King County Floats Sales Tax Bump to Fund Metro, Roads
The proposal for a 0.1% sale tax hike comes in response to structural issues with King County's budget, and would generate around $100 million annually. Half would fund maintenance on unincorporated roads, and the other half is likely to go to safety upgrades at Metro.
Moore Steps Down, Seattle Council to Appoint Replacement to 16-Month Term
District 5 Councilmember Cathy Moore's announced her resignation today, effective July 7. Moore's departure will queue up a 16-month term for the appointee the Council selects. In November 2026, D5 voters will elect a councilmember to a one-year term.
Former Seattle Police Chief Diaz Sues City, Harrell for Retaliation
Last week, former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz filed a lawsuit against the City and Mayor Bruce Harrell, alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and wage theft. Beyond the monetary cost, the suit could be yet another political headwind for a mayor facing a tough reelection fight.
Op-Ed: Seattle Police Officers Guild is the Problem
The Seattle Police Officers Guild has continually sabotaged reform after reform. We can no longer allow SPOG leadership to remain an obstacle to accountable, constitutional policing. Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse lays out what the office can do to help.
Op-Ed: Democrats Acted Irresponsibly, Failed to Trump-Proof Washington State in 2025 Session
Governor Bob Ferguson blocked efforts to tax the rich, pushing Democrats to implement austerity cuts that included raising the cost of child care and cutting early learning. A weakened social safety net makes the state less prepared to weather further Trump chaos.
Op-Ed: Seattle Council’s Ethics Overhaul Would Be Neither Ethical nor Democratic
Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore announced Friday that she is withdrawing her proposal weakening the City’s ethics rules, pledging to fine-tune the idea and bring it back. Collin Thrower lays out why she is on the wrong track.
Fort Lawton Housing Project Faces a Make-or-Break Moment
The idea of building affordable housing at Magnolia's former Army base has been in the works for two decades. With a key comment deadline passing this month, it's finally set to advance, but several major hurdles loom over the coming months.
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.