Staff Biography
Ryan Packer
Contributing EditorRyan Packer lives in the Summit Slope neighborhood of Capitol Hill. They are on the board of the Friends of Pike Place Market and write about transportation issues at Capitol Hill Seattle. They believe in using Seattle’s history to attain the vibrant, diverse city that we wish to inhabit. Follow them on Twitter @typewriteralley or email at ryan [at] theurbanist [dot] org.
Recent Articles
Buried Report Throws Cold Water on Zahilay’s Billion-Dollar Housing Bond Proposal
The idea of using King County's uptapped bonding capacity to unlock dollars for affordable housing seemed like a promising new area for exploration. But a report dropped on the county council's doorstep this summer outlined some major obstacles and the need for a new dedicated revenue source to back the bonds.
Lake Washington Boulevard Safety Upgrades Fully Designed Before Mayor Pulled Plug
A major intersection redesign near Seward Park was ready to go to construction with a Mayor's Office review the only impediment, records show. The exchanges reveal what was happening behind the scenes as the public was kept in the dark about the future of upgrades on the high-profile corridor.
Redmond Supportive Housing Project Breaks Ground After Kenmore’s Rejection
The 100-unit housing project had been conceived in Kenmore, but was moved to Redmond after community opposition doomed its prospects. Affordable housing leaders see the way Redmond completed the hand-off as a model to be replicated elsewhere.
Sound Transit Queues Big Express Bus Network Changes after Light Rail Openings
The changes will impact riders throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties as Sound Transit eliminates routes where travel times are competitive with new light rail options. The agency is also planning to launch a new overnight bus network to improve regional access.
SDOT Backpedals on Plans for Capitol Hill Bus Lane Removal
Work will continue on upgrades to E Union Street that will allow Route 2 buses to return to the corridor, but the idea of reopening the street to all westbound traffic has been taken off the table -- at least for now.