Plans and Policy

Katie Wilson Looks to Beef Up Seattle’s Housing Growth Plans

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Rico Quirindongo, the city's planning director, seem to be on the same page about revamping the city's growth plans to allow for additional housing density. The City appears set to largely stay the course on scheduled rezone work in 2026, but queue up additional growth centers and broader transit corridor upzones to enact in 2027.
Foster smiles and stands in the atrium of Council Chambers with the south downtown skyline in the background.

Dionne Foster Takes Office, Aiming to Tackle Housing Issues

Seattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster took office Tuesday, echoing Mayor Katie Wilson's call for "bread and roses" to tackle the city's affordability crisis while strengthening the social and cultural fabric.

Joy Hollingsworth Takes Helm in Seattle Council Shakeup

District 3 Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth will head the Seattle City Council following a progressive wave election, and will be tasked with managing several distinct factions. Her first task was navigating committee assignments, where comity was prioritized over policymaking priorities.

Seattle OKs New Growth Plan, but Biggest Zoning Battles Lie Ahead

The adoption of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, nearly one year late under a state-imposed deadline, is setting up much bigger debate over where additional housing density will be allowed in the city. Those issues, set to be discussed in 2026, include adding neighborhood centers and upzones along transit corridors.
A rendering shows a cluster of lowrise apartment buildings surrounded by surface parking and access roads.

Pierce County Boosts Affordable Housing Creation, Leveraging New Maureen Howard Fund

The Pierce County Council recently greenlit a set of awards for affordable housing projects using a relatively new funding source: the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act. Over its short life, the sales tax has raised more than $31 million, which will contribute to the creation of 1,700 affordable units.

Bainbridge Island Struggles to Update Growth Plan, Months Behind State Deadline

Without "bold action," Bainbridge Island was on track to be two years late in adopting an updated long-term growth plan, according to the city's new consultant. But with little consensus around a path forward and two new councilmembers taking office, a change in strategy may not be enough.
Harrell stands at a lectern with the Seattle City Seal and the skyline visible behind him from a midrise rooftop.

Katie Wilson to Inherit Seattle’s Budget Woes

Katie Wilson may have won the mayoral election, but her challenges are just beginning. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell is leaving a budget mess behind him.

Op-Ed: Making Seattle Neighborhoods More Accessible by Design

Four case studies show how Seattle's new middle housing zoning incentives align with demographic shifts to meet housing demand.