Sunday Video: How Does Houston Plan Without Zoning?

https://youtu.be/TaU1UH_3B5k There is a big misnomer that Houston doesn’t have zoning and somehow must be a free market dream for land use. But that perception...

Share the City: Support the Full HALA Recommendations

Last week, amid much histrionics, The Seattle Times leaked a draft report of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) Committee. Owen chimed in...

The Little-Known Election Urbanists Should Vote in Right Now

One of the most urbanist local elections is taking place right now and most voters have no idea. King Conservation District Supervisor Brittney Bush Bollay explains what their organization does and what's at stake in this February election.

Minimum Density Rules

Last summer, the national pharmacy chain CVS decided to enter the Seattle market, building new stores in Lower Queen Anne, Wallingford, and West Seattle....
A photo of an outdoor dining area with plants.

Land Use Smorgasbord at Final Seattle City Council Meeting of 2022

Highway Lids, Design Review Waivers for Affordable Housing, Continuing Streateries, and Easing Food Truck Restrictions In its final full meeting of 2022, the Seattle City...

Looking Behind the Common Sense Elements of City Life

Introduction Last month, in Moustiers Sainte Marie, France, I watched several shopkeepers return a lost young bird to a part of town closer to its natural...

NIMBY-Proofing Our Definition Of Frequent Transit

The Urbanist does not use the word NIMBY. Except I just did in that headline. Oops! Sorry, I was just so frustrated that “livability”...
An elevated light rail line over a city street with midrise buildings on the sides.

Help Snohomish County Shape Future Communities Near Light Rail

On August 3rd, Snohomish County returned with a Summer Survey to continue their light rail planning process. When we last covered Snohomish County's Light...