Seattle Seeks Designer for New Belltown Park
The former entrance to the Battery Street Tunnel could become a gathering spot in one of Seattle's densest neighborhoods, but funding hasn't yet been identified to pay for construction of a full park yet.
The former entrance to the Battery Street Tunnel could become a gathering spot in one of Seattle's densest neighborhoods, but funding hasn't yet been identified to pay for construction of a full park yet.
One of Seattle's most dangerous, crash-prone streets will see a big jump in transit riders once construction on West Seattle Link light rail gets fully underway, closing the SoDo busway. Upgrades at two key intersections are just the start of mitigation work.
Facing a cost-cutting scenario from Sound Transit that may see trains stop short of Tacoma, South Sound leaders on the board look to be laser focused on delivering that light rail connection. The agency might need to get creative with other projects in South Sound.
A letter from the state's Commerce Department officially starts the clock on a requirement for Bainbridge to update its housing growth plan. If it's still not up to snuff after the deadline, the door could open to any affordable housing project being approved, regardless of zoning.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the biggest rail project in the Sound Transit pipeline is months overdue, with delays stemming from a Federal Transit Administration review to blame. Until that document is released, the board can't advance the project into final design.
All signs point to Seattle's pilot program limiting car access to Pike Place being a success: sales were up 6.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, and the number of local visitors jumped by 5.6%. As the City considers permanent changes, a pedestrianized Pike Place still has its detractors.
The City of Everett has maintained its own independent transit agency since 1969, but merging with Community Transit is likely to bring major benefits for the city's transit riders. Thanks to a 2025 change in state law, the move won't require a public vote.
A plan to add 21 on-street bike and scooter corrals in a joint effort to keep sidewalks clear and maintain visibility at intersections has been reduced to just 3 corrals. Neighborhood business advocates raised concerns around aesthetics and parking removal, despite a limited impact on legal spots.
A new eastbound transit lane will go in on Denny Way between 5th Avenue and Stewart Street this August, in addition to a permanent closure of an infamously congested slip lane at Yale Avenue. The improvements are sure to bring joy to Route 8 bus riders.
Despite committing to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on city roadways by 2030, the numbers in Seattle aren't declining. Though a recent call for a performance audit has attracted attention, it will ultimately fall to Katie Wilson to orient SDOT toward safety.