Yearly Archives: 2025

Hearing Examiner Ryan Vancil dismissed all appeals of Seattle's growth plan. Despite a myriad of issues raised by six appellants, the proposal will move forward thanks to a recently passed state law intended to prevent predatory delay of housing plans.

After the last attempt to replace the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver stalled out due to Clark County Republicans’ opposition to bringing MAX light rail across the river, proponents hoped to have better luck, but a similar debate is erupting. The C-Tran board is set to vote Tuesday on funding MAX operations.

The changes being considered by the Bellevue Planning Commission right now would go further than the minimum state mandate, allowing up to six units in many more areas and with considerable flexibility.

After considering a full halt on multifamily development, tourist-focused Woodinville is set to add a 10% affordable housing requirement months ahead of a full analysis of potential affordability programs. Whether it's an earnest attempt at boosting affordability or a proxy for a building moratorium is anybody's guess at this point.

Wealthy landlords are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to mislead Washingtonians and to try to block a moderate, but protective rent stabilization bill that will finally provide renters with predictability and stability over their housing costs. 

A proposed 75-cent streetcar fare increase could bring in $100,000 to $200,000 in additional revenue per year. However, without an extension to connect Seattle’s two short lines, the streetcar system faces a bleak future and the need for millions in annual City support.

Trump actions are set to deepen the homelessness crisis, while kids face ICE deportation without any legal defense. County and City of Seattle leaders are scrambling to respond.

Snohomish County Council adopted new land use legislation to streamline permitting and remove regulatory barriers to opening more childcare centers and daycares. The state legislature seems to share in that goal and has proposed statewide legislation reducing regulatory hurdles.