Politics and Government

Mayor Durkan with Ferris wheel and Seattle waterfront in background

Durkan Is Botching Homelessness Policy and Blaming Journalists for the News

“My constituents are mad. All of Seattle is mad, and to be honest, I’m mad too," Councilmember Tammy Morales said in a statement Friday....
Protesters react with fists raised in solidarity as Nikkita Oliver takes the stage at City Hall on Wednesday June 3rd. (Photo by Doug Trumm)

This Really Is a Tipping Point Election for Seattle

Seattle's next mayor faces a tough job. The challenges staring down the city are many and navigating through multiple crises won’t be easy. The...

Sunday Video: How China’s Flagship Belt and Road Project Stalled Out

https://youtu.be/AU1OvrbawE8 China has been heavily focused on global infrastructure initiatives through its Belt and Road strategy to increase the country’s prosperity and influence. A key...

These Housing Bills Need a Boost as Cutoff Looms

State senators and representatives are scrambling to get their bills out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation before the cutoff on Monday, February...
Mayor Durkan delivers her speech

Mayor Durkan Lays Out Brief Agenda in Brief Speech

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan's final state of the city speech was just six minutes long. Typically, the annual speech is about four times longer,...

Meetup Video: February 2021 with Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda

https://youtu.be/b7OYLGiIJyc This month, Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda was the guest speaker at The Urbanist’s meetup. You can rewatch her discussion here.

Are Historic Districts a New Variation to Restrictive Covenants?

If Seattle’s Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program set a citywide precedent, then a push by wealthy Wallingford homeowners to turn single-family zoned areas into...
Lorena González smiling in a headshot photo.

Lorena González Envisions a More Equitable City in Mayoral Bid

If you haven’t heard by now, Council President M. Lorena González is running for mayor. González is a known quantity in Seattle government and governance....