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Work to close the 20-25% funding gap announced Thursday will likely have far-reaching implications on everything from system expansion projects to how Sound Transit delivers current service. The coming months will likely see assumptions long thought settled back on the table.

Federal Way Light Rail Extension to Open December 6

Federal Way Link will open on December 6, ahead of the previous plan for an early 2026 opening, Sound Transit announced today.
Shannon Braddock takes a seat in the middle of the dais with the nine County Councilmembers around her during her swearing in ceremony.

King County Restructures School Impact Fees to Comply with State Law

King County is capping school impact fees on multifamily projects, hoping to lessen the burden on homebuilders. The move sparked a debate on how to help overcapacity school districts while avoid undue burdens on builders.

Cities Grapple With ‘Game-Changing’ Impact of Mercer Island Housing Plan Ruling

Cities around the region are starting to grapple with greater accountability for creating more affordable housing, in the wake of a far-reaching decision impacting Mercer Island. Bainbridge Island and Clyde Hill provide an early look at those conversations.
A white six story building with jutting windows.

Seattle Social Housing Developer Strives for High Sustainability and Affordability Standards

With a mandate to design its buildings for an ambitious green housing standard called “Passive House” while maintaining affordability, Seattle's newly funded social housing authority has an important point to prove.
A big flock of pigeons peck around a mostly empty parking lot with one flat bed truck nearby

Why Shoreline’s Vote to Erase Parking Mandates Is a Big Deal

Parking reform has become a national movement, aimed at reducing housing costs. With a nudge from state law, Shoreline joins the trend to support urban development and a shift toward greener transportation options.

Sound Transit’s 2 Line Faces Hurdles Beyond Crossing I-90 Bridge

While the ability to run trains across the floating bridge continues to be a major impediment to getting the full 2 Line running, other issues along the existing 1 Line could pose even greater challenges to maintaining consistent service.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Test Your Wits with The Urbanist Crossword for August 24

Take the tenth 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.

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Join The Urbanist and Seattle OPCD for Madison Valley Walking Tour

On September 10, The Urbanist is hosting a Madison Valley walking tour featuring staff from the Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development, who will discuss the "neighborhood center" rezone proposed for the area. It will be great preparation for the City's September 12 public comment session on the broader One Seattle growth plan.

Last Week to Buy Tickets for The Urbanist’s Endorsed Candidate Party

The Urbanist is hosting its Endorsed Candidate Party this Sunday, August 17. Join us for an afternoon of food, drink, good company, and toasting to local urbanist wins. Get your ticket today!
Attendees fill seats in long tables at Teku Tavern two members of House Our Neighbors present to the group.

Campaign Volunteer Training Sessions Headline The Urbanist’s August Events

Join The Urbanist for a Campaign Volunteer Training Session to support our endorsed candidates. We have two dates in August: one in Seattle and one in Redmond.

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Cities Grapple With ‘Game-Changing’ Impact of Mercer Island Housing Plan Ruling

Cities around the region are starting to grapple with greater accountability for creating more affordable housing, in the wake of a far-reaching decision impacting Mercer Island. Bainbridge Island and Clyde Hill provide an early look at those conversations.
Kirkland Urban E & F with Phase 2 under construction

Op-Ed: Sound Transit’s Light Rail Plan Leaves Kirkland And Issaquah Behind

Planned 4 Line light rail would stop well short of urban cores in Kirkland and Issaquah and not open until the 2040s. This makes bus rapid transit a better fit that can be deployed more quickly and economically, Oliver Chen argues.

Sound Transit’s 2 Line Is Even More Popular Than We Thought

More than 300,000 riders used the 2 Line in July, a 47% increase over June. Averaging more than 10,000 daily riders, the 10-station line rivals the busiest King County Metro routes in terms of usage.

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Join The Urbanist and Seattle OPCD for Madison Valley Walking Tour

On September 10, The Urbanist is hosting a Madison Valley walking tour featuring staff from the Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development, who will discuss the "neighborhood center" rezone proposed for the area. It will be great preparation for the City's September 12 public comment session on the broader One Seattle growth plan.

Seattle Growth Plan Amendments Would Shrink Neighborhood Centers, Expand Density Incentives

The Seattle City Council will spend the next month considering the 106 different amendments, which would push the city's growth plan toward allowing more types of housing... or scale back areas where density increases are proposed.
A sailboat passes in front of the seating area at Gas Works with the skyline in the distance

Rinck Proposes Restoring Growth Centers Dropped from One Seattle Plan

The potential Seattle Comprehensive Plan changes, which are set to be discussed Monday, would add back growth centers around Gas Works Park, Alki, North Capitol Hill, and other areas. Councilmember Rinck also proposes legalizing corner stores and removing parking mandates citywide.

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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.

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