Recent Posts

City of Seattle Purchases 18-Acre Laurelhurst Property, Scuttling Sprawl Plans

The $64 million sale of the hotly contested Talaris property in Laurelhurst surprised housing advocates who had long been fighting sprawl and pushing for a more forward-thinking urban vision. But with considerable roadblocks to redevelopment still in place, Talaris's future remains uncertain.
Tens of thousands of soccer fans attend a Sounders FC match at Lumen Field. (Stephen Fesler)

New Three-Day Regional Transit Pass Coming to ORCA in June

In time for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in Seattle, transit riders will have two new fare payment options, including a special three-day pass.

Ferguson Proposes Borrowing $3 Billion for Highway Maintenance, Ferries

The governor's proposed $3 billion in bonds would add onto a Washington state transportation budget that already allocates nearly 12% to debt service. With a 60% vote needed to authorize, the idea will likely face considerable skepticism at the state legislature.

Sunday Video: Is Mass Timber Revolutionizing Midrise and Highrise Design?

Uytae Lee of About Here ticks through the design entrants at a recent mass timber architecture competition, showcasing the vast architectural diversity possible with the eco-friendly construction method.

Op-Ed: Make Seattle a Dog City for Everyone

People experiencing homelessness face huge hurdles to owning dogs and other pets while navigating social services. But Caleb Sinéad Shapiro argues it doesn't have to be this way.
A recessed station open to the air through concrete supports

Sound Transit Board Sets Aside Idea of Skipping Second Downtown Tunnel

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.
A six-story apartment building with blue metal siding and wood railing for juliette balconies

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.
A line of people approach Federal Way Downtown Station, with a train waiting at the elevated platform.

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.