Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..
Once plentiful across the city, small apartment buildings with flats stacked on top of one another are incredibly rare in new construction. The reasons behind that are multifaceted, and stemming the tide will take a push on multiple levels of government.

Redmond Sees New Neighborhood Burgeon Around Marymoor Park as Light Rail...

The 2017 Marymoor Village growth center has led to a number of larger multifamily developments in the area around Marymoor Park in Southeast Redmond. This weekend, light rail finally arrives.

Rent Stabilization, Parking Reforms Become Law in Washington

The two bills represent two major pillars among a variety of housing measures approved during the 2025 legislative session, with a focus on both housing supply and stability for existing tenants.

Op-Ed: Seattle Public Schools Enrollment Practices Starve Schools and Harm Students

School board directors Sarah Clark and Joe Mizrahi break down how flawed enrollment practices are harming students, and may ultimately lead to school closures across the city.

Downtown Redmond’s Building Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing

New apartment buildings like Eastline and Polaris have brought hundreds of units close to Redmond's forthcoming downtown light rail station. On the horizon are even bigger projects.

Op-Ed: Ants — Has Seattle Strayed from its Public Art Mission?

For more than 20 years, Paragon has stood as a striking piece of public art along the Duwamish River. But the City of Seattle is moving forward with dismantling it, citing deterioration. Artist Don Fels details how things got to this point.
Apartments around Downtown Park

How Downtown Redmond Grew from Sleepy Suburb to Small City

Redmond's 1993 Downtown Plan led to an urban transformation that saw the construction of over 5,000 new units between 2000 and 2020. This Saturday, light rail arrives to support that urban growth.

Pierce County Republicans Try to Bury Vision Zero Action Plan

The fully completed plan, intended to provide an array of strategies that would advance Pierce County toward a goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries by 2035, was only approved by a 4-3 vote last week.

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Join The Urbanist for Our May Event Socials and Housing Advocacy

May is full of social events and housing advocacy opportunities. Join The Urbanist for opportunities to make your voice heard and to celebrate the Downtown Redmond Link Extension on May 10.
A dozen people gather in the courtyard plaza between the buildings that compose El Centro de La Raza complex.

Tickets Going Fast for Seattle Housing Panel and Other Urbanist Events

We've expanded capacity to our "Future of Seattle Housing" panel at El Centro de la Raza. RSVP soon to save your ticket before we run out. And check out our other April events.

The Urbanist to Host ‘Future of Seattle Housing’ Panel April 23

RSVP to save yourself a spot at the Future of Seattle Housing Panel hosted by The Urbanist and Seattle YIMBY from 6pm to 8pm on April 23.

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Redmond Sees New Neighborhood Burgeon Around Marymoor Park as Light Rail...

The 2017 Marymoor Village growth center has led to a number of larger multifamily developments in the area around Marymoor Park in Southeast Redmond. This weekend, light rail finally arrives.

Downtown Redmond’s Building Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing

New apartment buildings like Eastline and Polaris have brought hundreds of units close to Redmond's forthcoming downtown light rail station. On the horizon are even bigger projects.
Apartments around Downtown Park

How Downtown Redmond Grew from Sleepy Suburb to Small City

Redmond's 1993 Downtown Plan led to an urban transformation that saw the construction of over 5,000 new units between 2000 and 2020. This Saturday, light rail arrives to support that urban growth.

More Eastside Coverage posts »

The Deck is Stacked Against Stacked Flats in Seattle

Once plentiful across the city, small apartment buildings with flats stacked on top of one another are incredibly rare in new construction. The reasons behind that are multifaceted, and stemming the tide will take a push on multiple levels of government.

Seattle Commission Warns Of Adding ‘Poison Pills’ to Middle Housing Changes

With the Seattle City Council set to consider amendments to required zoning changes this week, the city's planning commission highlighted the danger of adding on additional requirements including affordable housing mandates and changing thresholds for infrastructure upgrades.
A women holds a baby with a toddler at her feet and speaks into the micro in Seatlte council chambers.

Public Meetings Privilege Housing Opponents — Here’s How to Fix It

The way cities conduct public outreach and local elections stacks the deck against homebuilding, tenants, and people of color, research shows. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

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Transportation

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Land Use/Housing

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Commentary

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Urbanist Reporters Appear on Hacks and Wonks Podcast

The Urbanist's contributing editor Ryan Packer and reporter Amy Sundberg appeared on back-to-back episodes of the Hacks and Wonks podcast this week. Be sure...
Ryan Packer in a bike helmet along a bike path with an autumn-colored tree behind

Ryan Packer Talks Vision Zero, Traffic Safety on Hacks and Wonks...

Ryan Packer broke down local "Vision Zero" traffic safety campaigns on a recent episode of the Hacks and Wonks podcast.
Photo of Rian Watt wearing a t-shirt from the National Civil Rights museum and an unbuttoned button down shirt. He is smiling slightly.

Rian Watt Talks Primary Results on Hack and Wonks Podcast

The Urbanist's Senior Advisor Rian Watt discussed primary election results and the latest happenings at Seattle City Hall on a August 9 episode of...

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