Politics and Government

Three officers standing around a squad car

Council Committee Greenlights $1 Million Aimed at Luring More Police Officers to Seattle

Yesterday, the Seattle City Council's public safety committee voted unanimously to advance a bill releasing $1 million in Seattle Police Department (SPD) salary savings...

When Thinking Globally and Acting Locally Is No Longer Optional: Why Seattle Needs Buses

The scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change is now irrefutable.* Climate change is not some far off disaster that can be passed on to...
Frank Chopp smiles next to three transit riders at a bus stop.

2020 Endorsement Questionnaire: Frank Chopp, LD43-2

The Urbanist Elections Committee invited state legislature candidates in the Seattle metropolitan region to fill out our questionnaire to participate in our endorsement process....
The Capitol building in Olympia is marble colored and include pillars and a dome in the classic style.

State House Passes Bill Allowing Even-Year Local Elections

The Washington State House passed a bill allowing cities to move their elections to even years, when turnout is much higher. The bill still needs to pass the state senate to become law.

2024 General Election Endorsements

The Urbanist Elections Committee has unveiled our 2024 general election endorsements. We're excited about this slate of urbanists, who are poised to make a difference.
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...

Rider Reps Could Be Coming Soon to Some Washington Transit Boards

House Bill 2191 would allow -- not require -- around two-thirds of the transit agencies in Washington State to appoint two designated rider representatives to their boards.
A small neighborhood cafe commercial storefront with people sitting outside in patio chairs

Statewide Neighborhood Cafe Bill Returns, Expanded to More Types of Businesses

A popular bill from 2024 that would legalize neighborhood cafes in residential areas across Washington is back in 2025. It will likely continue to face headwinds from local governments.