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Recent Posts

Advocates wave "build the damn trains sign" and Kirk from Transportation Choices Coalition speaks at the lectern

‘Build the Damn Trains’ Campaign Pushes Sound Transit Toward Creative Solutions

As the Sound Transit board approaches the point of grappling with how to rebalance the entire Sound Transit 3 package, transit advocates are urging them to look for new solutions outside of project delays or cancellations.
Harrell waves goodbye at the end of his speech with his wife on his arm. They stand at a lectern in the lobby of city hall.

Harrell Concedes to Wilson, Ushering in a New Era in Seattle

On Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded the election to progressive challenger Katie Wilson, surrounded by supporters in the lobby of Seattle City Hall. His speech vacillated between a conciliatory tone that extended an olive branch to his successor and a few defiant moments when he seemed to pick up campaign attack lines once more.
A photo shows a row of plate reader cameras over a highway with a truck going by.

Washington Cities Question Use of License Plate Readers Citing Federal Overreach

A recent University of Washington report on data security issues with automatic license plate readers has been creating waves among law enforcement agencies using the technology, including Lynnwood, Redmond, and Stanwood. Other cities remain committed, despite the risks.
Wilson stands at a lectern speaking and a dozen supporters stand behind her holding yellow Wilson for Mayor signs on the City Hall Plaza.

Wilson Defeats Harrell

Katie Wilson will be Seattle's next Mayor. The progressive challenger expanded her lead over current Mayor Bruce Harrell to nearly 2,000 votes in Wednesday's count, and The Urbanist and other local outlets have called the race for Wilson.
About a dozen people are pictured sitting or standing with their bikes in a park.

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.
Girmay Zahilay, a Black millennial man wearing a suit, standing in front of a blue background

After Victory, Zahilay Announces County Executive Transition Team

In announcing his 100-person transition team, King County Executive-elect Girmay Zahilay put housing issues front-and-center. He faces a short runway as the first new leader elected at the county level since 2009, and will take office on November 25.
Wilson wears a blzer and stands on an urban street with trees and a line of parked cars in the background.

Katie Wilson Pulls Away from Harrell, Leads by 1,346 Votes

In Tuesday's drop, Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson expanded her narrow lead over Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. She now leads by 1,346 votes or 0.49%. With very few ballots remaining, Wilson is on the cusp of avoiding a machine recount.

Stadium District Zoning Change Declared Invalid After Port of Seattle Appeal

The contentious proposal, approved by a 6-3 vote in March, legalized residential uses in a small slice of SoDo. But a state board pointed out several areas where the City cut corners ahead of that vote, nullifying the change.