Could Seattle’s 20-Year Growth Plan Get Derailed by Predatory Appeal?
The release of the city's final environmental review of the One Seattle growth plan is likely to be followed by an appeal, in an attempt to stop neighborhood-level zoning changes. But while an appeal may add time, it's likely to ultimately fail.
Harrell Sacks Seattle Construction Director as Clock Ticks on Permitting Reform
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections Director Nathan Torgelson announced his resignation in an email to staff today. Torgelson and Mayor Bruce Harrell said the decision was mutual and pledged a smooth transition. Much work is on the department's plate in coming months.
Images from Ballard Commons’ Reopening, in All Its Imperfect Glory
On Saturday, the fences came down and the green space at the center of Ballard was reopened. Closed in December 2021 so the city...
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.
City and Seattle Housing Authority Announce Future 8.5-Acre Equitable Development Site in Northgate
In the mid-20th century, Northgate Mall was considered to be one of the most ambitious commercial developments in North America, if not the world....
Dissecting the MBA’s 10-Point Plan on Affordable Housing
I don’t know if you heard, but urbanists are developer shills. At least that’s the common conception. In reality, many of us are quite...
Your Friendly Neighborhood Industrial Use, Part 2
How did we get here?
Over this series of articles, I am laying out an argument that Seattle should mix industrial uses in our residential...
Seattle/King County: 3rd Largest Homeless Population In 2013 HUD Report
(There’s a lot of data in the 2013 HUD report on homelessness. This is part 1 of The Urbanist’s series to better understand this data....