Plans and Policy

A Dozen Bills to Watch as Legislative Deadlines Loom

The Washington State Legislature crams its session into sixty days in even years, allowing lawmakers to dedicate more of the year to their campaigns,...
a photo of a freeway with cars and a tent behind a concrete barrier.

Inslee Pushes Legislation Prioritizing Homeless Encampment Removal Near Highways

Encampments along roadways are among the most visible signs of the homelessness crisis in Washington State. But does that mean that these encampments should...

Bellevue Council Update: Health Through Housing, Litter Over Emissions, Meeting Urban Growth

Among several other items, Monday's Bellevue City Council meeting saw an update from King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci on regional issues, a quarterly...

Café Streets: From Pandemic Response to Permanent Program

The Seattle City Council is considering a bill to extend cafe street and outdoor dining permits until January 2023. The popular program arose during...

State Should Invest $99 Million to Address SR-99’s Many Problems 

Highway 99 has 99 problems. Aurora Avenue is an unsettled mix, part street where people interact with businesses and part highway shunting vehicles through...
An aerial photo of Downtown Bellevue

Going It Alone with Affordable Housing Funds Not Yet Fruitful for Bellevue

Funding for an affordable housing project for domestic violence survivors moved forward with unanimous approval at Bellevue's most recent city council meeting. The new...

Draft Regional Transportation Plan Glosses Over Harmful Roadway Expansion

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has released a draft of the latest update to the central Puget Sound's regional transportation plan. Required to...
Proposed changes to Briarcrest/Hamlin Park include an open lawn and picnic area.

Shoreline Parks Bond Returns for February 8th Ballot

After being 122 votes short from being validated in the April 27, 2021 special election, the Shoreline Parks Bond is back for another shot...