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Staff Biography

Doug Trumm

Publisher

Doug Trumm started volunteering with The Urbanist in 2015 as a writer and has served as editor and publication director. He graduated from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at UW in 2019 with a concentration in (you guessed it) urban policy. He lives in East Fremont/West Wallingford and loves to explore the city on his bike. His cat Ole is a national treasure. Follow him on Twitter @dmtrumm or send him an email at doug [at] theurbanist [dot] org.

Recent Articles

Harrell stands at a lectern under a white tent with Bryant Manor apartment building in the background.

Harrell Announces Reparations Fund, Ramps Up Attacks on Wilson

On Wednesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell rolled out a proposal for an $80 million “anti-gentrification and reparations fund,” and trumpeted $350 million in housing investments he aims to make in 2026. He also ramped up attacks on challenger Katie Wilson and other political opponents, saying "how dare anyone question the compassion of this administration toward people who are underrepresented."
Looking up Phinney Avenue with a five-story apartment building on the corner and another under construction just north.

Urbanists Push to Amend Seattle Growth Plan Ahead of Final Vote

Seattle’s long saga of passing its state-required, once-per-decade major update to its Comprehensive Plan is nearing its end. But first, one more public hearing will be held this Friday for residents to air their grievances or do their cheerleading. Here's our guide to the 106 amendments under consideration.

While Seattle Population Spikes, Car Population Stalls Out

Seattle's human population is growing fast, but its car population has stalled out. Between 2017 and 2023, Seattle added 35,000 households and about 80,000 residents, but just 3,300 cars, new Census data has revealed -- in news that is music to urbanist ears.
A rendering shows a simple concrete bridge with a high span over Salmon Bay, with piers in the background.

The Sound Transit Board Signals a Return to Parochialism

Faced with an agency-wide budget gap approaching $30 billion for the next wave of expansion plans, Sound Transit boardmembers are retreating to their corners and doubling down on parochialism. Clearly, a more holistic approach is needed, driven by outcomes and regional cooperation.

Sunday Video: Seattle’s Water Hook-up Fees Are Stunting Homebuilding

Civil engineer Donna Breske produced a video digging into the issue of excessive water hook-up costs blocking homebuilding and driving up housing costs. She argues Seattle needs a systemwide plan to upgrade water mains that is not dependent on gouging builders.