Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..

Politics and Government

Constantine Pushes Back on Conflict Allegations Surrounding Sound Transit CEO Bid

Dow Constantine pointed to past Sound Transit board members who have unsuccessfully tried to become the agency's CEO, and defended the process that has taken place so far to get to five finalists, including himself.
The glass towers of the Seattle skyline peaks over the shoulders of the group.

Apply to Join The Urbanist Election Committee

The Urbanist Elections Committee is seeking new members to join the committee to expand our geographic scope for the 2025 election cycle. If you live in an Eastside suburb, Tacoma, South Seattle, Shoreline, or Lynnwood and are interested in urbanism and politics, apply by March 8 to be considered. 

Harrell Proposes Merging City’s Sound Transit Work Into Office of Waterfront

Praised for delivering Seattle's massive waterfront revamp, the Office of the Waterfront has faced criticism for being shadowy and unaccountable. Now it will become a one-stop-shop for Sound Transit permitting.
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.
A parking lot in Belltown with towers behind

Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill

Though it was amended to exclude cities with less than 20,000 residents, Senate Bill 5184 still represents one of the most robust statewide parking reform packages to move forward in any state. It now must pass the House.
The domed Olympia Capitol Building stands in the distance with a bus stop with a passenger waiting in the foreground. A dogwalker also mosey on the lawn.

Washington Legislature Wants to Rein In Historic Landmarking to Spur Housing

In Seattle, any person can nominate just about any building for historic landmark status — even without the consent of the building owner — which can delay or upend housing projects. The Washington State Legislature is advancing legislation that would place guardrails on historic landmark programs.

Rinck Urges Seattle Leaders to Defend Against Trump Attacks

At a protest Monday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck urged Seattle leaders to take on Trump to defend against attacks on federal workers, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. After earlier talks of collaborating with Trump, Mayor Harrell struck a more defiant tone in "State of the City" speech today, but was light on specifics.
A CARE department SUV parks on the Elliott Bay waterfront with the skyscraper of the Seattle skyline in the background.

State Bill Would Circumvent SPOG, Clear Path for Seattle Civilian Responder Expansion

Seattle is seeking a fix at the state legislature to grow its civilian crisis response program following resistance from the Seattle Police Officers Guild that has blocked expansion. To stay alive, Rep. Shaun Scott’s HB 1816 will need to pass out of committee before a February 21 deadline.