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The $5.6 billion to $6.3 billion light rail line between South Kirkland and Issaquah is currently set to open by 2044 but could see further delays. Newly elected Mayor Mark Mullet wants the project to serve as an example of how to get creative in response to funding shortfalls.
Recent Posts
Simulated 2 Line Service Begins Saturday, Bringing Riders a Frequency Boost
On Saturday, February 14, simulated service on the full 2 Line will commence, with train operators mimicking the service patterns they intend to operate after the March 28 grand opening. Light rail riders will be able to benefit from doubled train frequency in stations from the International District to Lynnwood.
Supportive Housing Building Opens Near Seattle’s Woodland Park
DESC opened 95 supportive housing units last week in Upper Fremont. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson attended the ribbon-cutting celebration, noting the positive step toward addressing the homelessness crisis, but Trump cuts could slow the pace of similar project openings.
2026 Levy Plan Sets Stage for a New Mayor’s Transportation Priorities
The full list of 430 levy-funded projects across Seattle was mostly assembled before Mayor Katie Wilson took office. But it contains significant opportunities for the new administration to shape transportation investments over the years ahead.
Educator Julie Kang Enters Fray in D5 Seattle Council Race
Julie Kang is running for the open seat in Seattle City Council’s District 5 this year, and is the first candidate in the race to qualify for democracy vouchers. An educator and bank founder, Kang espoused a mix of centrist and progressive views in her interview with The Urbanist.
Sunday Video: Marshawn Lynch Bikes to Victory, Seattle Seahawks Superbowl Edition
Give Marshawn Lynch the ball and a bike. The Seattle Seahawks legend is still making his presence felt cheering on his old team, or riding around your favorite city on a bike.
Join Us for February Urbanist Socials and Waterways Presentation March 3rd
The Urbanist is hosting social meetups on February 19 (in Seattle) and February 26 (in Redmond). We're also hosting a talk on the Seattle Waterlines Project on March 3 in Capitol Hill.
Bothell Housing Boom Brewing in Wake of Recent Zoning Reforms
Pre-applications for new housing units in Bothell last year topped 1,000 for the first time in recent history, a big indicator of interest following major changes to Bothell's zoning code in 2024. Such activity makes Bothell well-positioned to buck a regional downturn in housing starts.
Join Us for February Urbanist Socials and Waterways Presentation March 3rd
The Urbanist is hosting social meetups on February 19 (in Seattle) and February 26 (in Redmond). We're also hosting a talk on the Seattle Waterlines Project on March 3 in Capitol Hill.
Join Us for Our January Socials and North Sound Election Debrief
Join us for our January socials in Seattle and in Redmond, plus a special North Sound event recapping the 2025 election and looking to the political battles ahead.
Two Weeks Until The Urbanist’s Winter Holiday Party
Get your ticket to The Urbanist's annual holiday party while supplies last. Our speaking program on December 9 will feature Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and other urbanist leaders and newly elected officials.
More events posts »
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Issaquah Pitches Case for Keeping Its Light Rail Line on Track
The $5.6 billion to $6.3 billion light rail line between South Kirkland and Issaquah is currently set to open by 2044 but could see further delays. Newly elected Mayor Mark Mullet wants the project to serve as an example of how to get creative in response to funding shortfalls.
Bothell Housing Boom Brewing in Wake of Recent Zoning Reforms
Pre-applications for new housing units in Bothell last year topped 1,000 for the first time in recent history, a big indicator of interest following major changes to Bothell's zoning code in 2024. Such activity makes Bothell well-positioned to buck a regional downturn in housing starts.
Sound Transit’s 2 Line Will Finally Connect Across I-90 on March...
Eagerly awaited by transit riders, the full 2 Line light rail connection will finally bridge Seattle and the Eastside and bring expanded train service all the way from Redmond to Lynnwood. The expansion will bring stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island online.
More Eastside Coverage posts »
OPCD Further Trims Corridor Upzones in Newly Unveiled Seattle Zoning Maps
Zoning maps for 30 new neighborhood growth centers, a handful of urban center expansions, and narrow transit corridor rezones dropped on Thursday. With the patchy current vision driven by the Harrell administration, new Mayor Katie Wilson has pledged to come back and expand the plan once a supplemental environmental study is completed.
Op-Ed: Why Housing Abundance is Key to Fighting Climate Change
Building more dense housing within vibrant walkable neighborhoods is a key climate strategy, argues IPCC author Michael Gillenwater. The Seattle Comprehensive Plan could further those opportunities.
Conservation Groups Join Push Against Seattle Growth Plan
Birds Connect Seattle, Thornton Creek Alliance, and the Orca Conservancy are among the groups trying to send the City of Seattle back to the drawing board on its housing growth plan. They're pushing on behalf of an appeal that has been working its way through the courts since April.
More One Seattle Plan posts »
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle
In this podcast, The Urbanist newsroom previews Washington's state legislative session and breaks down the huge setback dealt to the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement project, a highway boondoggle with a ballooning budget. Plus, Amy and Doug recounted their first interview with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson since she's been installed in office.
Urbanist Podcast: New Year, New Mayor, New Budget
Ryan Packer, Amy Sundberg, and Doug Trumm kick off the new year by breaking down Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's inauguration and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson's budget proposal, which included deep cuts to public education, while also queuing up a millionaires income tax for 2029.
Urbanist Podcast: A Light Rail Opening and Police Accountability Door Closing
Ryan Packer, Amy Sundberg, and Doug Trumm discuss the Federal Way Link light rail opening in early December, Katie Wilson's transition team and early hires, and the Seattle City Council's vote to approve a controversial labor contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
More podcast episodes »