Staff Biography
Ryan PackerRyan Packer has been writing for The Urbanist since 2015, and currently reports full-time as Contributing Editor. Their beats are transportation, land use, public space, traffic safety, and obscure community meetings. Packer has also reported for other regional outlets including BikePortland, Seattle Met, and PubliCola. They live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle.
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Recent Articles
Mosquito Fleet Act Runs Into Choppy Seas in the State Senate Ryan Packer - March 8, 2026 Ferry advocates had been hoping that expanded authority to create passenger ferry districts could allow them to supplement state ferry service in more areas. But changes to the bill in the state Senate could significantly undermine that goal. Read more
Sound Transit’s Bid to Unlock 75-Year Bonds Finds Second Wind Ryan Packer - March 6, 2026 After House transportation chair Jake Fey blocked a bill giving Sound Transit's authority to issue longer-term bonds up to 75 years in length, the sponsor in the state Senate amended the provision into a different bill that remains alive, giving the effort a new lease on life. Read more
Former Seattle Council Candidate Ron Davis Challenges Longtime Legislator Gerry Pollet Ryan Packer - March 5, 2026 Taking on an incumbent who has been in office since 2011, Ron Davis is eyeing tax changes, housing reforms, and a more robust state response to federal overreach as major planks of his platform. Read more
WSDOT Advances Plan to Tame I-90 Ramps at Judkins Park Station Ryan Packer - March 4, 2026 WSDOT's concept would remove the northbound ramp from I-90 onto Rainier Avenue and improve safety at the other freeway ramps. A clear step in the right direction, the unfunded plan is not as bold as some transportation advocates would like to see near such an important light rail station. Read more