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Plans and Policy

A photo of a dirt street crowded with people and vehicles with a green mountain in the distance and electrical wire

Latest IPCC Climate Report Underscores Need for Collaborative Action Among Urbanists

The latest reports from the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment are out and their findings on cities are simply...

Home in Tacoma Plan to Revamp Neighborhoods Moves into Implementation

With the official passage of Home in Tacoma in December 2021, the City of Tacoma is finally making moves towards Phase Two: implementation. This...

Harrell Administration Not Ready to Issue Bonds for Bridges, Council Pushes Back

Councilmember Pedersen criticized Mayor Harrell for delaying his requested $100 million bridge bond, but the Mayor said it was the fiscally responsible decision. During last...

Seattle City Light Plans More Surface EV Charging Lots in Dense Neighborhoods

Last year, The Urbanist reported on Seattle City Light's plans to create a surface parking lot to charge electric vehicles (EVs) on the 9,000+...

Local Columnists Shrink from Seattle’s Growth and Vitality

Seattle is shrinking and that's a good thing, columnist Danny Westneat opined in the Seattle Times, making a very big deal of one year...
A mural of sasquatch adorns a brick wall in a Greenwood alley.

Seattle Tightens Regulations on Tree Service Providers

Broader Tree Policy Reform Delayed Due to SEPA Appeal The Seattle City Council has approved an ordinance sponsored by Councilmembers Dan Strauss (District 6) and...

Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan Needs to Meet Higher Expectations

Every eight years the City of Seattle has a chance to make progressive changes to how we grow ranging from jobs, amenities, mobility and...

Elected Leaders Contemplate Giving Regional 2050 Transportation Plan More Teeth

When the fourth draft of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) was released to the public by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PRSC) in early...