Politics and Government

Constantine Steps Aside, Balducci Launches Run for County Executive

King County Executive Dow Constantine is not seeking a fifth term, but County Councilmember Claudia Balducci is seeking to grab the baton and carry the initiatives he leaves behind over the finish line. She will face numerous challengers in what is sure to be a crowded primary.

Sara Nelson Warns She Can Kill Any Transit Project She Wants

A budget amendment put forward by Council President Nelson asks for information on how and when the city creates priority space for buses, citing opposition to Route 40. At a meeting last week, Nelson suggested that if she had wanted to kill a controversial project she already could have done it.

Op-Ed: Two Simple Steps to Save Schools by Taxing the Rich

Get Seattle’s biggest businesses to ante up $5 million now to prevent school closures, then get the Washington State Legislature to pass a wealth tax on the super-rich, enabling Washington’s public schools to thrive.
A sign reads Resilient communities on the lectern in the lobby of city hall and people stand behind the speaker holding signs saying a protest JumpStart commitments and invest on Seattle's future.

Amid Budget Showdown, Advocates Mount Defense of JumpStart Housing Funds

On Tuesday, progressive advocates rallied at Seattle City Hall to make a last-ditch defense to reverse a $330 million JumpStart cut that would deplete affordable housing funding. Tuesday was the last public hearing before Council finalizes the budget next week.
Shaun Scott is young black man posed with crossed arms and wears a purple sweater. Alexis Mercedes Rinks is a Latina woman wearing hoop earrings. Ryan Mello is a white man in a shirt and tie.

Election Update: Urbanists Mello, Rinck, Scott, and Bateman Coast to Victory

Shaun Scott is headed to the Washington State House. Jessica Bateman is headed to the state senate. Alexis Mercedes Rinck won a Seattle City Council seat, and Ryan Mello is the new Pierce County Executive. All were endorsed by The Urbanist.

Seattle Voters Approve $1.55 Billion Transportation Levy

Passage of Seattle's transportation levy was all but assured Tuesday night, after initial returns showed two-thirds of voters in support.

Early Washington State Election Results Are Favorable for Progressives

Progressives are off to a fast start in Washington state early returns. All four Republican-backed statewide initiative repealing progressive legislation are in trouble. Urbanist-endorsed Shaun Scott and Alexis Mercedes Rinck are up big, and urbanist Ryan Mello has a lead in the Pierce County Executive race.

What’s at Stake in Seattle and Washington State Elections

Election Day 2024 is upon us, and the outcome will have a huge impact on the lives of residents in Seattle and Washington state. Here's a quick rundown of what's on the ballot and what the outcome could mean.