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Civics and Culture

Jaelynn has long hair and yellow rimed glasses

Seattle Gears Up to Fight Back as Trump Eviscerates Funding, Rights

Last week Seattle City Council heard from some of the groups most vulnerable to the new Trump administration: those representing LGBTQ+, reproductive, immigrant, and workers’ rights. This begins their examination of potential federal impacts on Seattle, which could include power outages and shuttered research programs at the University of Washington. 
Ry stands in front of a Greek column with their arms crossed

Ry Armstrong Lays Out Progressive Contrast Against Mayor Harrell

Last month, actor and union representative Ry Armstrong jumped in the Seattle mayor's race, arguing Bruce Harrell is dropping the ball on a plethora of issues. In their interview with The Urbanist, Armstrong explained what they'd do differently.

Sunday Video: Why Dutch Klinkers Make For Better Streets

Not only are the Netherlands' brick streets more aesthetically pleasing than typical American streets, the modern klinkers (bricks) that make up most Dutch streets are just more practical. Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes dives into how brick streets are designed and installed, and what makes them better.
An alley leads into the interior public square of the Midtown Square complex.

Seattle Awards $22 Million in Equitable Development Grants Aimed to Combating Displacement

After weathering a budget scare, Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative is growing, with $22 million in new awards aimed at combating displacement and anchoring communities of color.

Rinck Urges Seattle Leaders to Defend Against Trump Attacks

At a protest Monday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck urged Seattle leaders to take on Trump to defend against attacks on federal workers, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. After earlier talks of collaborating with Trump, Mayor Harrell struck a more defiant tone in "State of the City" speech today, but was light on specifics.

Walkability Isn’t Just Good Urban Planning: It’s a Public Health Intervention 

A recent peer-reviewed study of identical twins illustrated the value of living in a walkable neighborhood, showing a strong correlation between walkable neighborhoods, time spent walking, and positive health outcomes. Simply put, it appears that people tend to lead healthier lives in walkable neighborhoods.
Couches and chairs provided area to relax for patients.

Kirkland’s New Mental Health Crisis Center Top Contender for Levy Contract

Kirkland Connections is a new 24/7 mental health crisis center that could prove a model for the five crisis centers a county levy approved and funded in 2023. Such services are rare in the region.

Sunday Video: Why Living by Freeways Is Terrible for Your Health

In this video, CityNerd's Ray Delahanty digs into the public health effects of freeways. Pollution impacts fall most heavily on people who live near freeways.