2019 General Election Endorsements
It's that time of year. Amazon is cutting a million-dollar check to Seattle’s chamber of commerce political action committee. Their candidates are talking about...
Mayor Durkan Lays Out Brief Agenda in Brief Speech
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan's final state of the city speech was just six minutes long. Typically, the annual speech is about four times longer,...
Urbanism Can Help Fight Fascism But Only With Reform
In the wake of last Tuesday's electoral collapse, think pieces have abounded. I've spun myself in circles and tied my stomach into knots trying...
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.
Newcastle Council Restores Climate, Equity Language to Growth Plan
The final 4-3 vote represented a victory for the council's progressives, as a debate over addressing past discrimination and improving equity turned into a partisan issue. The reversal was a setback for Newcastle's conservative mayor, Robert Clark.
2015 Seattle City Council Election, District 6: Mike O’Brien Interview
Article Note: The Urbanist is publishing a series of interviews with a selection of 2015 Seattle City Council candidates. In June, we will release...
More Evidence To Build More Housing
If you are concerned about housing costs, you should know that building a lot more housing will be critical to control or reduce costs. We...
Could Seattle’s 20-Year Growth Plan Get Derailed by Predatory Appeal?
The release of the city's final environmental review of the One Seattle growth plan is likely to be followed by an appeal, in an attempt to stop neighborhood-level zoning changes. But while an appeal may add time, it's likely to ultimately fail.







