Politics and Government

Put Your Feet First and Move Seattle: Vote YES on Prop 1

This November, Seattle voters will have the opportunity to vote YES on ballot Proposition 1, a nine-year transportation levy. Proposition 1 would replace the...
Google's logo is illuminated in the sun at the Kirkland Urban building in Downtown Kirkland. A row of townhouses sits behind.

Kirkland Council Elections Could Tip City in Reactionary Direction

In four different races, Kirkland voters face a choice between pro-growth candidates interested in fostering additional types of housing throughout the city, and candidates looking for the city to be way less aggressive in fighting the region's affordable housing crisis.
Picture of Joe Fitzgibbon making a hand gesture at a hearing. (Credit: Washington State Legislature)

2020 Endorsement Questionnaire: Joe Fitzgibbon, LD34-2

The Urbanist Elections Committee invited state legislature candidates in the Seattle metropolitan region to fill out our questionnaire to participate in our endorsement process....

Car Tabs Was Not a GOP Cudgel: Democrats Dominated in Sound Transit Taxing District

Ultimately, Washington State Democrats did not pass a bill lowering car tab valuations last session despite Republicans and drive-time conservative radio hosts driving a...
The view from the Mount Baker pedestrian bridge with the Franklin football field at the corner of MLK Way and Rainier Avenue.

Harrell Quietly Pushing Police in Schools, with Possible Levy Funding Infusion

Mayor Bruce Harrell’s $1.3 billion education levy is set to go to the ballot in November, but it could be weighed down by a controversial proposal to put police officers back in Seattle schools. Meanwhile, Harrell’s draft school safety plan has stalled out, which is drawing criticism from school board leaders that the City’s approach is ill-defined.

Top Urbanist Action: Show Up For Inclusionary Zoning

Speak up for affordable housing and rezones: Public input for Mandatory Housing Affordability rezones, outside the central city, officially kicks off this week in District...
Parkgoes sit on the ampitheater at Bellevue's Downtown park with skyscrapers in the background.

Bellevue Faces a Crossroads: Embrace Progressivism or Conservative Entrenchment

Three Bellevue City Council seats are up for election this year and voters face a stark choice. Electing progressive challengers Ruth Lipscomb and Dexter...
The domed Olympia Capitol Building stands in the distance with a bus stop with a passenger waiting in the foreground. A dogwalker also mosey on the lawn.

Op-Ed: Washington State’s Path to Tax The Rich in 2025

With a state budget deficit looming, Democrats may consider a JumpStart-like corporate payroll tax or other new revenue, to lessen the need for deep cuts.