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Politics and Government

A line of eight officials stand in front of banners that say Maintain, Enhance, and Expand.

Constantine’s King County Parks Levy Proposal Would Expand Trails, Programming

On Tuesday, King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled his $1.5 billion proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy, which expires at year's end. The levy funds parks and regional trail expansions, educational programming at partner organizations, and operations and maintenance.
A group of about 20 advocates pose with signs next to House-y the social housing mascot

Social Housing Proposition 1A Up Big In Early Returns

Proposition 1A grabbed nearly 58% of the election night vote tally, signaling social housing is on the way to victory in Seattle. The measure would tax big businesses to raise about $53 million annually to fund social housing.
The image shows a brick townhome row and brick co-living building next to the larger building with family-sized apartments.

Seattle Chamber Behind Council Plan to Torpedo Social Housing Initiative

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce crafted the ballot language for Proposition 1B and pressured councilmembers to follow their plan to delay the social housing vote and put the competing measure on the ballot to siphon support, newly unearthed public records show. The centrists on Seattle City Council did as business leaders advised.
Couches and chairs provided area to relax for patients.

Kirkland’s New Mental Health Crisis Center Top Contender for Levy Contract

Kirkland Connections is a new 24/7 mental health crisis center that could prove a model for the five crisis centers a county levy approved and funded in 2023. Such services are rare in the region.
A King County water taxi and a Kitsap Fast Ferry at Pier 50

Lawmaker Seeks to Jumpstart New Passenger Ferry Routes Across Puget Sound

With an eye toward adding new passenger ferry service by 2026, HB 1923 would expand the number of transit agencies able to operate foot ferries, and also set up a new state grant to fund them.

Last-Minute Flood of Corporate Cash Seeks to Derail Social Housing Proposition 1A

Backers of Proposition 1A highlighted a flood of cash from the region's large corporations, including Amazon and Microsoft, promoting alternative Prop 1B. Unlike 1A, Prop 1B would not actually fund social housing or raise new revenue.
The Seattle council chambers are filled to the brim. People hold signs to promote their views.

Housing Advocates Outnumber ‘One Seattle’ Opponents, Moore and Rivera Back Opponents

Housing advocates outnumbered opponents by a margin of 89 to 75 during a five-hour public hearing Wednesday on the One Seattle housing growth plan. Nevertheless, several councilmembers made it clear they sided with slow-growth advocates, rather than the majority demanding more housing options.
A parking lot on a hot day in Northgate, with Thornton Place behind

Parking Reform Gains Momentum at Washington Legislature

Senate Bill 5184 would put a cap on out-of-control parking mandates. It passed out of the Washington State Senate's Housing Committee on Wednesday, clearing its first hurdle.