Missing Middle Bill Dies in House, but Statewide Backyard Cottage Reform Remains in Play
Oregon passed statewide missing middle housing reform in 2019, as did California in 2021. Hopes were high that Washington State would follow suit in...
Bainbridge Island Struggles to Update Growth Plan, Months Behind State Deadline
Without "bold action," Bainbridge Island was on track to be two years late in adopting an updated long-term growth plan, according to the city's new consultant. But with little consensus around a path forward and two new councilmembers taking office, a change in strategy may not be enough.
Seattle City Light Plans More Surface EV Charging Lots in Dense Neighborhoods
Last year, The Urbanist reported on Seattle City Light's plans to create a surface parking lot to charge electric vehicles (EVs) on the 9,000+...
Urbanist Leader Rian Watt Talks Housing Crisis on Hacks & Wonks Podcast
The Urbanist's Executive Director Rian Watt appeared on Crystal Fincher's Hacks and Wonks podcast on April 9 to talk about the housing crisis. He offered three fixes for the Seattle Comprehensive Plan.
Take Action: Speak Up For Lowrise Housing
Seattle could soon see significant changes to Lowrise zoning development regulations if the City Council passes legislation on the issue. Spurred on by many neighbor...
Dubicki: Begging Seattle To Do Something Right Is Utterly Exhausting
For the last five months, a double-digit percentage of my time was spent working through two of Seattle’s larger Draft Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)....
Seattle’s Largest Down-Zone
On the April 18th, there will be a final public hearing regarding small lot legislation, which is targeted for passage in early May. Although...
Can the Seattle Comprehensive Plan Slow Urban Sprawl and Prevent Farmland Loss?
Now, more than ever before, it’s essential that we protect our irreplaceable agricultural lands and promote the growth of resilient and regenerative food systems....








