Staff Biography

Ryan Packer

Ryan Packer has been writing for The Urbanist since 2015, and currently reports full-time as Contributing Editor. Their beats are transportation, land use, public space, traffic safety, and obscure community meetings. Packer has also reported for other regional outlets including BikePortland, Seattle Met, and PubliCola. They live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle.

Recent Articles

2026 Levy Plan Sets Stage for a New Mayor’s Transportation Priorities

The full list of 430 levy-funded projects across Seattle was mostly assembled before Mayor Katie Wilson took office. But it contains significant opportunities for the new administration to shape transportation investments over the years ahead.

Bothell Housing Boom Brewing in Wake of Recent Zoning Reforms

Pre-applications for new housing units in Bothell last year topped 1,000 for the first time in recent history, a big indicator of interest following major changes to Bothell's zoning code in 2024. Such activity makes Bothell well-positioned to buck a regional downturn in housing starts.

King County Advocates Push for Transit Funding Measure in 2026

Getting King County on board with going to the voters for a supplementary funding source for Metro bus service has long been a goal of regional transit advocates. But making it happen this year will likely be a tall order, given the need for intense coordination between two newly elected leaders.
A 2 Line train sits at Sound Transit's elevated light rail station in Downtown Redmond.

Olympia Seeks to Boost Sound Transit with Long Overdue Permit Reforms

A pair of bills advancing this week at the state legislature would finally allow Sound Transit to rise above the local permitting fray in several key areas. The reforms could save as much as nine months on key transit projects, according to the agency.
A five-over-one building on Broadway in Seattle with ground floor retail

Bill Curbing Mandates for Ground-Floor Retail Spaces Advances at Legislature

Intended to reduce barriers that are preventing lower-density commercial buildings from getting redeveloped into housing, Senate Bill 6026 would target mandates for storefronts in new housing projects. After concerns were raised around impacts on neighborhood vibrancy, the proposal was scaled back ahead of its first committee vote.