Staff Biography
Ryan Packer
Contributing EditorRyan Packer lives in the Summit Slope neighborhood of Capitol Hill. They are on the board of the Friends of Pike Place Market and write about transportation issues at Capitol Hill Seattle. They believe in using Seattle’s history to attain the vibrant, diverse city that we wish to inhabit. Follow them on Twitter @typewriteralley or email at ryan [at] theurbanist [dot] org.
Recent Articles
King County Advances K Line Designs for Eastside’s Next RapidRide
The adoption of a locally preferred alternative allows Metro to fully advance design work while seeking federal funding. Outstanding questions remain, including how bus priority will be added along a contentious segment in Houghton.
SDOT Delays Final Bike Connection to Seattle Waterfront
As the city prepares to celebrate the grand opening of the full Seattle Waterfront revamp, the only planned direct connection between downtown and the waterfront is set to remain uncompleted. At the center of the issue is an antiquated traffic signal.
Rinck Retools Housing Affordability Bonus with More Density
Alexis Mercedes Rinck's new "Roots to Roofs" bill would provide zoning bonuses for community-based organizations to build housing and other cultural spaces, building on the rejected Connected Communities pilot. It already has the support of Land Use Chair Mark Solomon.
Route 40 Bus Lane Installation Starts, Aiding Riders During I-5 Work
The targeted upgrades intended to speed up buses and increase reliability have been in the works since 2021, and come just in time to aid riders during upcoming I-5 closures. They have faced considerable opposition from business groups along Route 40.
Bellevue Creates Special City Office for ‘Grand Connection’ Pedestrian Corridor
Former Seattle permitting director Nathan Torgelson will lead the new city department, intended to advance an ambitious plan for a new bike and pedestrian bridge over I-405. One of the largest capital projects in city history, it's also intended to be a major placemaking project.