Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..

Community Development

Annual Seattle Design Festival Kicks Off August 20

It's time to get ready for the 12th annual Seattle Design Festival, which will be held August 20-26 at locations across the city. This...

Let’s Throw Shade on Aurora Avenue

Street-end plazas would create space for trees, community, and safety on one of Seattle's hottest, and most dangerous, streets for pedestrians. Last week was...

Ambitious Planning and a Decade of Growth Are Transforming Downtown Bothell

Downtown Bothell is a growing city center with a unique history that defies many suburban stereotypes, while still running up against the challenges of...
people sit on the grass and splash in the water of Lake Washington with the Seattle skyline in the distance.

Seattle Is Decades Away from the Heat Mitigation It Needs

Dr. Jeremy Hess saw burns on the legs of paramedics who kneeled to care for heatstroke patients during last year’s deadly heatwave in Seattle....
A construction crane over a building under construction with another building under construction across the street and workers standing between them.

A Housing Advocate’s Guide to Commenting on Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan Update

The Urbanist has reported on the rezoning concepts unveiled for Seattle's 2024 Major Comprehensive Plan Update, which will guide growth in the city for...

Swim Classes Save Lives, But It’s Hard to Snag a Spot in Seattle

Last summer I signed my daughter up for a 15 minute private swim lesson at Little Fish Swim School. After a 45 minute bike...

Join The Urbanist Board

Do you think that cities provide unique opportunities for addressing society’s difficult problems from the climate emergency to the housing affordability dilemma? Do you...

Opening Streets to Play Creates Powerful Community Connections

Last summer, we started organizing block parties. We applied for a permit from the city, and blocked off either end of our street to...