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Commentary

Seven passengers wait to board a Sound Transit bus. (Photo courtesy of Sound Transit)

Policy Lab: Shifting Transportation Habits with Cold, Hard Cash

From e-bike rebates to congestion pricing, policy should incentivize healthy, eco-friendly choices. These six ideas can achieve a dramatic mode shift away from driving and toward transit, biking, walking, and rolling.
I-5 and the Seattle Skyline at sunset looking down Yesler Way to Elliott Bay with Smith Tower peeking out on the left and the car-clogged I-5 trench on the right.

Why Climate Advocates Should Be Urbanists, Part 1

Land use policy is a powerful tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. So why isn’t it a bigger part of the policy debate? This four-part 'Land Use and Climate Change' series explores that question.
A photo of a tent in front of a glass window with exhibiting large portrait style photos of people.

Supreme Court to Rule on Laws Criminalizing Homelessness in Grants Pass Decision

Seattle and other West Coast cities are pushing for the right to clear encampments without offering shelter. But the U.S. Supreme Court would need to overrule the Ninth Circuit ruling deeming this unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment.

Seattle Council, Mayor Not Asking the Hard Questions about Police Recruitment

City leaders are weighing laxer hiring standards rather than improving SPD's culture and accountability systems. But SPD's bad reputation could be the bigger drag on hiring – not to mention safety outcomes.
The Bellevue transit center is ringed by towers and a construction project adding another.

An Urbanist Guide of Things to Do in Downtown Bellevue

If you're detraining at Downtown Bellevue Station and looking for entertainment and sustenance beyond malls and without burning a crater in your wallet at...
Looking at the microsoft campus from the redmond technology station

East Link TOD: Microsoft Grows Around Redmond Technology Station, If Not Housing

A huge Microsoft Campus "Refresh" redevelopment is underway next door to Redmond Technology Station. It will add three million square feet of office space, but not much housing and no highrises.
Owen Pickford holding a beer, wearing a Sounders shirt in front of a bridge, river and large towers in Tokyo.

Seattle Needs a Powerful Urbanist Media Outlet

Founder Owen Pickford reflects on a decade of The Urbanist and urges urbanists to chip in to keep this institution strong. Please make a donation during our spring member drive.
Bird's eye view of downtown Bremerton with the marina and some midrise buildings in the foreground.

Bremerton Considers Bold Housing Reforms in its Comprehensive Plan Update

Reforms being considered by Bremerton as part of this year's major planning update include eliminating parking mandates, removing height limits in downtown, and expanding neighborhoods where additional density is allowed.