Erika Evans Takes City Attorney Oath, SPOG Goes on Attack
On Monday, Erika Evans was sworn in as the first Black Seattle City Attorney, following a resounding victory over Republican incumbent Ann Davison. The Seattle police guild was already on the attack, seeking to brand her soft on crime.
Joy Hollingsworth Takes Helm in Seattle Council Shakeup
District 3 Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth will head the Seattle City Council following a progressive wave election, and will be tasked with managing several distinct factions. Her first task was navigating committee assignments, where comity was prioritized over policymaking priorities.
Ferguson’s 2026 Budget Queues Steep Cuts, Pushes Millionaires Tax to 2029
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is again focused on cuts to close a state budget shortfall, estimated at $2.3 billion for 2026. While he did signal support for an income tax on millionaires, his proposal would not begin collecting revenue until 2029. In the meantime, students at public schools and universities would bear the brunt of fiscal belt tightening.
Katie Wilson Takes Office as Seattle’s Unabashed Urbanist Mayor
In remarks after being sworn in as Seattle's 58th mayor, Katie Wilson painted a vision of improving the daily lives of residents that was explicitly urbanist: focused around livability and ensuring that no one gets pushed out of the city.
Looking Back on The Urbanist’s 2025
2025 was a pivotal year for the Seattle region and for The Urbanist. Voters elected more urbanists to office than ever before, and The Urbanist also made strides as an organization. Let's look back on the year that was, as we forge ahead.
Ferguson Proposes ‘Unprecedented Sweep’ of Climate Dollars to Balance State Budget
Over $500 million in funding that likely would have been allocated to sustainable transportation and clean energy programs will instead be used to backfill an existing tax credit under Washington Governor Bob Ferguson's budget package. The proposal is drawing fire from climate advocacy groups.
Washington’s First Try at E-bike Rebates Leaves Thousands of Vouchers Unredeemed
84% of Washingtonians offered a $1,200 instant rebate on a new e-bike this spring followed through and made a purchase, compared to just 24% of those who were offered a $300 rebate. The lessons learned during the first rollout of the program are likely to shape the next round of incentives.
Housing Nonprofits Grapple with Fiscal Crisis and Federal Threats
Issues with high vacancies, rising operating costs, and federal funding cuts are hitting affordable housing providers hard. The Seattle Office of Housing has stemmed the bleeding with operating support, but broader fixes are needed.