Yearly Archives: 2025

Mayor Scrambles to Protect ‘Character’ of Old Bellevue with Emergency Controls

Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson's request would bring an emergency action to require facade preservation along Main Street as a condition of future development, while the city considers permanent regulations. While there was majority support for retaining the character of the area, some councilmembers cast doubt on the urgency and emergency framing.
Lin wears a gray suit and glasses and stands at the lectern with the City of Seattle seal behind him. Council President Sara Nelson and Maritza Rivera are to either side clapping.

Eddie Lin Becomes Seattle’s Newest Councilmember

Eddie Lin took office Tuesday as Seattle's newest city councilmember, pledging action to address the city's affordability, homelessness, and community safety crises. Lin is fresh off a dominant performance in the recent election, winning 68% of the vote in District 2.

First Look at South King County’s Three New Light Rail Stations

Sound Transit gave reporters a sneak peak at the three new light rail stations set to open in Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Downtown Federal Way. Check out the station designs and their custom artwork ahead of the grand opening Saturday at 11am.
A color-coded precinct map of Seattle. Harrell precincts are in blue.

Katie Wilson’s Path to Election Victory, Precinct by Precinct

Precinct-level results maps show that Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson's path to victory ran through Capitol Hill, the Central District, and the Rainier Valley, where she ran up her vote share.

Why It Takes So Damn Long to Build a RapidRide Line

Corridor-wide bus revamps have been hitting delays and are often taking ten years to deliver, or more. A new King County Metro report released this fall outlines the myriad reasons RapidRide lines fall behind, as the overall program faces an uncertain future.

Teresa Mosqueda Makes Her Case for Joining the Sound Transit Board

With several vacancies opening up on the 18-member Sound Transit board, a West Seattle Link "visioning event" this week looked to many like an audition. Facing huge cost pressures, the project could use a champion among the board's ranks.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Quiz Your Knowledge with The Urbanist Crossword Puzzle for November 30

Take the 17th installment of The Urbanist's crossword series. 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.

The View From Nathan’s Bus: Remembering Why We Love Trolleys

Electric trolley buses remain the premier zero-emissions bus technology. They outperform trendy, newer battery electric buses for several reasons that Nathan Vass lays out.