We are looking for volunteers to help handle check-in and act as ushers. Volunteers will receive free entry to the event in return for arriving early to help set up. If you are interested in volunteering, email Diego@theurbanist.org.
On September 15, The Urbanist is hosting a talk at Town Hall Seattle featuring Ray Delahanty of CityNerd, our contributing editor Ryan Packer, and special guests Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci.
Get your general admission tickets while supplies last. We're excited to welcome our special guests, who represents two bright stars in local urbanist policymaking.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck was first elected to Seattle City Council in 2024, winning a special election for citywide Position 8. In 2025, she defended that seat, winning an impressive 81% of the vote. In both elections, she had the endorsement of The Urbanist Elections Committee, with a strong platform on housing, transit, and safe streets. Recently, you might find her painting a bus lane for Route 8 or pushing to accelerate pedestrian safety upgrades.
Claudia Balducci has served on the King County Council since 2016 and on the Sound Transit Board of Directors since 2010. Before joining county council, she was a Bellevue City Councilmember and Mayor. She has been a key leader on the Sound Transit board, including a long run as Chair of the System Expansion Committee that just ended earlier this year. She has also led on housing, establishing and co-leading the Regional Affordable Housing Taskforce and chairing the King County Affordable Housing Committee. She has earned The Urbanist Elections Committee's endorsement multiple times.
General doors open at 6:30 pm; the main event begins at 7 pm and runs until 8:30. Seating is open – tickets do not correspond to a specific seat and only guarantee entry to the event.
Pre-reception tickets are currently sold out, but may become available again if refunds occur. Ticket refunds are available, although a small portion (~3%) of the ticket price is kept to cover processing fees.
There will be ASL interpreters, as well as space reserved for those with wheelchairs and other accessibility needs.
The Urbanist X CityNerd: A Transit-Oriented Puget Sound
What: A talk featuring Ray Delahanty of CityNerd, Urbanist reporter Ryan Packer, and special guests Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. The discussion will focus on recent light rail expansions and the next round of transit expansion and transit-oriented development in our region.
Where: Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
When: Tuesday, September 15, Pre-reception ($65) is 5:45 pm-6:30 pm, General Admission ($35) main event is 7 pm- 8:30 pm.
Transit Stops: 1 Line (Symphony Station), Routes 2, 60, RapidRide G Line (not an exhaustive list)
RSVP: RSVP here
Elections Committee
