Politics and Government

Mayor Durkan flanked by the American flag and Washington state flag.

Durkan Vetoes $86 Million in Covid Relief Citing Fiscal Restraint

After Mayor Jenny Durkan vetoed a Covid relief package saying it depleted the City's rainy day fund, Budget Chair Teresa Mosqueda fired back that...
Jackson Street with two pedestrians crossing at 5th Avenue next to the protected bike lane. The Chinatown station is in the background.

Sound Transit is Not Ready for Its Big Chinatown Station Decision

At a public meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Sound Transit Board of Directors intend to select preferred station locations for the light rail system's...
A traditional in-person board of directors public meeting. (Joe A. Kunzler Photo, AvgeekJoe Productions)

Keep Remote Meetings for Accessibility after Quarantine Ends

As disabled public transit advocates, we find Covid-19 has made transit board meetings increasingly accessible from the comfort of home--but only for now. For...
A group of people wearing bike helmets and standing near bikes listen to a man speaking.

SDOT Director Zimbabwe is Out, What Does This Mean for Seattle Transportation?

Mayor-Elect Bruce Harrell has announced that on January 1st changes are headed to Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) leadership. Existing Director Sam Zimbabwe will...

Meetup Video: September 2021 Meetup with Nikkita Oliver

https://youtu.be/z7X3jF0Ydp8 Seattle City Council candidate Nikkita Oliver joined The Urbanist for the September monthly meetup. During the meeting, Oliver discussed wide-ranging priorities that they would...
Lewis holds up her right hand to do the oath of office with a King County judge. Lewi's family is by her side.

King County Council Appoints Top Zahilay Aide to Vacant Council Seat

Rhonda Lewis, who served as King County's chief of operations before becoming Zahilay's chief of staff, has pledged to serve as a caretaker and not run for election next fall.

Mayor Scrambles to Protect ‘Character’ of Old Bellevue with Emergency Controls

Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson's request would bring an emergency action to require facade preservation along Main Street as a condition of future development, while the city considers permanent regulations. While there was majority support for retaining the character of the area, some councilmembers cast doubt on the urgency and emergency framing.

The Urbanist Podcast: General Election 2022 Roundup with Jazmine Smith

This week, we enjoy some election round-ups as The Urbanist Elections Committee member Jazmine Smith joins Ray Dubicki to talk about the surprises and squeakers...