Plans and Policy

A rendering of an elevated interstate bridge

Don’t Widen Highways, Invest $2 Billion in Affordable Housing Instead

State Democrats propose diverting $2 billion from the general fund to fund their highway package, but this money would be better spent on affordable...

Proposals to Rezone Interbay and Duwamish Omit History of Exclusion

From now until March 2nd, Seattle is taking comments on a proposal to change the zoning rules in the city's industrial zones. Based on...
A cottage in a leafy backyard in the fall.

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...

Bellevue Council Update: Some Lessons in Council Procedure

At Monday's Bellevue City Council meeting, Councilmembers voted to approve over $1.7 million in funding for crosswalk improvements, approved further work on a city-sponsored...

Democrats Change Gears on Plan to Reduce Tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

In advance of the legislative session, Sen. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton), whose 26th Legislative District is located on the Kitsap Peninsula, introduced a remarkable bill....
A view of a mountain in the distance behind a suburban neighborhood

Legislators Should Build on a Powerful Tool That Improves Cities and Conserves Natural Landscapes

Walking among the gleaming towers in Seattle’s South Lake Union, there is a buzz in the air. The aroma of tantalizing restaurants, the din of...
a photo of a modern aqua and white five story apartment building

Housing Benefit Districts Could Create Millions of Affordable Homes

One of the best bills this session has been quietly working its way through the legislature, and it’s time to pay attention as it...
Trains at a station

Let’s Re-imagine Regional Passenger Rail in the Transportation Package

A few weeks ago, I decided I had to go to Portland to see an art show before it closed. The original plan included...