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

Big Time is an orange building and a turquoise door.

Join The Urbanist for Our February Social Events

Join The Urbanist for our February social events in Seattle, Redmond, and Shoreline. Next up is our Big Time Brewery meetup on February 20.
Mercer Island's light rail station, in the median of I-90, being constructed. Parking lots and low density development is visible on the periphery

Mercer Island’s Growth Plan Doesn’t Meet State Standards, Appeal Alleges

Futurewise is challenging the validity of Mercer Island's Comprehensive Plan, alleging it's out of alignment with a number of state housing policies, including a requirement to maximize the area around its forthcoming light rail station.
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.
a group of 15 people under a picnic shelter around a picnic with coffee and pastries on it

Eastside Coffee Outside: Brewing Community, One Cup at a Time

Community members gather every Wednesday morning from 7am to 9:30am in Kirkland for Eastside Coffee Outside. Here's how they came together.
A train in testing arriving at Downtown Redmond, with buildings under construction behnind

Downtown Redmond Light Rail Opening Set for May 10

The 3.4-mile light rail extension will add a station at Marymoor Village, near King County's largest park, and in the heart of Downtown Redmond. The May 10 opening sets the stage for the full extension of the 2 Line across Lake Washington later this year.
An aerial photo of Downtown Bellevue in 2023 on a sunny day, with blue Lake Washington in the foreground

2025 Is Poised To Be the Year of the Eastside

East Link light rail expansions set the stage for boosting housing and transforming streets to overcome car dependence. The next year will be a pivotal, signaling whether Eastside cities are executing an urban transformation or falling back into old exclusionary patterns, ceding regional leadership back to the other side of the lake.
Google's logo is illuminated in the sun at the Kirkland Urban building in Downtown Kirkland. A row of townhouses sits behind.

After Density Debate, Kirkland Plans for Future 10-Minute Neighborhoods

Kirkland's 20-year growth plan represents a step back from more ambitious proposals considered earlier this year, but it lays down a marker for where the city is headed next.
Claudia Balducci stands at a lectern with drums next to her and drummers dressed in traditional Japanese garb behind.

Claudia Balducci Wants to Tackle King County’s Challenges Head-On as Executive

In making her case to become the next King County Executive, Claudia Balducci is pointing to her extensive track record of delivering on housing and transportation –– and getting the details right.