Politics and Government

Six-year STBD Funded by 0.15% Sales Tax Will Go to Voters in November

Yesterday, the Seattle City Council debated the right size for the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) and landed on a 0.15% sales tax to...

This Year’s Budget and Next Year’s Plans for Housing Now

Two weeks ago, the Seattle City Council budget committee, consisting of all nine members, considered a budget request of critical importance to local housing....

Wonkabout Washington: Legislative Preview

With just a few weeks left in 2018, Futurewise is looking ahead to the 2019 legislative session. The November elections substantially changed the make-up...
A sign in front of an apartment building advertising "Affordable Micro Studios" with utilities and wifi included

Lawmakers Reach Rent Stabilization Compromise

Rent increases would be capped between 7% and 10% under the compromise measure approved by a conference committee Thursday night. It still needs to advance back through both chambers by Sunday night to reach the Governor's desk.
A photo of a room with amphitheater style seating.

U.S. Voting Systems Should — And Can — Better Reflect Diversity in Representation

In 1776, John Adams wrote that a "representative assembly... should be in miniature an exact portrait of the people at large. It should think,...
Mayor Jenny Durkan gave soon-to-retire Police Chief Carmen Best some flowers to express her gratitude during a press conference about blocking police budget cuts in the Norm Rice room at City Hall. (Seattle Channel)

Durkan Destroys 10 Months of Text Messages in Apparent Coverup

It was well known that Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan is running a secretive administration, but a whistleblower complaint last week revealed a bombshell revelation...

Bellevue Council Update: Safer Speeds, Guidelines for Arts Grants, and Future Public Spaces

Among other actions taken at Monday's meeting, Bellevue City Council voted to lower speed limits on some residential streets, discussed guidelines for awarding arts...

Four Vital Housing and Climate Bills Survive the Washington Legislature

WALeg Wednesday considers the housing package that passed, led by HB 1110.  As the legislative calendar winds its way to adjourning sine die (until next...