Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..

Opinion

Shane Esquibel answers a call coming through on his smartwatch, as Scott sits and looks in from the Governor's waiting room, adorned with official portraits of governors long past.

Op-Ed: Why Educators Staged a Sit-In in Governor Ferguson’s Office

Last Wednesday, Rep. Shaun Scott and a group of educators sought a meeting with Ferguson to voice concerns about social service cuts, but were rebuffed by an out-of-office governor more focused on appeasing the rich. Perhaps the state would be better off if the governor vacated the office permanently, Collin Reid opines.
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.
A photo of a tent in front of a glass window with exhibiting large portrait style photos of people.

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.
A white man in glasses and suit poses in from of the Seattle skyline

Op-Ed: End Cash Bail for Nonviolent Misdemeanors

Too many people are sitting in a jail cell simply because they cannot afford bail while they await trial. Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse lays out the case to end cash ball for nonviolent misdemeanors.

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.
The sprawling detention center is surrounded by parking with Mount Rainier in the background.

Op-Ed: Ferguson Must Get Tough on Trump, Illegal Tacoma ICE Jail

Governor Bob Ferguson should sign HB 1232 into law and immediately make use of the enforcement mechanisms it contains to stop unconstitutional detentions at ICE’s Tacoma Processing Center. The State should also impose fines on the for-profit corporate jailer to discourage the violations.
A elevated platform sits on the side of an urban road with a smattering of large midrise apartment buildings bordering it.

A Local’s Guide to the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension

Andrew Villeneuve offers recommendations for Redmond eats, activities, and happenings and invites urbanists to Northwest Progressive Institute's Downtown Redmond Link opening day celebration on May 10.
Five people on bike wait in a green bike lane at a major intersection with car whizzing by and pedestrians waiting on the corner.

Op-Ed: Anti-Speeding Technology Could Have Saved My Son

Lori Markovitz shares how House Bill 1596 could have saved her son by requiring anti-speeding technology for motorists with records of reckless driving. The bill needs to pass the state Senate by Wednesday to avoid a cutoff and become law in Washington state.