Politics and Government
The Urbanist Endorses Seattle Prop 1A to Fund Social Housing
Seattleites should vote yes on Proposition 1A to launch the Seattle Social Housing Developer with progressive revenue. The Urbanist Elections Committee lays out why.
Seattle Council Updates Living Building Incentives, Unsticking Belltown Tower Project
A small tweak to Seattle's land use code will allow a 182-unit tower to move forward in Belltown after years of appeal. Clearer direction around stacking height incentives like those in the sustainability-focused Living Building program could potentially allow more homes throughout downtown in the coming years.
Op-Ed: Protecting Democracy Requires Unbiased Law Enforcement — Not Davison’s Extreme Agenda
Republican Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has used her power to target her opponents and protect her political allies among the rich and powerful. Voters should deny her a second term.
King County Seeks Help from State Legislature After Approving 2025 Budget
Facing a $150 million budget deficit in the next biennium, county leaders asked for state legislative fixes that would give them a path to preserving essential services. Lifting the 1% property tax levy cap is chief among them.
Tammy Morales to Resign from Seattle Council, Citing Mistreatment by Colleagues
District 2 Councilmember Tammy Morales announced Wednesday morning that she will resign in January, saying she has been undermined and frozen out of legislating by the more conservative-leaning Seattle City Council majority. The resignation sets up another council appointment and a special election next fall.
Seattle’s Embattled Police Accountability Director Resigns, Raising Reform Questions
Office of Police Accountability Director Gino Betts resigned amid police union criticism and complaints of harassment and creating a toxic work environment. The turmoil has raised questions about the effectiveness of the city's accountability system and the police reform it was supposed to advance.
Alexis Mercedes Rinck Takes Office, Pledging Seattle Will Resist Trumpism
Alexis Mercedes Rinck vowed to make Seattle a welcoming city for all and resist Trumpism in her inaugural speech as a city councilmember. It was a more defiant tone than struck by the more conciliatory Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Claudia Balducci Wants to Tackle King County’s Challenges Head-On as Executive
In making her case to become the next King County Executive, Claudia Balducci is pointing to her extensive track record of delivering on housing and transportation –– and getting the details right.