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.
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.
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.
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.
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.