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Staff Biography

Ryan Packer

Senior 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

Seattle Readies Land Use Code Overhaul in Preparation for Sound Transit 3

Seattle's land use code is ill-equipped to handle the scale of permits that will be required to approve the city's next light rail lines. This proposed overhaul is intended to ensure transit remains on schedule.
Mercer Island's light rail station, in the median of I-90, being constructed. Parking lots and low density development is visible on the periphery

Mercer Island’s Growth Plan Doesn’t Meet State Standards, Appeal Alleges

Futurewise is challenging the validity of Mercer Island's Comprehensive Plan, alleging it's out of alignment with a number of state housing policies, including a requirement to maximize the area around its forthcoming light rail station.
A King County water taxi and a Kitsap Fast Ferry at Pier 50

Lawmaker Seeks to Jumpstart New Passenger Ferry Routes Across Puget Sound

With an eye toward adding new passenger ferry service by 2026, HB 1923 would expand the number of transit agencies able to operate foot ferries, and also set up a new state grant to fund them.
A house mascot and a dozen sign wielding advocates standing in front of the glass spheres.

Last-Minute Flood of Corporate Cash Seeks to Derail Social Housing Proposition 1A

Backers of Proposition 1A highlighted a flood of cash from the region's large corporations, including Amazon and Microsoft, promoting alternative Prop 1B. Unlike 1A, Prop 1B would not actually fund social housing or raise new revenue.
Someone on a bike using the new waterfront bike lane with a brightly lit city in the background

Seattle Releases Road Map for Transportation Levy Spending in 2025 and Beyond

The 2025 delivery plan for the first year of the Seattle Transportation Levy spells out a broad array of projects that will enter the pipeline this year.