Plans and Policy

Federal Regulations on the Digital Marketplace Spur Concerns for Local Businesses

It is evident that the disruption of COVID-19 has not affected all businesses equally. Restaurants closed, events cancelled, travels postponed, and many small, BIPOC-owned...

Amendment Guts Key Climate Provisions in Growth Management Bill

However, it's not too late to let Washington lawmakers know they should restore the bill to its original intention. Last night the Senate Ways and...
A black and white photo of a flyer instructing how to get online in Seattle.

Proposed Digital Equity Bill Needs Support to Increase Broadband Access

For a long time, Washington’s digital divide worried many groups of people who saw its harmful and inequitable effects: librarians, teachers, tribal governments, and...
Outdoor steps lead to the base of Bellevue City Hall

Bellevue Council Update: Comprehensive Plan Outreach and Managing Growth

With a unanimous vote to close out last night's meeting, Bellevue City Council officially approved the upcoming years-long outreach process for the city's Comprehensive...

Wilburton Rezone Can Facilitate Over 5,000 New Homes in Bellevue – If Done Right

Later this year, Bellevue City Council will complete a years-long process to rezone the Wilburton neighborhood east of I-405. Historically a commercial and office...
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...
A view of a highway with two cars driving in opposite directions divided by a concrete barrier.

WSDOT Has No Good Reasons to Widen SR 18, Yet State Advances $640 Million...

Unlike Tesla, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and our state legislature have designed an effective autopilot -- an autopilot that, instead of...

The Urbanist Podcast: Death of the Missing Middle Housing Bill and Industrial Zones

In this second (preview) episode of The Urbanist's podcast, my fellow host Ray Dubicki and I continue on our journey toward becoming podcasters, which...