth plan represents a step back from more ambitious proposals considered earlier this year, but it lays down a marker for where the city is headed next.
Claudia Balducci Wants to Tackle King County’s Challenges Head-On as Executive
In making her case to become the next King County Executive, Claudia Balducci is pointing to her extensive track record of delivering on housing and transportation –– and getting the details right.
More Eastside Coverage posts »
Could Seattle’s 20-Year Growth Plan Get Derailed by Predatory Appeal?
The release of the city's final environmental review of the One Seattle growth plan is likely to be followed by an appeal, in an attempt to stop neighborhood-level zoning changes. But while an appeal may add time, it's likely to ultimately fail.
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.
Local Groups Push to Block Housing in Seattle’s Proposed Neighborhood Centers
By the time the Seattle City Council convenes for the first meeting of the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan on January 6, a group of residents from every single council district will have been pushing to scale back proposed zoning changes in their midst, all using similar arguments around lack of infrastructure and loss of neighborhood character.
More One Seattle Plan posts »
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.
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...
Urbanist Publisher Doug Trumm Discusses Transportation Levy on Hacks & Wonks...
The Urbanist’s Publisher Doug Trumm was recently on Crystal Fincher's Hacks and Wonks podcast to discuss the Seattle transportation levy proposal, which came in well short of where safe streets advocates were pushing the mayor to go. The episode is a good primer on the levy debate.
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