Civics and Culture

Sea to Desert: The 700-mile Bikepacking Route Uniting Washington

In May 17th grand depart, 138 people attempted a 700-mile mountain bike route from La Push to Tekoa, Washington, dubbed the Cross-Washington or XWA bikepacking race.

Nathan Vass: The New Book Is Here!

Nathan Vass shares what inspired him to write his second book, Deciding To See, which just came out. A King County Metro bus operator and supervisor by day, the author has a release event at Elliott Bay Books on Friday night.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Test Your Wits with The Urbanist Crossword for May 4

Take The Urbanist's second installment of crossword series, which runs every two weeks. If you love to take a contemplative moment with a brain-teasing puzzle, but you’re tired of nationally syndicated crosswords with no local flair or stance on high-capacity transit, you’re right where you need to be.
A women holds a baby with a toddler at her feet and speaks into the micro in Seatlte council chambers.

Public Meetings Privilege Housing Opponents — Here’s How to Fix It

The way cities conduct public outreach and local elections stacks the deck against homebuilding, tenants, and people of color, research shows. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Quiz Your Seattle News Knowledge with The Urbanist’s New Crossword

The Urbanist is launching a new crossword series running every two weeks. If you love to take a contemplative moment with a brain-teasing puzzle, but you’re tired of nationally syndicated crosswords with no local flair or stance on high-capacity transit, you’re right where you need to be.
Washington is a black woman with short hair. She holds the microphone and looks to her left toward Natalie Walton-Anderson and the auditor as she delivers her rebuttal.

Auditor Criticizes Seattle’s Approach to Gun Violence, Deputy Mayor Fires Back

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell pushed back against an auditor report calling for more coordination around gun violence prevention and criticizing SPD’s haphazard approach to investigations. Deputy Mayor Tiffani Washington said she felt disrespected by the audit process being reinitiated by Council President Sara Nelson and that the issue was already under control.
Mosqueda sits at the dais. She is a Latina wearing a hot pink blazer.

Trump Shreds Social Safety Net, Creating Perfect Storm for Homelessness

Trump actions are set to deepen the homelessness crisis, while kids face ICE deportation without any legal defense. County and City of Seattle leaders are scrambling to respond.

Snohomish County Permits Childcare Providers More Places, State May Follow Suit

Snohomish County Council adopted new land use legislation to streamline permitting and remove regulatory barriers to opening more childcare centers and daycares. The state legislature seems to share in that goal and has proposed statewide legislation reducing regulatory hurdles.