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

Politics and Government

The view of wide, but empty First Avenue looking north toward Downtown, with low-slung industrial, strip mall, and parking lots around it.

Seattle Council Lifts Ban on Housing in Stadium District

The 6-3 vote ends a long debate which rehashed a dormant fight over the future of Seattle's Stadium District. With the door now open to residential uses, industrial advocates warn of the continued erosion of the city's industrial lands.
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.
Ferguson wears a dark suit and stands at a lectern gesturing with his right hand.

Op-Ed: We Need a Bolder Bob Ferguson as Governor

We need a Bob Ferguson like we had in 2017 who stands up to and confronts Trump, John Burbank opines. We need a Bob Ferguson who fights for all of us to thrive, setting an example of what is possible as the federal government descends into a kleptocracy.

Council Candidate Dionne Foster Shares Vision for Denser, More Affordable Seattle

Policy expert Dionne Foster has jumped into the race to unseat Seattle Council President Sara Nelson, and the election is set to serve as a referendum on the entire council's direction. Check out our interview with Foster.

Harrell’s Democracy Voucher Levy Proposal Sticks with Status Quo

This summer, voters will get a chance to show their support for Seattle’s innovative Democracy Voucher program when its funding levy comes up for renewal. While critics would like to see adjustments made, democracy vouchers have led to a more diverse pool of local candidates while giving more people a chance to donate to campaigns.

Washington House Approves Bill Capping Annual Rent Hikes at 7%

The rent stabilization bill that the Washington State House approved this week scaled back other protections for renters, including a cap on move-in fees and late fees. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Jaelynn has long hair and yellow rimed glasses

Seattle Gears Up to Fight Back as Trump Eviscerates Funding, Rights

Last week Seattle City Council heard from some of the groups most vulnerable to the new Trump administration: those representing LGBTQ+, reproductive, immigrant, and workers’ rights. This begins their examination of potential federal impacts on Seattle, which could include power outages and shuttered research programs at the University of Washington.