Inclusionary Zoning

Mercer Island Plans to Densify Town Center… With a Big Catch

In response to state law, Mercer Island is poised to upzone some of the blocks closest to transit. But new affordability mandates may negate the move.
An aerial shot of cookie cutter houses in a subdivision.

Urbanism 101: Zoning’s History and Role in the Housing Crisis

Originally hatched as a subtler method to promote racial segregation, zoning ended up planting the seeds of our present day housing crisis. This Zoning 101 guide delves into how that history unfolded.
A five-story apartment building in Issaquah at 1118 7th Ave NW/1036 7th Ave NW/600 NW Locust St.

Issaquah Councilmember Shares Anti-Growth Manifesto During Housing Debate

City staff proposed adjusting Issaquah's inclusionary zoning program to encourage housing, but Tola Marts was not interested. Humans are multiplying like rabbits in the Issaquah...
A five story building with yellow insulation before siding is added.

Editorial: Seattle Should Not Pass Transportation Impact Fees

Facing a housing slowdown, foisting more costs onto new homes to fund a hodgepodge of transportation projects is a terrible idea. The four members of...
Tree-lined street view of 3rd Ave downtown Seattle.

Seattle Council Approves Batch of Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan Rezones

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's pitch to rezone parts of downtown has succeeded. The mayor had made two particular rezones for highrise housing along Third...

Extreme Heat and the Legacy of Racist Housing Policies in Seattle

A hot summer day in Seattle may be scorching in the Central District, a historically Black neighborhood, while North Capitol Hill, home to many...

Washington’s Middle Housing Bill Is Still Alive with Further Amendments

Washington's missing middle housing bill, HB 1110, continues to move through the state legislative process. On Friday, it passed out of the House Appropriations...

Redmond’s Aggressive Code Update Imperils 2,500 Homes Planned Near Overlake Station

Redmond has a grand vision for the Overlake neighborhood, which is set to get light rail by 2025. Redmond land use policies have funneled...