Tacoma Is Masterplanning the Tacoma Mall Area

Tacoma is in the process of developing a subarea plan for Tacoma Mall and its environs. The plan will guide growth and redevelopment of...

Community Transit Receives Approval and Grants, Closer To Swift II

Last week, we reported on Community Transit's future plans for Swift II, a new bus rapid transit line in Snohomish County that would connect...

Shoreline’s 145th Street Station Subarea Plan Passes Planning Commission

On Monday, the City of Shoreline's planning commission continued its proceedings that began last Thursday. The overall purpose of these meetings has been to settle...

Minimum Density Rules

Last summer, the national pharmacy chain CVS decided to enter the Seattle market, building new stores in Lower Queen Anne, Wallingford, and West Seattle....
The Capitol building in Olympia is marble colored and include pillars and a dome in the classic style.

Lessons from Washington State’s New Capital Gains Tax

Taxing the rich works like a charm. Last week we learned that the capital gains tax — which was passed by the state legislature in...
A photo of books on a library shelves.

Neighborhood Plans are High Minded Gatekeeping

Having attended a number of community meetings around Seattle, I can say that there are few things worse than watching a newcomer with ideas...

Tacoma’s Almost Reality as an Olmsted-Designed Park City

In 1873, Tacomans considered laying out their fledgling city according to a unique Frederick Law Olmsted plan. The city ultimately discarded most of the plan, walking away from a greener, more park-oriented Tacoma.

Seattle Can Take Its New Tree Ordinance and Apply It to Itself

Unpave paradise and take down that parking lot. Trees in Seattle are facing a new threat, not from beetles or the axe, but from...