Housing

A cottage in a leafy backyard in the fall.

Missing Middle Bill Dies in House, but Statewide Backyard Cottage Reform Remains in Play

Oregon passed statewide missing middle housing reform in 2019, as did California in 2021. Hopes were high that Washington State would follow suit in...
A view of a mountain in the distance behind a suburban neighborhood

Legislators Should Build on a Powerful Tool That Improves Cities and Conserves Natural Landscapes

Walking among the gleaming towers in Seattle’s South Lake Union, there is a buzz in the air. The aroma of tantalizing restaurants, the din of...
a photo of a modern aqua and white five story apartment building

Housing Benefit Districts Could Create Millions of Affordable Homes

One of the best bills this session has been quietly working its way through the legislature, and it’s time to pay attention as it...
A photo of townhouses with lush shrubs and trees.

Introducing The Urbanist’s Podcast

In this preview of The Urbanist's forthcoming podcast, Natalie Argerious discusses the missing middle housing bill, HB 1782, which just might make it across...
a photo of a freeway with cars and a tent behind a concrete barrier.

Inslee Pushes Legislation Prioritizing Homeless Encampment Removal Near Highways

Encampments along roadways are among the most visible signs of the homelessness crisis in Washington State. But does that mean that these encampments should...

Bellevue Council Update: Health Through Housing, Litter Over Emissions, Meeting Urban Growth

Among several other items, Monday's Bellevue City Council meeting saw an update from King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci on regional issues, a quarterly...

Housing Notes: Africatown Plaza Breaks Ground, Built-to-Rent Single-Family Home Boom, and Living Office Building

This installment of housing notes contains mix of high and low notes, but we'll kick things off with story that hits the upper octaves....

Harrell is Lukewarm on Missing Middle Housing Bill as Inslee Continues Push

Dozens of progressive councilmembers and mayors backed HB 1782, including Councilmembers Mosqueda, Lewis, Morales, and Strauss. Battle lines are quickly forming on the statewide missing...