Housing

Housing Choices Survey: Help Make the Case for the Density Battles to Come

2019 is shaping up to be a significant year in the history of residential zoning in Seattle, and despite the dramas that accompanied the...

Governor Inslee Extends Rent Freeze and Eviction Moratorium, Queues Up Payroll Tax Debate

On Tuesday, Governor Jay Inslee did something that normally would have made big news if not for police riots and Mayoral abdication of responsibility...
A photo of colorful townhouses with a tree in front.

It’s Time for Smart Solutions for Our Housing Crisis

Everyone needs a home, and that’s why all of us are hurt by Washington’s housing crisis. Nearly 23,000 people in our state experienced homelessness in...

Emergency Ordinance to Restart Design Review is an Opportunity to Expedite Permitting for All...

Since COVID-19 has made Seattle Design Review’s open meeting process impossible, on Monday, April 20th the city council is considering adoption of Council Bill...
A six story apartment building in Sammamish next to a roundabout

Sammamish Council Pursues Denser Town Center Vision Amid Backlash

Sammamish will study increasing the upper limit on housing in its Town Center to 4,000 units, after nearly two decades of anemic growth under a previous growth framework. The 6-1 vote came after a significant amount of community opposition and misinformation.

Affordable Housing Week Kicks Off and The Urbanist hosts Seattle Renters’ Commission at Meetup...

This month as part of Seattle Affordable Housing Week we are featuring members of the Seattle Renters' Commission as our guest speakers. The Seattle...

The ‘Structural Change’ About to Make Homebuilding More Expensive in Seattle

As Seattle enters an era where fewer builders are lining up to build office towers and residential skyscrapers, the city's permit department is scrambling to catch up. Despite last-minute concerns raised Monday around a 18% permit fee increase, that change is poised to take effect next year.

In Pursuit of the Affordable Backyard Cottage

Last summer when the Seattle City Council passed legislation that encouraged development of backyard cottages across the city, the move was generally met with...