Public Meetings Privilege Housing Opponents — Here’s How to Fix It
The way cities conduct public outreach and local elections stacks the deck against homebuilding, tenants, and people of color, research shows. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Bellevue Commission Recommends Watered-Down Middle Housing Code
The final recommendation from the commission took sixplexes off the table near neighborhood commercial centers and near frequent bus lines. The final decision rests with the Bellevue City Council.
Rent Stabilization Makes It Across the Finish Line at Last Minute
The Washington State Legislature approved a 7% to 10% cap on rent hikes Sunday, after the proposal faced a rollercoaster of obstacles over the course of the 105-day session.
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.
Lawmakers Reach Rent Stabilization Compromise
Rent increases would be capped between 7% and 10% under the compromise measure approved by a conference committee Thursday night. It still needs to advance back through both chambers by Sunday night to reach the Governor's desk.
Op-Ed: Harrell’s Record on Homelessness Is Cynical, Cruel, and Cosmetic
Homeless encampment sweeps have tripled under Mayor Harrell, but shelter capacity has shrunk, and the number of people who are unsheltered remains stubbornly high.
After a Baby Step Toward Housing Density, Edmonds Starts Backpedaling
The new housing growth framework in Edmonds allows some additional density around existing commercial hubs and centers. But with one neighborhood already getting a second look, the entire plan could unravel in the face of opposition.
Op-Ed: Mapping the Missing Housing Opportunities in Seattle Growth Plan
Nat Henry maps out Mayor Harrell's growth plan and finds his transit corridor plan would would upzone fewer than 1 in 10 parcels within a five-minute walk of transit stops. That forces renters onto dangerous, polluted arterial roads, where apartments would be narrowly focused.