Chop chop: Trump is the new hero of timber country.
Spreading democracy: Seattle’s democracy vouchers are now open to candidates running in the local election for 2017.
Lighter rail rules: The Federal Railroad Administration is set to make Euro-style trains easier to use on American railways; Seattle Transit Blog says that cheaper and flexible diesel multiple units (DMUs) could be used on Sounder and Amtrak Cascades locally.
No smoking: Smoking in public housing will become prohibited under a new federal rule.
Mobile fares: Metro and Sound Transit are rolling out a new digital form of fare payment that you can use on your phone.
Bigger and better: In an opinion to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, Clair Enlow says that affordable housing in Seattle is getting bigger and better.
At a crossroads: CityLab looks into the policy credentials of Elaine Chow, who has been nominated for Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation.
“Smart” street furniture: New York City is planning to install “smart” street furniture that will cut down on carbon emissions from idling ambulances.
Bring back democracy: Sightline argues for changing the way that the Electoral College works and highlights alternative voting systems.
Dirty work: Where does dirt go from big Seattle construction projects?
Not invincible: Seattle may be “sanctuary city,” but that doesn’t guarantee immigrants protection from deportation by the federal government.
A new roundabout: The “peanutabout” street design approach could offer better outcomes over the traditional diagonal intersection.
Beneficial preservation: A survey of 50 American cities shows that there are considerable benefits from historic preservation efforts.
Uncertain future: Minneapolis is debating the future of the city’s extensive network of skybridges.
American roads: Vox explains why American roads are so much more dangerous than European ones.
Doubling down: Facebook is expanding in Seattle and plans to lease two more buildings in South Lake Union.
Rethink parking: Strong Towns argues that we should rethink parking as infrastructure.
Graffiti artists: Land use action signs are just another canvas for graffiti artists in Seattle.
Up a creek: What happens when people without cars move to places built for driving?
Homeless encampments: Mayor Ed Murray has announced three new homeless encampment site for Seattle in 2017.
AMZN addiction: America’s addiction to Amazon is clogging up our cities.
MarketShare: Philip Deng is on a mission to turn King Street Station into an immigrant culinary hub.
High-rise to mid-rise: The Puget Sound Business Journal shows the evolution of Martin Selig’s Downtown Seattle Federal Reserve Building redevelopment plans from high-rise to mid-rise.
Super green: Capitol Hill Seattle Blog takes a look at the design of Seattle’ first Passive House-certified mixed-use project.
Retaining housing: Next year, Amsterdam and London will begin capping the number of days short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb are permitted at a residence.
Map of the Week: 30 years of oil and gas pipeline accidents in America mapped.
Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.