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..

Plans and Policy

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.

Seattle Council Pushes Most Zoning Changes Into 2026, Citing Appeal Delays

Phase two of the One Seattle Plan had included additional housing density around 30 existing commercial centers like Tangletown and Madrona, but now those changes won't be discussed until after this fall's elections, pushing key housing actions into 2026.

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.

City of Seattle Prevails Against Housing Growth Plan Appeals

Hearing Examiner Ryan Vancil dismissed all appeals of Seattle's growth plan. Despite a myriad of issues raised by six appellants, the proposal will move forward thanks to a recently passed state law intended to prevent predatory delay of housing plans.

The Urbanist to Host ‘Future of Seattle Housing’ Panel April 23

RSVP to save yourself a spot at the Future of Seattle Housing Panel hosted by The Urbanist and Seattle YIMBY from 6pm to 8pm on April 23.
A pink blossoming cherry tree is the right side of the street and a brick historic apartment buidling is on the lefty. A park playground is in the background with kids playing.

Op-Ed: To Save Trees and Orcas Build More Homes in Seattle

Cars and sprawl that are the true problem as the Puget Sound region seeks to boost salmon runs and protect salmon-eating orca whales. Building more homes in Seattle is the way to curb sprawl.

Newcastle Council Restores Climate, Equity Language to Growth Plan

The final 4-3 vote represented a victory for the council's progressives, as a debate over addressing past discrimination and improving equity turned into a partisan issue. The reversal was a setback for Newcastle's conservative mayor, Robert Clark.
A quiet pedestrian street with a few people walking and plenty of tree canopy with a midrise residential building in the background.

Op-Ed: Harrell’s Growth Plan Shorts Housing and Tree Canopy

Architect Michael Eliason shares his blueprint for a greener Seattle with more abundant and affordable housing. The vision goes beyond townhomes to stacked flats amidst ample tree canopy.