Sara Nelson Restarts the Debate About Allowing More Housing in SoDo
The idea of encouraging more residential development around Seattle's stadiums had been put on ice in 2023 with the adoption of a citywide maritime and industrial strategy. Nelson's bill reignites that debate just as the council starts to consider the Comprehensive Plan.
Centrists Turn to Old Formula: Crime Fears and More Money for Cops
The progressive wing of Seattle politics is having a vigorous debate about the future of the city with plenty of new policy ideas bouncing...
Even Year Elections Likely to Send Seattle Voter Turnout Skyrocketing
As the 1960s drew to a close Seattle was forced by the Washington State Legislature to switch the timing of its officer elections.
In...
Stoked for ‘Hot Bike Summer’? Thank a Former Mayor and Council
Five major bike safety projects are all opening within a few months of each other, filling in critical gaps in Seattle's network. But most of the credit for ensuring that Hot Bike Summer happened in the first place goes to previous city leaders.
2018 Endorsement Questionnaire: Joseph Brumbles
As part of our endorsement process at The Urbanist, we ask candidates to complete a standard questionnaire to better understand and evaluate their positions...
Wilson Maintains Lead over Harrell, Two New Polls Indicate
Progressive challenger Katie Wilson continues to have the edge in the highly competitive Seattle mayoral race, despite a large fundraising advantage for corporate-backed incumbent Bruce Harrell. Two polls released this week indicate that Wilson still holds a lead, after winning the primary election by nearly 10 points.
The Battle for the Seattle City Council, Part 1: The Incumbents
Seven seats on the Seattle City Council are up for grabs this year and the races are starting to firm up ahead of the...
Op-Ed: Two Simple Steps to Save Schools by Taxing the Rich
Get Seattle’s biggest businesses to ante up $5 million now to prevent school closures, then get the Washington State Legislature to pass a wealth tax on the super-rich, enabling Washington’s public schools to thrive.








