Civics and Culture

A woman leads a lass which is sitting around folding tables in the parking lot of the tool library building, and its rows of garage doors.

Op-Ed: Why Your City Needs a Tool Library

Nearly a dozen tool libraries are operating in the Puget Sound region and Kirkland is aiming to join the club. Here's what tool libraries add to communities.

Harrell’s Democracy Voucher Levy Proposal Sticks with Status Quo

This summer, voters will get a chance to show their support for Seattle’s innovative Democracy Voucher program when its funding levy comes up for renewal. While critics would like to see adjustments made, democracy vouchers have led to a more diverse pool of local candidates while giving more people a chance to donate to campaigns.
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.