Author: Ryan Packer

Shoreline North 185th Street station from the platform with an apartment building under construction

Shoreline Votes to Ditch Parking Mandates, Legalize Neighborhood Cafes and Stores

In approving a unanimous update to its Comprehensive Plan, the Shoreline City Council is set to go well beyond the minimum requirements of state law in pursuit of creating additional housing options and more vibrant neighborhoods.
A view from the Smith Tower at dusk looking toward Beacon Hill with Mount Rainier in the distance

Seattle Planning Commission Pushes for Bolder Housing Growth Strategy

In a letter approved this week, the Seattle Planning Commission expressed disappointment that the draft One Seattle Comprehensive Plan doesn't go much beyond state mandates, and pushed for changes to make the housing plan bolder and more forward-thinking.
Google's logo is illuminated in the sun at the Kirkland Urban building in Downtown Kirkland. A row of townhouses sits behind.

After Density Debate, Kirkland Plans for Future 10-Minute Neighborhoods

Kirkland's 20-year growth plan represents a step back from more ambitious proposals considered earlier this year, but it lays down a marker for where the city is headed next.
A view up at the skybridge between the King County Admin Building and the King County Courthouse, with Columbia Tower in the background

King County Council Gets On Board with Civic Campus Redevelopment

The King County Council approved a motion getting on board with Executive Dow Constantine's vision to add housing and other uses transforming the County's campus in Downtown Seattle. The vote pushed the idea a small step toward becoming a reality.

Seattle Council Updates Living Building Incentives, Unsticking Belltown Tower Project

A small tweak to Seattle's land use code will allow a 182-unit tower to move forward in Belltown after years of appeal. Clearer direction around stacking height incentives like those in the sustainability-focused Living Building program could potentially allow more homes throughout downtown in the coming years.
Greg Spotts standing at a podium with Bruce Harrell looming over and a RapidRide bus behind

Spotts to Leave SDOT Just as New Transportation Levy Gets Rolling

Greg Spotts is the latest SDOT Director to leave the city after a short stint, departing after overseeing a strong finish on the $930 million Levy to Move Seattle.
Roger Millar standing at a podium for a photo op

WSDOT Secretary Millar Issues Departing Warning to Policymakers

Washington State could be set to pay a significant price for decades of underinvesting in basic maintenance of the state transportation system, outgoing WSDOT head Roger Millar said.

Amtrak Cascades On Track to Deliver New Airo Trainsets in 2026

The Pacific Northwest is set to be the first home for one of Amtrak's next-generation trains starting in 2026, Amtrak confirmed at the agency's annual board meeting in Seattle last week.