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2025 Session

A King County water taxi and a Kitsap Fast Ferry at Pier 50

Lawmaker Seeks to Jumpstart New Passenger Ferry Routes Across Puget Sound

With an eye toward adding new passenger ferry service by 2026, HB 1923 would expand the number of transit agencies able to operate foot ferries, and also set up a new state grant to fund them.
A parking lot on a hot day in Northgate, with Thornton Place behind

Parking Reform Gains Momentum at Washington Legislature

Senate Bill 5184 would put a cap on out-of-control parking mandates. It passed out of the Washington State Senate's Housing Committee on Wednesday, clearing its first hurdle.
Frame holds a microphone on the floor of senate chambers.

Op-Ed: Wealth Tax on Megarich Would Invest in Washington State’s Future

Despite Governor Ferguson’s hemming and hawing, state lawmakers are advancing a wealth tax that could raise $3 billion annually to fully fund public schools and avert a budget crisis. Passing it would ensure Washington State Democrats are living their values amidst Trump’s assault on public services.
Passengers deboarding an Amtrak train at Portland's Union Station.

State Lawmakers Chart Path to Double Amtrak Cascades Service

State lawmakers are signaling intent to improve Amtrak Cascades service with legislation setting a goal of cutting the trip time from Seattle to Portland to 2.5 hours and boosting service to 14 daily trips with 88% on-time performance by 2035. If lawmakers pass the bill, the goal for trip time service north to Vancouver would be 2.75 hours.
The Capitol building in Olympia is marble colored and include pillars and a dome in the classic style.

Rolling Out The Urbanist 2025’s Advocacy Agenda and Early Events

The Urbanist unveils top advocacy priorities for 2025 and offers some ways to get involved.
The Olympia capital building with some trees in the foreground.

Washington Legislature Rolls Out Wide Array of Public Safety Bills

The Washington State Legislature is considering a large array of public safety bills, from subsidizing police officer pay to tighter gun control to addressing the state’s public defense crisis. Here's a look at those bills.
Two apartment buildings seen on a beautiful day, with one having a label of "Verve", in Redmond's Overlake neighborhood.

Washington Legislature Sets it Sights on Transit-Oriented Development…Again

House Bill 1491 would require cities to increase development capacity around train stations and bus rapid transit stops. But a contentious affordability requirement for that new development could be a sticking point.
Cars use Interstate 5 through Seattle on a sunny day, with the sun just breaking through the city skyline

Facing Budget Crisis, Washington’s Leaders Downplay Focus on Highway Expansion

As other states start to reassess their prioritization of expanding highway capacity in the face of ambitious climate goals and other transportation needs, Washington is still in denial mode.