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Opinion

Two young kids on trikes in an open street.

The Secret to Seattle’s Success is Social Infrastructure, not Low Taxes

The Jumpstart Seattle tax was a take-off-the-mask moment for Seattle that is still reverberating through Seattle politics. Some would have us believe low taxes...
A photo of a light rail station surrounded by tall modern buildings, some of which are still under construction.

It’s Time for Seattle’s Transit Oriented Development to Grow Up

If you make it north of the Canadian border, you will sometimes find yourself in a sea of 50-story towers adjacent to a train...

Redistricting Maps Show Aggressive Republican Gerrymandering as Deadline Approaches

Washington State's redistricting process is off to the most contentious start in 40 years as Republicans propose aggressive gerrymanders of Seattle and the state...
A photo shows a police officer in riot gear standing next to a patrol car.

How to Reduce SPD’s Budget, Improve Public Safety

I admit to having mixed feelings about the phrase “defund the police.” When I was working on community policing in the 1990s, police budgets...
Aerial photo of the University of Washington overlooking a fountain, with Rainier Vista at its center

An Urbanist’s Guide to the U District Station Area

Already the destination for many transit riders, the U District Station offers the most reasons to visit for light rail riders on its opening,...
Five hot air balloons at Green Lake Park's eastern fields. This was taken during 2018 annual Pathway of Lights.

An Urbanist’s Destination Guide to the Roosevelt Station Area

With the Northgate link light rail extension coming online, tens of thousands of additional daily riders are estimated to use the region's light rail...
A photo of a bright red streetcar.

The Case for Streetcar Lines to Magnolia and Fremont

In an earlier article, I argued Seattle should expand its streetcar network and ensure high quality service with dedicated transit lanes starting in Belltown....
Five women wearing face masks raise their arms triumphantly in the air. They are standing outside with a blue sky behind them.

9 Steps for Addressing Seattle’s Homelessness Crisis

We can take a better approach than what was put forth in the failed "Compassion Seattle" City Charter Amendment. City Charter Amendment 29, posed...