Recent Posts

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.
About 20 urbanists sit around a long table in the tavern.

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.
A Komatsu backhoe at a large midrise construction site on Stone Way in Fremont.

Seattle Poised to Remove SEPA Review Hurdle for Most Housing Projects

The Seattle City Council is proposing to scale back the range of construction projects required to get project-level State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review in a bid to boost homebuilding. The proposal will go to full council on February 10.

King County Advocates Push for Transit Funding Measure in 2026

Getting King County on board with going to the voters for a supplementary funding source for Metro bus service has long been a goal of regional transit advocates. But making it happen this year will likely be a tall order, given the need for intense coordination between two newly elected leaders.
From the the I-90 East Portal Viewpoint, Lake Washington and the Downtown Bellevue skyline is visible in the distance. Constantine stands at the lectern gesturing with his hand.

2 Line Countdown Milestone Points to Light Rail Battles Ahead

Anticipation is building for the 2 Line extension March 28, crossing Lake Washington and tying the Eastside into Sound Transit’s broader light rail network. But much work remains to get the next set of expansions right, and removing Claudia Balducci as System Expansion Chair launches that work on a weaker footing.
A 2 Line train sits at Sound Transit's elevated light rail station in Downtown Redmond.

Olympia Seeks to Boost Sound Transit with Long Overdue Permit Reforms

A pair of bills advancing this week at the state legislature would finally allow Sound Transit to rise above the local permitting fray in several key areas. The reforms could save as much as nine months on key transit projects, according to the agency.
A half dozen hard-hatted construction workers work at a site between two midrise buildings on Ballard's Market Street.

Wilson Promotes Sam Steele to Lead Seattle Permitting Department

Mayor Katie Wilson is promoting inspections director Sam Steele to interim director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, she announced Tuesday. Steele has pledged to streamline processes to make it easier to build housing and emergency shelter.