An ad includes a collage of two clinking wine glasses, a construction crane, dumplings and a cocktail glass. The title reads:

Politics and Government

A native woman with grey hair wearing a loud, floral print suit

Seattle Council Appoints Debora Juarez to Fill District 5 Vacancy

Juarez, who represented District 5 from 2016 to 2023, will immediately become one of the most experienced members of the council. But she pledged to defer to former Councilmember Cathy Moore when it comes to the city's growth plan, a move that likely worries housing advocates.

Seattle, King County Brace for Impact of Coming Federal Funding Earthquake

At the city and the county level, local leaders are preparing for the impacts of the new federal reconciliation bill, described as "devastating." Those impacts will be felt everywhere from hospitals to food banks.
A line of eight officials stand in front of banners that say Maintain, Enhance, and Expand.

Op-Ed: King County Parks Levy Is Vote for Strong, Equitable Communities for All

Two leaders lay out the case for approving King County Parks Levy, which is on the primary ballot this summer.
Solomon is a Black man wears a suit and glasses. He sits at the Council Chambers dais.

Nelson, Saka Boycott Housing Committee, Blocking Seattle Renters Commission Appointments

Council President Sara Nelson and Councilmember Rob Saka unexpectedly skipped a housing committee meeting Wednesday, holding up 14 appointments to the shorthanded Seattle Renters Commission. Councilmember Alexis Rinck sharply criticized the "disrespectful" move, as did several nominees.
Attendees fill seats in long tables at Teku Tavern two members of House Our Neighbors present to the group.

Campaign Volunteer Training Sessions Headline The Urbanist’s August Events

Join The Urbanist for a Campaign Volunteer Training Session to support our endorsed candidates. We have two dates in August: one in Seattle and one in Redmond.
Nelson stands at a lectern with a row of providers standing behind her.

Seattle Council Targets Nuisance Properties, Graffiti, and Safety-Themed Sales Tax Bump

Last Tuesday, the Seattle City Council voted 7-1 to pass changes to the city’s 16-year-old nuisance property ordinance that will expand the powers of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to declare a business or residence a “chronic nuisance.”  As Council ramps up criminalization and weighs funding more addiction treatment services, do their plans add up to a cohesive strategy?

Seattle Councilmembers Push to Expand District Privileges

Since the 2023 Seattle council elections, a new dynamic has been taking shape in which extra deference is given to policy decisions made by the seven district-based councilmembers within their own district. If that shift continues, it could have dramatic impacts on how projects and programs are prioritized.
Juarez speaks at a podium with a hockey jersey with the City Seal in the background.

Seattle Council Poised to Appoint Debora Juarez to Vacant D5 Seat

Former Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez is one of six finalists to fill the District 5 vacancy on Council created by Cathy Moore's resignation. Insiders say she is the clear favorite for the appointment.