Plans and Policy

Model Code Missing the Point on Middle Housing

Washington State Legislature legalized “missing middle” housing across the state, allowing more homes on a lot in the form of rowhouses, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes...

Tree Canopy Analysis Shows Tacoma Rezone Critics Exaggerate Concerns

Critics of policies that increase urban density often point to negative impacts on tree canopy as reason to oppose zoning changes. Some opponents to...
Eleven people hold a ribbon outside a housing project.

Op-Ed: Boost Seattle’s Growth Plan to Solve the Housing Crisis

The path forward is clear: a revised and ambitious Comprehensive Plan that should reform zoning rules and housing policies to allow more homes of all shapes and sizes; and incentivize affordable housing and homeownership.
A photo of a city skyline with cranes.

Op-Ed: Regional Workforce Housing Initiative Can Create Affordable Homes Near Jobs

King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay lays out the case for his $1 billion workforce housing bond proposal, saying workers deserve affordable housing near their jobs.

Harrell’s Anti-Graffiti Plan Sees $1.2 Million Cut But Council Leaves It Mostly Intact

Last month, Mayor Harrell unveiled his definitive anti-graffiti plan, with a focus on both graffiti removal and allowing artists to create legally. The mayor's...

One Tool to Fight Plastic Pollution? Make Companies Pay for Packaging Waste

Over her winter break, Manya Gupta walked along Lake Tapps with her cousin looking for deer tracks. Instead, they found litter.  “I haven’t known a...
Tacoma Link Extension alignment and stations. (Sound Transit)

Tacoma Link Extension Receives Final Approval

Tacoma Link is set for a significant expansion thanks to final approval by the Sound Transit Board of Directors. At a meeting yesterday, the...

FEIS For University District Urban Design Framework Released, Further Action Ahead

On January 8th, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the University District Urban Design Framework (UDUDF). Prior to this...