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Elections & Endorsements

Social housing advocates stand on the steps of Seattle City Hall with their house mascot.

How Seattle Social Housing Advocates Campaigned to Victory

House Our Neighbors led a campaign that overcame a flood of corporate cash against them. Here's how they did it, and what comes next to grow social housing in Seattle and ignite a broader movement.
Harrell grips a lectern and wears a somber look during his speech at Benaroya Hall.

Op-Ed: Bruce Harrell Is a Failed Mayor on Public Safety

Ron Davis dives into Mayor Bruce Harrell's record on public safety and ultimately deems his approach a failure. On his third police chief, Harrell has not delivered on campaign promises and the Seattle Police Department is still reeling and lacking accountability.

Council Committee Greenlights SoDo Housing Proposal Despite Strong Port Opposition

The 3-2 vote in committee sets up a final decision later this month, but the Port of Seattle is suggesting they may take legal action against the move.
Harrell stands at a lectern and looks down as his notes. He wears a grey suit and stands in front of a red curtain.

Harrell Calls Musk, Thiel ‘Smart Innovators,’ Tells Downtown Businesses He’s Fighting for Them

On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised conservative billionaires as "smart innovators," but pledged to push back on federal overreach and advance cybersecurity, telling business leaders: "I will fight for you."
A white man in glasses and suit poses in from of the Seattle skyline

Public Defender Nathan Rouse Makes Seattle City Attorney Bid

Nathan Rouse wants to deliver public safety via holistic fixes and criminal justice reform. He's challenging incumbent Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, who he argues has focused on scoring cheap political points rather than results.
The glass towers of the Seattle skyline peaks over the shoulders of the group.

Apply to Join The Urbanist Election Committee

The Urbanist Elections Committee is seeking new members to join the committee to expand our geographic scope for the 2025 election cycle. If you live in an Eastside suburb, Tacoma, South Seattle, Shoreline, or Lynnwood and are interested in urbanism and politics, apply by March 8 to be considered. 
Harrell stands at a lectern with a big pipe organ behind him on the Benaroya auditorium stage.

Harrell Teases Plans for Pedestrianizing Pike Place and Overhauling Aurora Avenue

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell teased a few urbanist-minded initiatives as he delivered his annual state of the city speech on Tuesday, putting support behind a push to pedestrianize Pike Place and launched a new "Northern Lights" vision to remake Aurora Avenue. Exactly when either change would occur remains unclear.

Rinck Urges Seattle Leaders to Defend Against Trump Attacks

At a protest Monday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck urged Seattle leaders to take on Trump to defend against attacks on federal workers, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. After earlier talks of collaborating with Trump, Mayor Harrell struck a more defiant tone in "State of the City" speech today, but was light on specifics.