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Commentary

Urbanist-Backed Katie Wilson Opens Up Nearly 10 Point Lead over Harrell

Friday's ballot count was very friendly to Seattle progressives, with mayoral challenger Katie Wilson exceeding the 50% mark with the boost. The election dynamics favor a progressive wave. Here's why.

Stoked for ‘Hot Bike Summer’? Thank a Former Mayor and Council

Five major bike safety projects are all opening within a few months of each other, filling in critical gaps in Seattle's network. But most of the credit for ensuring that Hot Bike Summer happened in the first place goes to previous city leaders.
Westgaard wears denim overalls and has a goatee and glasses

Michael Westgaard Centers Renton Council Bid on Upgrading Transit

Michael Westgaard, a labor organizer with Raise the Wage Renton, is challenging incumbent Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. for Renton City Council's Position 1 seat. Transit emerges as a central plank of his platform in this interview with The Urbanist.

Seattle Councilmembers Push to Expand District Privileges

Since the 2023 Seattle council elections, a new dynamic has been taking shape in which extra deference is given to policy decisions made by the seven district-based councilmembers within their own district. If that shift continues, it could have dramatic impacts on how projects and programs are prioritized.

Resilient Arts Sector Revitalizes Seattle, but High Rents Remain Hurdle

The arts have been key to Seattle bouncing back from the pandemic, helping to fill vacant storefronts, but finding affordable spaces to house art and the artists who make it remains a challenge. Artists are hoping a longshot bid to repurpose the abandoned El Rey Apartments could provide an anchor.

Governor Signs Washington’s First-in-the-Nation Shared Streets Law

Cities in Washington will have the legal authority to create shared streets, which feature much lower speed limits and put pedestrians first, under Senate Bill 5595. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Saturday. It will go into effect on July 27.

Five Things to Watch at Sound Transit Under CEO Dow Constantine

Expectations are high for longtime board member Dow Constantine's new job as Sound Transit CEO. Here's what The Urbanist's newsroom has at top-of-mind in the months ahead.
A concrete planter narrow the crossing distance at an intersection with a sign saying "Street closed, local access only, Stay Healthy Street."

State Bill Could Unleash Potential of Streets, Making Space for People

New legislation in Olympia could help us rethink and reclaim the street as a true public easement. If passed and its provisions delivered, we can look forward to streets that are not only more welcoming of public life, but a lot less deadly to all users.