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The cost of additional delay and reduced resiliency in the light rail system were cited as reasons to set aside the idea of dropping Ballard Link's planned tunnel under Downtown Seattle. But the discussion is likely to set up a broader debate of just who benefits from that tunnel -- and who pays for it.
Recent Posts
Housing Nonprofits Grapple with Fiscal Crisis and Federal Threats
Issues with high vacancies, rising operating costs, and federal funding cuts are hitting affordable housing providers hard. The Seattle Office of Housing has stemmed the bleeding with operating support, but broader fixes are needed.
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.
Op-Ed: Defer Seattle’s Second Downtown Rail Tunnel to Save ST3
Tabling a second light rail tunnel through Downtown Seattle and redesigning Ballard Link to use the existing tunnel could save $4.5 billion, and Sound Transit has been too quick to dismiss the idea, Scott Kubly argues. The money saved could reduce delays and fund important transit upgrades elsewhere.
Katie Wilson Taps Angela Brady as Interim SDOT Director
Waterfront revamp veteran Angela Brady is taking over as Seattle's transportation department head, replacing Adiam Emery, who previously served as one of Bruce Harrell's deputy mayors. The Wilson Administration will conduct a broader search for a longer-term SDOT Director in 2026.
Seattle OKs New Growth Plan, but Biggest Zoning Battles Lie Ahead
The adoption of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, nearly one year late under a state-imposed deadline, is setting up much bigger debate over where additional housing density will be allowed in the city. Those issues, set to be discussed in 2026, include adding neighborhood centers and upzones along transit corridors.
Pierce County Boosts Affordable Housing Creation, Leveraging New Maureen Howard Fund
The Pierce County Council recently greenlit a set of awards for affordable housing projects using a relatively new funding source: the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act. Over its short life, the sales tax has raised more than $31 million, which will contribute to the creation of 1,700 affordable units.
Kirkland Council Makes Way for Redevelopment of Contentious Juanita Sites
Up to 800 homes could advance on two underdeveloped retail sites in Kirkland's Juanita neighborhood thanks to a zoning update that raises height limits to 75 feet. The road to get to this point involved nearly two years of process, and nearly became derailed ahead of a final council vote.
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.
Join Us for The Urbanist’s November and December Events
Join for The Urbanist for our upcoming social meetups, Comprehensive Plan organizing, and our big holiday party extravaganza.
Join Us for The Urbanist Winter Holiday Party on December 9th
The Urbanist's Annual Holiday Party is the biggest gathering of local urbanists and elected officials of the year. Mingle, celebrate our recent wins, and hear about the future of urbanism in the Puget Sound. Get your tickets today!
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Kirkland Council Makes Way for Redevelopment of Contentious Juanita Sites
Up to 800 homes could advance on two underdeveloped retail sites in Kirkland's Juanita neighborhood thanks to a zoning update that raises height limits to 75 feet. The road to get to this point involved nearly two years of process, and nearly became derailed ahead of a final council vote.
Mayor Scrambles to Protect ‘Character’ of Old Bellevue with Emergency Controls
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson's request would bring an emergency action to require facade preservation along Main Street as a condition of future development, while the city considers permanent regulations. While there was majority support for retaining the character of the area, some councilmembers cast doubt on the urgency and emergency framing.
Sammamish Hits Pause on Town Center Planning after Backlash Election
Following an intense debate over the future of Sammamish's fledgling Town Center area in this month's elections, three growth skeptics are set to join the city council. Now the question is just how dramatically things get scaled back in 2026.
More Eastside Coverage posts »
Seattle OKs New Growth Plan, but Biggest Zoning Battles Lie Ahead
The adoption of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, nearly one year late under a state-imposed deadline, is setting up much bigger debate over where additional housing density will be allowed in the city. Those issues, set to be discussed in 2026, include adding neighborhood centers and upzones along transit corridors.
Op-Ed: Making Seattle Neighborhoods More Accessible by Design
Four case studies show how Seattle's new middle housing zoning incentives align with demographic shifts to meet housing demand.
Seattle Council Sets the Stage for a Potential Multiplex Boom
The Seattle City Council added a series of series of height and density bonuses for stacked flats as they amended Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposed update to the City's Comprehensive Plan in September. The bonuses could unleash the city's former single family zones to create a stacked flat multiplex boom, ranging up to 12-plexes.
More One Seattle Plan posts »
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.
Urbanist Podcast Election Extravaganza: Puget Sound Progressives Prevail
The Urbanist Podcast is back after a hiatus, just in time to break down 2025 election results. In this episode, Urbanist publisher Doug Trumm and reporter Amy Sundberg discuss what happened in Seattle, with progressive mayoral challenger Katie Wilson's dramatic victory, and other interesting races across the region.
An Audio Recap of The Urbanist’s ‘Future of Seattle Housing’ Panel
Want a deep dive on the latest in Seattle housing policy? The Urbanist has you covered. Check out this recording and transcript of our April housing panel with experts.
More podcast episodes »