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Author: Doug Trumm

Smith Tower at sunset

Harrell Rolls Out Incentive Proposal for Converting Offices to Housing

Seattle is considering legislation to support conversion of existing commercial buildings to residential. Mayor Harrell is seeking to incentivize and facilitate reuse of vacant commercial properties and fulfill a plank of his Downtown Activation Plan.

Housing Leaders Call Out Seattle’s Bare Minimum Growth Proposal

Builders, lawmakers, and housing advocates warn the 'One Seattle' growth strategy is "nothingburger" that will come up short on affordability, livability, and complying with state law. Fourplexes would be too constrained to deliver sufficient housing.
Twin four-story apartments with cherry trees in front.

Seattle Releases Comprehensive Plan Less Ambitious Than Bellevue

While Bellevue is projecting 225,000 additional residents by 2045, Seattle is anticipating a more modest 200,000 for its comprehensive planning purposes. In its new draft plan, Seattle adds fourplex zoning across most, but not all of the city, plus 24 "Neighborhood Centers" and one new urban center with more intensive zoning changes.

Bikeshare’s Limited Access to Seattle Parks Could Soon Be Changing

Seattle's popular bike and scootershare programs have been kept out of major Seattle parks. Could a change be on the horizon?

‘South Downtown Hub’ Outreach Ponders Chinatown Connectivity Without New Station

On Wednesday, Sound Transit hosted an outreach event at Union Station aimed at building consensus and easing tensions in Chinatown. Organizer Brien Chow spoke out to argue the Fourth Avenue station option was being sidelined and shortcomings of the agency's North and South of CID preferred alternative were being papered over.
Dozens of vehicles stack up near the Colman Dock ferry terminal.

Bikeshare and Scootershare Booms in Seattle, with Lime Leading the Pack

Lime is riding high, as other micromobility operators retool or pull out of Seattle. Seattle’s dockless bikeshare and scootershare program continues to boom, collectively reaching...

Morales’ Equitable Housing Incentive Bill Faces Pushback Over Trees, Scale

Councilmember Tammy Morales' "Connected Communities" pilot program faced a gauntlet of questions and concerns from her new colleagues. Tree activists fretted over depleting canopy. Nonetheless, Morales hopes to pass the bill in March.
It's photo snapping time as the Bainbridge ferry approaches Seattle, offering sweeps shots of the skyline along the shores of Elliott Bay

Announcing The Urbanist’s 2024 Advocacy Agenda

Focused on housing abundance and sustainable transportation, our 2024 advocacy agenda runs the gambit from comprehensive plan updates to transit upgrades and a safety-first Move Seattle Levy renewal.