Staff Biography

Ryan Packer

Contributing Editor

Ryan 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

A crosswalk is filled with a dozen pedestrians in downtown Seattle.

State Safety Plan Recommends Lower DUI Limit, Driver Education Reforms

A new "Target Zero" safety roadmap for reducing serious injuries and fatalities on Washington's roads includes some clear, evidence-based recommendations. But implementation could be challenging given political realities.

Roger Millar’s Departure Leaves Big Shoes to Fill at WSDOT

Washington State's transportation chief Roger Millar is out after eight years, as Governor-elect Bob Ferguson prepares to take office. Widely recognized as a leader in progressive transportation policy, Millar will be tough to replace.
A small crowd waits for the doors to open on a monorail train at Seattle Center

A First Look at Seattle Center Monorail Station’s Planned Access Upgrades

With $15 million in federal funds in hand, accessibility upgrades are moving forward for the Seattle Center monorail station. Take a look at the preferred concept.
Washington State Capitol dome at dusk

State Senate Taps Bateman for Housing Chair in Major Committee Shakeup

Big changes are coming to the Washington State Senate in 2025, including the elevation of incoming Senator Jessica Bateman to a high profile post as head of the Housing Committee, a symbol of the continued salience of the issue.
A Route 7 bus comes down Rainier Avenue on a sunny day in a red bus lane

King County Metro Testing Onboard Cameras to Cite Bus-Lane Violators

King County Metro is testing out on-board cameras that capture license plates in order to issue citations for violations of bus only lanes. It's the first transit agency in Washington to try out this technology.