Politics and Government

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.
Police hold nightsticks in full riot gear behind a metal fence as protesters march by.

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 include patchy grass and drab concrete low slung buildings and garages that used to serve the military installation.

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.
The view from the Mount Baker pedestrian bridge with the Franklin football field at the corner of MLK Way and Rainier Avenue.

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.
In a night time image, dark police officer silhouettes emerge from an armored truck amidst a backdrop of a cloud of tear gas.

OPA, Seattle Police Violated Medical Privacy of Protester, Unearthed Investigation Reveals

Important questions remain despite a newly unearthed report, including how police first obtained sensitive medical information, why the City’s inspector general continued to be directly involved, despite recusal due to conflict of interest, and why the Mayor’s Office opted to hire and accept the findings of another external consultant, following the original investigation’s sustained allegations.

June 4th Seattle Candidate Forum to Focus on Transportation and Housing

The Urbanist will be co-hosting a Seattle candidate forum on June 4th in Beacon Hill along with allied housing and transportation organizations. It will be a fantastic chance to hear from candidates for Seattle Mayor and City Council. RSVP today!