Wilson Sketches Affordability Agenda in State of City Speech
On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson pledged to attack affordability on four different fronts: housing, childcare, food, and small business opportunities. It was her first State of the City speech since taking office seven weeks ago.
Op-Ed: Washington Legislature, Don’t Reverse the Estate Tax
Economic justice advocate John Burbank lays out the case for Washington state lawmakers to keep the estate tax, rather than capitulating to pressure to reduce Washington's rate to avoid a feared exodus of billionaires and multimillionaires.
Washington’s Elevator Reform Bill Rises Again
The 41-7 vote in the Washington State Senate advances a proposal that would allow builders more flexibility to install smaller elevators in smaller apartment buildings, a small step toward bringing U.S. elevator costs more in line with the rest of the world.
Washington Legislature Toys with Age Verification for Big Tech
Lawmakers are aiming to add guardrails to the most addictive social media sites when it comes to usage by kids. But privacy and civil rights advocates are warning of significant unintended consequences.
Bellevue Adds Hurdles to Old Main Redevelopment to Preserve ‘Cultural Value’
The new regulations, which will stay in place for at least six months, require either façade preservation for older buildings or new façades that match them. Though the goal is to maintain Main Street's pedestrian friendly atmosphere, little remains in place to prevent small business displacement from Old Bellevue.
2026 Levy Plan Sets Stage for a New Mayor’s Transportation Priorities
The full list of 430 levy-funded projects across Seattle was mostly assembled before Mayor Katie Wilson took office. But it contains significant opportunities for the new administration to shape transportation investments over the years ahead.
Educator Julie Kang Enters Fray in D5 Seattle Council Race
Julie Kang is running for the open seat in Seattle City Council’s District 5 this year, and is the first candidate in the race to qualify for democracy vouchers. An educator and bank founder, Kang espoused a mix of centrist and progressive views in her interview with The Urbanist.
King County Advocates Push for Transit Funding Measure in 2026
Getting King County on board with going to the voters for a supplementary funding source for Metro bus service has long been a goal of regional transit advocates. But making it happen this year will likely be a tall order, given the need for intense coordination between two newly elected leaders.