A 2018 traffic stop ended with a horrific Seattle police killing of Iosia Faletogo deemed "lawful and proper." Six years later a jury saw it differently, but the inquest also highlighted the need for stronger police accountability mechanisms.
Police Chief Shon Barnes sits at the center of the panel and Saka stand in front the table with the mic.

High Point Safety Town Hall Is a Low Point for Saka

Last week, Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka hosted a packed town hall to address gun violence in High Point and other parts of his District 1. The event ended in frustrated shouting, as residents said Saka hadn’t delivered on what he’d promised.
A photo of colorful townhouses with a tree in front.

Bellevue Councilmembers Twist Themselves in Knots Over Middle Housing Changes

Presented with a recommendation to allow additional density beyond a state mandate, a bloc of Bellevue's council pushed for more process and study. This November's election, when five of seven councilmembers must defend their seats, looms large in the background.

After ‘Year of Housing 2.0’, Policymakers Eye Next Big Housing Moves

Following a productive legislative session on the issue of housing, with around a dozen bills signed into law, Washington state lawmakers are already looking ahead to the next set of challenges to tackle.
A rendering shows a light rail window with a view of a large blue six story building with a big green lawn in front.

In Eastside Affordable Housing Efforts, ARCH Provides Both Help and Hurdles

Inside the complicated calculations that determine if affordable housing gets built on King County’s Eastside and how A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) finds itself in the middle of it all.

Governor Signs Washington’s First-in-the-Nation Shared Streets Law

Cities in Washington will have the legal authority to create shared streets, which feature much lower speed limits and put pedestrians first, under Senate Bill 5595. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Saturday. It will go into effect on July 27.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Quiz Your Knowledge with The Urbanist Crossword Puzzle for May 18

Take the third installment of The Urbanist's crossword series, which runs every two weeks. If you love to take a contemplative moment with a brain-teasing puzzle, but you’re tired of nationally syndicated crosswords with no local flair or stance on high-capacity transit, you’re right where you need to be.

Sunday Video: The Housing Tax Crisis

Uytae Lee of About Here dives into development fees and taxes, which contribute to a significant proportion of new housing costs. In many North American cities, housing taxes have been increasing much faster than inflation. But why are they increasing so much, what are they used for, and how does this affect homebuilding?

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A line forms out the door into the plaza at El Centro de la Raza.

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.

Join The Urbanist for Our May Event Socials and Housing Advocacy

May is full of social events and housing advocacy opportunities. Join The Urbanist for opportunities to make your voice heard and to celebrate the Downtown Redmond Link Extension on May 10.
A dozen people gather in the courtyard plaza between the buildings that compose El Centro de La Raza complex.

Tickets Going Fast for Seattle Housing Panel and Other Urbanist Events

We've expanded capacity to our "Future of Seattle Housing" panel at El Centro de la Raza. RSVP soon to save your ticket before we run out. And check out our other April events.

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A photo of colorful townhouses with a tree in front.

Bellevue Councilmembers Twist Themselves in Knots Over Middle Housing Changes

Presented with a recommendation to allow additional density beyond a state mandate, a bloc of Bellevue's council pushed for more process and study. This November's election, when five of seven councilmembers must defend their seats, looms large in the background.
A rendering shows a light rail window with a view of a large blue six story building with a big green lawn in front.

In Eastside Affordable Housing Efforts, ARCH Provides Both Help and Hurdles

Inside the complicated calculations that determine if affordable housing gets built on King County’s Eastside and how A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) finds itself in the middle of it all.

Crowds Come Out to Celebrate Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension

Eastside leaders speechified and cut the ribbon on the Downtown Redmond Link light rail extension on Saturday. Thousands thronged the 2 Line to get their first look at the two new stations that opened, bringing the full line to ten stations.

More Eastside Coverage posts »

The Seattle council chambers are filled to the brim. People hold signs to promote their views.

Turn Out for Housing at Seattle Hearings This Week

There are two important housing fights coming up next week. Public hearings are scheduled on Monday and Wednesday, and advocates need to ensure Seattle's plan for middle housing keeps advancing and long-promised affordable housing gets built at Fort Lawton, despite pushback.
A line forms out the door into the plaza at El Centro de la Raza.

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.

The Deck is Stacked Against Stacked Flats in Seattle

Once plentiful across the city, small apartment buildings with flats stacked on top of one another are incredibly rare in new construction. The reasons behind that are multifaceted, and stemming the tide will take a push on multiple levels of government.

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Transportation

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Commentary

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A line forms out the door into the plaza at El Centro de la Raza.

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.

Urbanist Reporters Appear on Hacks and Wonks Podcast

The Urbanist's contributing editor Ryan Packer and reporter Amy Sundberg appeared on back-to-back episodes of the Hacks and Wonks podcast this week. Be sure...
Ryan Packer in a bike helmet along a bike path with an autumn-colored tree behind

Ryan Packer Talks Vision Zero, Traffic Safety on Hacks and Wonks...

Ryan Packer broke down local "Vision Zero" traffic safety campaigns on a recent episode of the Hacks and Wonks podcast.

More podcast episodes »