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
Six Local Elections Outside Seattle That Could Be Bellwethers
From Bremerton to Issaquah and Tacoma, key races are on the ballot around the region that loom large for urbanist priorities. The outcome could determine where things are headed.
Seattle Budget Tweaks Would Add Transit Security Czar, Rescue Waterfront Streetcars
Focused on transit and street upgrades, budget amendments this week will be the subject of behind-the-scenes wrangling as Budget Committee Chair Dan Strauss assembles an initial balancing package for the council to debate next week.
Kirkland Council Elections Could Tip City in Reactionary Direction
In four different races, Kirkland voters face a choice between pro-growth candidates interested in fostering additional types of housing throughout the city, and candidates looking for the city to be way less aggressive in fighting the region's affordable housing crisis.
SDOT Advances SLU Bus Corridor, Lacking Plan to Route Buses There
The new transit pathway along Harrison and Mercer Streets is intended to provide another option for buses to serve South Lake Union, in line with plans for a Ballard Link light rail station in the neighborhood. But with transit advocates and officials focused on Denny Way, it's not clear when the upgrades would actually be put to use.
Beleaguered Bainbridge Island Affordable Housing Project Hits Another Snag
A SEPA appeal filed by a former council candidate means LIHI's long-planned 92-unit housing project won't be as competitive for state grants, but the nonprofit developer is optimistic that things can be quickly resolved and get moving again.