Politics and Government

A photo of Bellevue city hall with flags

Bellevue Leaders Hear First Public Testimony on City Budget, Weigh Further Restrictions to Supportive...

Work from Bellevue's Planning Commission will face additional deliberation from City Council, as some members seek to add further restrictions to the siting of...
A photo of King County ballot drop box on a sunny day.

Odd-Year Elections Suppress Tenant Votes but Even-Year Election Bill Can Fix That

Municipal and county elections are held on odd years in Washington State, but some lawmakers want to change that. Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac) introduced...
A cottage in a leafy backyard in the fall.

Missing Middle Bill Dies in House, but Statewide Backyard Cottage Reform Remains in Play

Oregon passed statewide missing middle housing reform in 2019, as did California in 2021. Hopes were high that Washington State would follow suit in...
An aerial photo of Boeing's sprawling Everett manufacturing plan with planes sitting on the tarmac.

Op-Ed: Washington Legislature Must Break Boeing’s Corporate Handout Addiction

Boeing has taken in billions in tax breaks from Washington State, but still lays off workers all the same. Nonetheless, state lawmakers are pushing to include a loophole to a new tax to shield Boeing yet again.

Restorative Justice is a Vital Component of Livable Urbanism

Last week I wrote about Pooja Vaddadi’s race to oust incumbent Judge Adam Eisenberg from the Seattle Municipal Court. Vaddadi contrasts her competence and...

Sunday Video: Kelo v. New London

https://youtu.be/9eZKcPwWVgs Mr. Beat explains the famous land use case over eminent domain in Kelo v. City of New London.
Parkgoes sit on the ampitheater at Bellevue's Downtown park with skyscrapers in the background.

2023 General Election Endorsements

2024 is a critical year for the City of Seattle. It’s a comprehensive plan year. It’s the year we’ll shape and pass a new...
Mayor Durkan with Ferris wheel and Seattle waterfront in background

Mayor Durkan’s Budget Raids JumpStart Payroll Tax for $100 Million Pledge to Communities of...

Mayor Jenny Durkan launched her next skirmish with Seattle City Council today as she released a 2021 budget that skimmed revenue from the their...