University of Washington: A Resilient Future Starts Here. Online Master of Infrastructure Management and Planning. Apply Now.

Seattle Mayor

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.

Op-Ed: Seattle Voters Want Progressive Change, Data Shows

A recent Change Research poll found progressive Alexis Rinck is the only Seattle municipal official with a positive approval rating. In contrast, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Council President Sara Nelson, City Attorney Ann Davison were all under water. Precinct results for the recent social housing funding measure indicate widespread progressive buy-in as well.
Torgelson wears glasses, a blue checkered tie and a dark suit. He's a bald White man.

Harrell Sacks Seattle Construction Director as Clock Ticks on Permitting Reform

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections Director Nathan Torgelson announced his resignation in an email to staff today. Torgelson and Mayor Bruce Harrell said the decision was mutual and pledged a smooth transition. Much work is on the department's plate in coming months.
Harrell stands at a lectern with a grin. His deputy mayors and Burgess wear masks.

Op-Ed: Bruce Harrell’s Long History of Covering for Abusers

Over his career, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has repeatedly covered for abusers, exhibiting a dismissiveness toward women and a pattern of punching down against vulnerable people rather than standing up to the powerful, Ron Davis writes.
Katie wears a blue patterned blouse and stands in front of a wood slatted wall.

Katie Wilson Jumps In Seattle Mayor Race as Progressive Coalition-Builder

Transit Riders Union leader Katie Wilson jumped in the race to be the next mayor of Seattle today. Our interview with Wilson covers what's motivating her to run and how she would deliver results where Mayor Bruce Harrell has failed.
Ry stands in front of a Greek column with their arms crossed

Ry Armstrong Lays Out Progressive Contrast Against Mayor Harrell

Last month, actor and union representative Ry Armstrong jumped in the Seattle mayor's race, arguing Bruce Harrell is dropping the ball on a plethora of issues. In their interview with The Urbanist, Armstrong explained what they'd do differently.
Harrell grips a lectern and wears a somber look during his speech at Benaroya Hall.

Op-Ed: Bruce Harrell Is a Failed Mayor on Public Safety

Ron Davis dives into Mayor Bruce Harrell's record on public safety and ultimately deems his approach a failure. On his third police chief, Harrell has not delivered on campaign promises and the Seattle Police Department is still reeling and lacking accountability.
Harrell stands at a lectern and looks down as his notes. He wears a grey suit and stands in front of a red curtain.

Harrell Calls Musk, Thiel ‘Smart Innovators,’ Tells Downtown Businesses He’s Fighting for Them

On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised conservative billionaires as "smart innovators," but pledged to push back on federal overreach and advance cybersecurity, telling business leaders: "I will fight for you."
Harrell stands at a lectern with a big pipe organ behind him on the Benaroya auditorium stage.

Harrell Teases Plans for Pedestrianizing Pike Place and Overhauling Aurora Avenue

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell teased a few urbanist-minded initiatives as he delivered his annual state of the city speech on Tuesday, putting support behind a push to pedestrianize Pike Place and launched a new "Northern Lights" vision to remake Aurora Avenue. Exactly when either change would occur remains unclear.