Politics and Government

A tower-like metal sculpture crowns Kirkland's Marina Park, with a few pedestrians walking on the path along its edge. The marina and Moss Bay is in the distance.

Kirkland Voters Maintain the City’s Course, Rejecting Anti-Growth Push

Despite significant spending to steer the Kirkland City Council toward a more slow growth direction, voters elected progressives in three out of four races. In the end, the election seemed to show most Kirkland residents are happy with the city's current direction.
Harrell stands at a lectern with the Seattle City Seal and the skyline visible behind him from a midrise rooftop.

Katie Wilson to Inherit Seattle’s Budget Woes

Katie Wilson may have won the mayoral election, but her challenges are just beginning. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell is leaving a budget mess behind him.

The ‘Structural Change’ About to Make Homebuilding More Expensive in Seattle

As Seattle enters an era where fewer builders are lining up to build office towers and residential skyscrapers, the city's permit department is scrambling to catch up. Despite last-minute concerns raised Monday around a 18% permit fee increase, that change is poised to take effect next year.
Harrell waves goodbye at the end of his speech with his wife on his arm. They stand at a lectern in the lobby of city hall.

Harrell Concedes to Wilson, Ushering in a New Era in Seattle

On Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded the election to progressive challenger Katie Wilson, surrounded by supporters in the lobby of Seattle City Hall. His speech vacillated between a conciliatory tone that extended an olive branch to his successor and a few defiant moments when he seemed to pick up campaign attack lines once more.
Wilson stands at a lectern speaking and a dozen supporters stand behind her holding yellow Wilson for Mayor signs on the City Hall Plaza.

Wilson Defeats Harrell

Katie Wilson will be Seattle's next Mayor. The progressive challenger expanded her lead over current Mayor Bruce Harrell to nearly 2,000 votes in Wednesday's count, and The Urbanist and other local outlets have called the race for Wilson.
Girmay Zahilay, a Black millennial man wearing a suit, standing in front of a blue background

After Victory, Zahilay Announces County Executive Transition Team

In announcing his 100-person transition team, King County Executive-elect Girmay Zahilay put housing issues front-and-center. He faces a short runway as the first new leader elected at the county level since 2009, and will take office on November 25.
Wilson wears a blzer and stands on an urban street with trees and a line of parked cars in the background.

Katie Wilson Pulls Away from Harrell, Leads by 1,346 Votes

In Tuesday's drop, Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson expanded her narrow lead over Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. She now leads by 1,346 votes or 0.49%. With very few ballots remaining, Wilson is on the cusp of avoiding a machine recount.

Stadium District Zoning Change Declared Invalid After Port of Seattle Appeal

The contentious proposal, approved by a 6-3 vote in March, legalized residential uses in a small slice of SoDo. But a state board pointed out several areas where the City cut corners ahead of that vote, nullifying the change.