Staff Biography
Ryan Packer
Contributing EditorRyan Packer lives in the Summit Slope neighborhood of Capitol Hill. They are on the board of the Friends of Pike Place Market and write about transportation issues at Capitol Hill Seattle. They believe in using Seattle’s history to attain the vibrant, diverse city that we wish to inhabit. Follow them on Twitter @typewriteralley or email at ryan [at] theurbanist [dot] org.
Recent Articles
Five Things to Watch at Sound Transit Under CEO Dow Constantine
Expectations are high for longtime board member Dow Constantine's new job as Sound Transit CEO. Here's what The Urbanist's newsroom has at top-of-mind in the months ahead.
City of Seattle Prevails Against Housing Growth Plan Appeals
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.
Bellevue’s Bold Middle Housing Plan Faces Uncertain Fate at Planning Commission
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.
Woodinville Scrambles to Implement Affordability Mandate Downtown
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.
Issaquah Kicks Off Light Rail Station Planning
A newly adopted vision statement and guiding principles set the stage for future negotiations between Issaquah and Sound Transit over what the city's light rail station will look like and whether it will be surrounded by a parking crater or a vibrant, walkable neighborhood.