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Opinion

Op-Ed: Why Seattle’s Housing Future Depends on You

The Urbanist and Tech4Housing are hosting a rally and mega-canvass Sunday in Columbia City for Seattle City Council candidates Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Dionne Foster, and Eddie Lin, City Attorney candidate Erika Evans, and mayoral candidate Katie Wilson. Join us to help put the urbanist slate over the top.

Op-Ed: Seattle’s MFTE Program 7 Widens Access and Participation

One local builder lays out the case for passing the City's Multifamily Tax Exemption Program 7 proposal, which would expand access to a wider pool of renters and encourage participation in the program. The Seattle City Council is set to vote today.
two guys jumping off the top of the ped bridge

Seattle Street Ends: South Lake Union

Today, John Feit's Shoreline Street End series visits South Lake Union. In previous posts, he's explored street end park spaces all over the city, often hidden gems.
An aerial image shows a yellow line demarcating the trail route through the play fields to the nature area along Union Bay.

Op-Ed: UW’s Union Bay Hypocrisy: Public Land, Private Fence

The Union Bay Natual Area is 74 acres of public open space with miles of trails, but the University of Washington has rebuffed advocates pushing to remove a fence and add a trail to improve access. Here's why they should reconsider.

Op-Ed: Link Light Rail’s Success Depends on Second Downtown Seattle Tunnel

Some Sound Transit boardmembers have questioned the necessity of building a second light rail tunnel in downtown Seattle, arguing that routing Ballard Link through the existing tunnel could save billions. However, that arrangement introduces huge challenges of its own. Here's why a second tunnel is key to future plans.
Officials including Bob Kettle and Debora Juarez and SPD top brass stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse with a reporter outstretching an arm holding a mic to interview them

Harrell Pledges Police Contract by Year End – Adding Election Wrinkle

Mayor Bruce Harrell has pledged to complete labor negotiations with the Seattle Police Officers Guild before the end of the year. But facing a tough reelection fight, he might not be around to sign the deal, which challenger Katie Wilson may want to renegotiate anyway.

Op-Ed: Step Aside Waterfront, Long Neglected North Rainier Deserves Investment, Too 

A thriving Mount Baker Transit Center requires pedestrian upgrades, a revitalized commercial district, and plenty of housing nearby. Unfortunately, the City of Seattle is investing elsewhere, with North Rainier an afterthought.

Op-Ed: SDOT’s Flawed Analysis of Denny Bus Lanes Is Political Theater

Assuming bottomless motorist demand and no mode shift to transit made the Seattle Department of Transportation's study of Denny Way bus lanes effectively worthless. Route 8 upgrades deserves real consideration.