Yearly Archives: 2024

The spring district light rail station with public art

An Urbanist Guide to Things To Do in Bellevue’s BelRed

BelRed combines a nascent South Lake Union, SoDo, and the International District. Spring District Station has a South Lake Union feel with tech offices emerging from a large light industrial presence. Both have some hidden gems.
Aerial view of houses near Lake Washington at sunset.

Op-Ed: The Case for Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages and basement apartments support sustainable development plans as they typically require fewer resources during construction, are energy-efficient, and minimize urban sprawl. They are one effective way to add density to single family areas.

Levy Proposal Would Add Only 10 Miles of Protected Bike Lanes

After building over 40 miles of protected bike lanes since 2015, the City of Seattle only promises around 10 additional miles through 2032. The potential for extra projects depend on additional funding beyond the mayor's levy proposal.

Sound Transit Board Rejects Chamber-Backed SLU Station Alternatives

Today, Sound Transit ruled out late-breaking South Lake Union station alternatives for Ballard Link. Major business lobbied hard for the late "shifted west" additions, but it wasn't enough to win over the board.

Sound Transit Proposal Would Curb Out-of-Scope Costs, but Boardmembers Push Back

The Sound Transit Board is set to vote on betterments policy reform, limiting local jurisdictions' ability to foist costs on the agency. But some boardmembers are accusing the agency of "bullying" and are seeking to water down the proposal.

Orange Line Is an Early Hit, Community Transit Plans Further Expansion

The Swift Orange Line bus rapid transit route debuted in March and will connect to Lynnwood Link light rail when it opens in September. Already Community Transit saw a 23% ridership bump in its first month of service.

Op-Ed: Don’t Delay Light Rail Expansion with SLU Dithering

Send a letter to the Sound Transit Board to urge them to avoid delay in South Lake Union and advance the highest ridership Ballard Link light rail alignment possible.

Summertime Shuttles Launch at Seattle Waterfront, Discovery Park

Special shuttle services launch this week with the return of the Waterfront and Discover Park shuttles. Both shuttles will run at least through Labor Day weekend, with the Waterfront shuttle starting on Friday, May 24 and the Discovery Park shuttle starting on Saturday, May 25.