2014-2015 Amendments to Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan
A suite of Comprehensive Plan amendments are now under consideration by the Seattle City Council. Three separate proposals are being vetted, which are the...
Three Big Takeaways from Incoming SDOT Director Greg Spotts’ Answers to City Council
After the Seattle City Council returns from its summer recess after Labor Day, one task in front of it is the confirmation of the...
As Regional Transportation Plan Is Approved for Release, PSRC President Raises Concerns
On Thursday, the Puget Sound Regional Council's Transportation Policy Board voted to approve the release of a draft 2050 Regional Transportation Plan that has...
Harrell Budget Doubles Down on Police Spending
In Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2026 budget proposal unveiled Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department was the big winner, seeing a $34.5 million increase. The mayor would use a new 0.1% “public safety” sales tax increase and a business tax overhaul to close a $122 million deficit and fund new investments.
Four Exciting Urbanist Data Points From Seattle’s MHA Study
The City released a large study about implementing Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) in all of the city’s urban villages, some urban centers, and many...
Urban Planning’s Three Basic Errors
A good amount of the work that we do here at The Urbanist involves pointing out where the region's governance and foresight are lacking....
Seattle’s Push for More Automatic Traffic Cameras Intensifies
A committee nod smooths the path for camera expansion, but some advocates worry about the equity implications.
Seattle's streets are set to see a significant...
King County Seeks Help from State Legislature After Approving 2025 Budget
Facing a $150 million budget deficit in the next biennium, county leaders asked for state legislative fixes that would give them a path to preserving essential services. Lifting the 1% property tax levy cap is chief among them.