University of Washington: A Resilient Future Starts Here. Online Master of Infrastructure Management and Planning. Apply Now.

Commentary

Bremerton’s Recent Street Upgrades Miss the Mark on Safety

Recently completed Bremerton street projects have fallen well short of modern safety standards. The projects fail to shorten crosswalk distances, slow traffic speed, or protect cyclists with more than paint.

The Seattle Times’ Credibility on Transportation Levies Has Run Out

The editorial board of Seattle's only remaining daily newspaper has an abysmal track record when it comes to supporting the Seattle transportation levy. Voters should take their recommendation with a boulder of salt.

Rinck’s Momentum Points to Seattle Voter Realignment, not Simply Even-Year Bump

Seattle voters are backing progressives and rejecting the centrist coalition that swept into power in 2023,. But it was a swing in voter preferences rather than demographics that propelled the progressive Rinck in the primary.

Op-Ed: Unclogging Seattle’s Water Permit Gauntlet Would Help Address Housing Crisis

Onerous requirements for new water infrastructure that go further than Washington state law are a part of the problem when it comes to encouraging home building in Seattle.
A half dozen police and a medic team talk to a person in a wheel chair across from Pioneer Square Station. A police cruiser and ambulance are parked along Third Avenue.

Harrell Cuts Social Safety Net to Fund 16% Boost to SPD

Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025 budget would cut elsewhere to fund a 16% increase to the Seattle Police Department. The cuts to affordable housing and social services could backfire, undermining public safety and homelessness response.

Seattle Council Seeks to Ban People Charged with Drug Crimes from Swaths of City

Hoping to disrupt the drug trade and prostitution, centrist councilmembers are resurrecting regressive exclusion zone policies that have failed repeatedly in the past.
A new six-story apartment building in Downtown Spokane.

Spokane Poised to Abolish Parking Mandates in Urbanist Reform Package

Spokane is advancing a package of urbanist-minded reforms that would make on-site parking optional for new buildings. It's part of a broader effort to spur homebuilding and reduce car dependency in the Lilac City.
Sue Rahr, City Attorney Ann Davison, and Amy Smith (last name is now Barden), the CARE head presented to Seattle City Council's public safety committee.

Seattle Pursues Looser Police Hiring Standards After High-Profile Screening Failure

The Seattle Police Department hired a cop with a record of reckless driving who went on to kill Jaahnavi Kandula while driving recklessly. However, instead of tightening hiring protocols, Seattle officials are looking to loosen them further.