Yearly Archives: 2024

King County Metro Faces Looming Fiscal Cliff

King County Metro is projecting a significant budget shortfall by 2028 if its current spending plan is maintained, thanks to lagging sales tax revenue, increased costs, and ambitious fleet electrification plans.
Officials stand in front of a red RapidRide bus with golden shovels with a scoop of ceremonial dirt.

J Line Breaks Ground, Delivering Bus and Bike Upgrades by 2027

The groundbreaking for the RapidRide J between Downtown, Eastlake, and the U District marks the last RapidRide project scheduled to open in Seattle this decade.
A half dozen police and a medic team talk to a person in a wheel chair across from Pioneer Square Station. A police cruiser and ambulance are parked along Third Avenue.

Harrell Cuts Social Safety Net to Fund 16% Boost to SPD

Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025 budget would cut elsewhere to fund a 16% increase to the Seattle Police Department. The cuts to affordable housing and social services could backfire, undermining public safety and homelessness response.
A pergola shelters a street cafe on Ballard Avenue, with a person biking by in the street.

Policy Lab: Why Are Seattle Restaurants So Expensive?

Seattle service workers are set to get a major wage hike, unless restaurant lobbyists get their way. But policymakers can support the restaurant industry in better ways than simply cutting worker pay.

Harrell Officials Downplay Impact of Permitting Staff Cuts

City officials have insisted that the staff cuts for SDCI in next year's budget will not impact permit approval times. Staff are not convinced.

Lynnwood Link Brings Huge Ridership Boost to Community Transit’s Swift Network

All three Swift Bus Rapid Transit routes operated by Community Transit saw double digit increases in ridership following the extension of light rail into Snohomish County, including a 36% jump for the Orange Line.

Sunday Video: San Francisco’s New Transit Hub Is Still Underutilized

San Francisco has an extravagant transit center delivered just before the pandemic. Right now, it mostly serves a handful of bus routes, but could...

Launching Our Fall 2024 Member Drive – Give Today!

Give today! We're launching our two-week fall member drive to power our advocacy journalism.