Politics and Government

Shemona Moreno is at the lectern with a dozen advocates holding signs in defense of JumpStart investments. Two advocates wear ghost costumes with cop hats representing the ghost cop positions that mayor and council prioritizes for funding.

Seattle Rejects Capital Gains Proposal, but Progressive Tax Time Is Nigh

Progressive challenger Alexis Mercedes Rinck's election win could mean a 5-4 majority for a capital gains tax — or even a supermajority, if Rob “this is the right tax at the wrong time” Saka can be convinced that the time is right. Other progressive taxes are also on the table.

Spike In Renters Will Swing the 2019 Election… If They Turn Out

I was reading hot takes on what will happen tomorrow when polls close and early election results are announced. Very few pundits have predicted...
Betts is a black man in a suit. GLenn is a dark haired and light skinned.

Seattle’s Embattled Police Accountability Director Resigns, Raising Reform Questions

Office of Police Accountability Director Gino Betts resigned amid police union criticism and complaints of harassment and creating a toxic work environment. The turmoil has raised questions about the effectiveness of the city's accountability system and the police reform it was supposed to advance.
Shaun Scott at Gas Works Park. (Photo credit: Alex Garland)

District 4 City Council Candidate Shaun Scott Wants Seattle to Live Up to Its...

"I want readers of The Urbanist to know I’m someone who considered himself an urbanist before I decided to run for city council, and...
A "Candidate Forum on Zoning, Growth, and the Comprehensive Plan" graphic includes a skyline sketch of Seattle and the logos of CCC members.

Seattle Council Candidates to Square Off in Forum on Housing and Zoning Policy

Two forums co-hosted by The Urbanist on September 5 and 6 will include candidates in all seven districts. With the primary behind us, 14 candidates...
A color-coded precinct map of Seattle. Harrell precincts are in blue.

Katie Wilson’s Path to Election Victory, Precinct by Precinct

Precinct-level results maps show that Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson's path to victory ran through Capitol Hill, the Central District, and the Rainier Valley, where she ran up her vote share.

The Face of Seattle Planning Will Change in 2016

The Seattle Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is earnestly preparing for significant departmental changes in the New Year. As we reported in June, the department...

2015 General Election Results

Below are the results for the 2015 general election on election night. Projected winners will be in bold. Endorsed candidates/positions will have an (e) next...