Housing

Photo of a single-story duplex in Wallingford, with three-story townhomes behind it.

The Historic Preservation We Need: Four Floors and Corner Stores

We cannot escape the echoes of history. I live in and own a house in a formerly redlined section of Wallingford. This house was...
A gray and white midrise building with an orange art wrap.

Op-Ed: Opportunity Zones Fail to Address Urban Disinvestment Crisis

The theory was that opportunity zone tax incentives would spur the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. But in practice, they have often failed to produce meaningful benefits for long-time residents. In cities across America — from Baltimore to Oakland, Cleveland to Atlanta — the pattern is painfully clear: investment comes, but equity does not.

CNU Kicks Off National Conference In Seattle

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is hosting its national conference in Seattle this year and its kickoff event tonight is free and open...

Shoreline Council Gets Cold Feet Over Broad Rezone Allowing Fourplexes

Shoreline has seen significant growth in housing around its two light rail stations, but this week the Shoreline Council showed clear reluctance to allow increased density throughout the rest of the city.

Say Yes to Tiny House Villages

On May 22nd I attended an information meeting at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church about the Tiny House Village that is being erected by around...
A cottage in a leafy backyard in the fall.

Seattle’s Backyard Cottage Plan Falls Short

The City's proposed changes for accessory dwelling units lacks Portland and Vancouver's ambition. On October 4th, the City of Seattle released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)...

No Backsliding: MHA Upzones Are a Crucial Step to Tackle the Housing Crisis

Today, the City will hold the final public meeting on "citywide" Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) before the Seattle City Council is expected to vote...
Looking down a circular staircase

One Stairway is Enough to Reach Housing Heaven

A bill allowing single-stairway "point access block" buildings would enhance housing and neighborhoods. On February 2nd the Washington State Senate held its first hearing on...