Urbanist Podcast Election Extravaganza: Puget Sound Progressives Prevail
The Urbanist Podcast is back after a hiatus, just in time to break down 2025 election results. In this episode, Urbanist publisher Doug Trumm and reporter Amy Sundberg discuss what happened in Seattle, with progressive mayoral challenger Katie Wilson's dramatic victory, and other interesting races across the region.
Katie Wilson Charts New Course on Public Safety and Homelessness
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson believes she'll be judged primarily by how she can improve outcomes on homelessness and public safety. In an interview with The Urbanist, Wilson laid out what she aims to do to set a new course, striving for a more holistic and effective response.
Girmay Zahilay Takes Office as King County Executive, Pledging to be ‘Regional Convener’
Taking office as the first new Executive that King County has elected since 2009, Zahilay pledged to bring groups together to tackle the county's problems. He's also carrying out a major shakeup in County government, ousting many longtime staffers.
Sammamish Hits Pause on Town Center Planning after Backlash Election
Following an intense debate over the future of Sammamish's fledgling Town Center area in this month's elections, three growth skeptics are set to join the city council. Now the question is just how dramatically things get scaled back in 2026.
Katie Wilson’s Transition Team Features Mix of Advocates and Insiders
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson announced her transition leadership team earlier this week, which features a mix of advocates and insiders. Wilson has reiterated a bold progressive agenda, but a pragmatic approach to achieve it.
Kirkland Voters Maintain the City’s Course, Rejecting Anti-Growth Push
Despite significant spending to steer the Kirkland City Council toward a more slow growth direction, voters elected progressives in three out of four races. In the end, the election seemed to show most Kirkland residents are happy with the city's current direction.
Katie Wilson to Inherit Seattle’s Budget Woes
Katie Wilson may have won the mayoral election, but her challenges are just beginning. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell is leaving a budget mess behind him.
The ‘Structural Change’ About to Make New Housing More Expensive in Seattle
As Seattle enters an era where fewer builders are lining up to build office towers and residential skyscrapers, the city's permit department is scrambling to catch up. Despite last-minute concerns raised Monday around a 18% permit fee increase, that change is poised to take effect next year.