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..

Eastside

Microhousing building next to a single family home. Blue sky overhead and sunset lighting.

Micro-Apartments May Be Bellevue’s Next Affordability Move

At their meeting last week, Bellevue's Planning Commission initiated their discussions on a land use code amendment (LUCA) to allow more micro-apartments in the...

Bothell Finds Its Long-Term Vision for a Citywide Bike Plan

The City of Bothell is poised to adopt an update to its citywide bike plan, providing itself a literal road map for the city...
NE Juanita Dr and its unprotected pedestrian path

Navigating Kirkland’s Pedestrian Nightmare — And Paradise

Whenever I write an article or series that charts the development of cities and neighborhoods in the Puget Sound, I always make an effort...
a path between two townhouses with evergreen trees

Bellevue Initiates Middle Housing Planning, but State May Beat Them to It

With a unanimous vote to conclude Tuesday's meeting, Bellevue City Council initiated planning work that would allow middle housing -- such as accessory dwelling...

Report Highlights Puget Sound’s Housing Deficit and Zoning Reform Potential

On Thursday, Urban Institute released a new report focused on the Seattle metropolitan region that is sure to be of interest to urbanists and...
A photo of a city with light rail under construction, streets, and tall modern buildings in the distance

Bellevue Had a Very Busy and Productive 2022

At The Urbanist, we've been intentionally working to expand our coverage of issues around the Puget Sound because the principals of good urban design,...

Street Cafés Becoming a Permanent Amenity in More Puget Sound Cities

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to remember, but prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic, street cafés, sometimes called streateries, were few and far...
Picture take from Kirkland facing downtown midrises and City Hall

Google Planned New Sustainable High-Rise Campus in Kirkland

Update: On January 20th, 2023, the City of Kirkland announced that Google will not be proceeding with the sale of the Lee Johnson site...