Why Shoreline’s Vote to Erase Parking Mandates Is a Big Deal
Parking reform has become a national movement, aimed at reducing housing costs. With a nudge from state law, Shoreline joins the trend to support urban development and a shift toward greener transportation options.
Op-Ed: How Bellingham Can Solve Its Housing Crisis
Bellingham is ranked the fourth most unaffordable housing market in the nation, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The city must embrace pro-housing policies: easing zoning restrictions, cutting red tape, and investing in mixed-income development, writes Bellingham City Council candidate Andrew Reding.
Sound Transit Breaks Ground on Stride Electric Bus Base in Bothell
This week, Sound Transit broke ground on a $274 million base in Bothell vital to the region's Stride bus rapid transit plans. The base will support battery electric buses for the S1, S2, and S3 lines, which together compose 45 miles of service spanning from Lynnwood to Burien.
Shoreline Makes Good on Pledge to Stop Mandating Car Parking Citywide
Shoreline becomes the largest city in King County to let builders decide how much parking makes sense within the specifics of a site, rather than requiring an arbitrary number. The 6-0 city council vote follows a watershed state bill tackling parking earlier this year.
Everett Forges Ahead with Downtown Stadium for Minor League Sports
Is Everett's plan to move the AquaSox from aging Funko Stadium to a brand new downtown stadium an economic jolt or a costly gamble? The City of Everett will be leading financing on the project projected to cost at least $82 million.
Kenmore Considers McMansion Tax in Zoning Overhaul
Kenmore is considering a mandatory inclusionary zoning policy that would not be paired with funding or incentives — passing affordability costs onto homebuilders. But, in a shift away from the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the City Council directed staff to draft a policy that would encourage smaller, more affordable homes while requiring larger (typically pricier) new homes to include affordable units or pay a fee.
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.
Snohomish County Permits Childcare Providers More Places, State May Follow Suit
Snohomish County Council adopted new land use legislation to streamline permitting and remove regulatory barriers to opening more childcare centers and daycares. The state legislature seems to share in that goal and has proposed statewide legislation reducing regulatory hurdles.