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Opinion

An aerial image shows a yellow line demarcating the trail route through the play fields to the nature area along Union Bay.

Op-Ed: UW’s Union Bay Hypocrisy: Public Land, Private Fence

The Union Bay Natual Area is 74 acres of public open space with miles of trails, but the University of Washington has rebuffed advocates pushing to remove a fence and add a trail to improve access. Here's why they should reconsider.

Op-Ed: Link Light Rail’s Success Depends on Second Downtown Seattle Tunnel

Some Sound Transit boardmembers have questioned the necessity of building a second light rail tunnel in downtown Seattle, arguing that routing Ballard Link through the existing tunnel could save billions. However, that arrangement introduces huge challenges of its own. Here's why a second tunnel is key to future plans.
Officials including Bob Kettle and Debora Juarez and SPD top brass stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse with a reporter outstretching an arm holding a mic to interview them

Harrell Pledges Police Contract by Year End – Adding Election Wrinkle

Mayor Bruce Harrell has pledged to complete labor negotiations with the Seattle Police Officers Guild before the end of the year. But facing a tough reelection fight, he might not be around to sign the deal, which challenger Katie Wilson may want to renegotiate anyway.

Op-Ed: Step Aside Waterfront, Long Neglected North Rainier Deserves Investment, Too 

A thriving Mount Baker Transit Center requires pedestrian upgrades, a revitalized commercial district, and plenty of housing nearby. Unfortunately, the City of Seattle is investing elsewhere, with North Rainier an afterthought.

Op-Ed: SDOT’s Flawed Analysis of Denny Bus Lanes Is Political Theater

Assuming bottomless motorist demand and no mode shift to transit made the Seattle Department of Transportation's study of Denny Way bus lanes effectively worthless. Route 8 upgrades deserves real consideration.

Op-Ed: How to Confront Fred Meyer Closures and Guarantee Food Access

Kroger blames theft for four local grocery store closures, but the real story is more complicated. Kroger seeks to squeeze out more profit by driving up food insecurity. Standing up public or nonprofit alternatives and pressuring Kroger to be a better corporate citizen offer potential solutions going forward.

Op-Ed: Will Ethics Commission Hold Harrell Accountable for Campaigning with Public Resources?

Facing a tough election battle, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has been ramping up his pace of press events and social media posts. A former McGinn staffer shares how ethics officials warned McGinn's office against such activity, which could constitute a misuse of public resources for campaign purposes.
Looking up Phinney Avenue with a five-story apartment building on the corner and another under construction just north.

Urbanists Push to Amend Seattle Growth Plan Ahead of Final Vote

Seattle’s long saga of passing its state-required, once-per-decade major update to its Comprehensive Plan is nearing its end. But first, one more public hearing will be held this Friday for residents to air their grievances or do their cheerleading. Here's our guide to the 106 amendments under consideration.