Staff Biography
Amy Sundberg
ReporterAmy Sundberg is the publisher of Notes from the Emerald City, a weekly newsletter on Seattle politics and policy with a particular focus on public safety, police accountability, and the criminal legal system. She also writes science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels. She is particularly fond of Seattle’s parks, where she can often be found walking her little dog.
Recent Articles
Seattle Council, Mayor Not Asking the Hard Questions about Police Recruitment
City leaders are weighing laxer hiring standards rather than improving SPD's culture and accountability systems. But SPD's bad reputation could be the bigger drag on hiring – not to mention safety outcomes.
How King County’s Basic Income Program Could Fight Poverty and Increase Safety
Research has showed the promise of guaranteed basic income programs to interrupt the cycle of poverty, and participants in King County's pilot program told The Urbanist that it had helped them improve their circumstances.
New Seattle Police Contract Punts on Accountability, Delivers Big 23% Raise
Mayor Harrell's contract would make Seattle police the highest paid in the region, but no more accountable.
The long-awaited new proposed contract between the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) has...
Shaun Scott Aims to Succeed Retiring Rep Chopp as Progressive Champion in Olympia
Shaun Scott sat down with The Urbanist to make his case for the 43rd Legislative District seat and lay out his top priorities in office, which included funding affordable housing, grappling with Long Covid, and advancing civilian emergency response alternatives.
Seattle Council Wants to Subsidize Cop Housing While Affordable Housing Is on Chopping Block
Seattle Police Department had a net loss of 36 officers in 2023 as recruitment efforts have yet to bear fruit. This has the Seattle City Council pondering more desperate measures.