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Politics and Government

Transportation Chair Saka Questions School Zone Camera Expansion Plan

A plan to expand the number of school zone speed cameras has been in the works for nearly two years. But Councilmember Rob Saka is raising questions about the idea and funds allocated to make it happen.
Single family homes with cars in the driveway and trees in the background.

Op-Ed: Presidential Election Hinges on Housing, Conceptions of the American Dream

Addressing our national housing crisis will require a drastic shift in how we think about housing in our society: it needs to become a basic human right — something we are all entitled to and therefore something our government works to deliver.
Two CCTV cameras mounted on a pole.

Harrell’s Expanded Surveillance Program Clears Hurdle in Seattle Council

Despite public outcry and limited outreach, Seattle City Council’s public safety committee greenlit Mayor Harrell's pilot program installing 24/7 surveillance cameras in three neighborhoods and purchasing real-time crime center software and staff. The legislation moves to a full council vote on October 8.

Seattle’s Low-Pollution Neighborhood Pledge Remains in Planning Mode, Seven Years In

London's Pavilion Road, fully pedestrianized in 2021, represents a strong contrast with Seattle's plans to reduce pollution by transforming streets, still stuck in the planning stage despite nearly seven years of work.
Rivera sits at the dais at council chambers.

Seattle Council Puts Competing Measure Against Social Housing on February Ballot

Seattle Councilmember Maritza Rivera and three other councilmembers sponsored a competing measure seeking to elbow out a ballot initiative funding social housing. The two measures will go to voters in February. Only one can pass.

Op-Ed: Andrea Suarez Is a Republican Pretending to Be a Democrat

The 43rd District deserves an honest leader and a real progressive. Andrea Suarez isn't it.

Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan Remains Stuck in Low Gear

A year into announcing its ambitious Downtown Activation Plan, the Harrell Administration is touting successes. But so far those are primarily spot improvements, with many big initiatives in limbo or on hold.

Op-Ed: Local Leaders Pioneering a New, Undemocratic Seattle Process

While the Seattle City Council has recently stifled opportunity for public participation and dissent, Seattle Public Schools is even further along, having already adopted many of the same undemocratic practices now seen at City Hall.