Seattle's Winding Path 20 Years into Its Global Climate Commitment
With Seattle's stated goal of cutting emissions by 58% by 2030 increasingly improbable after two decades of half-hearted measures, the City is revamping its climate action plan.
Politics
Capitol Hill Landlords Lobbied Hard Against Crisis Care Center, Records Show
Public records obtained by The Urbanist show strong pushback from a cadre of Capitol Hill landlords and business owners to siting a King County crisis care center on Broadway. That resistance nearly succeeded in derailing the project after bending the ear of former Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Governor Ferguson Signs Millionaires’ Tax, Prepares for Legal Battle
Governor Bob Ferguson signed a historic “millionaires’ tax” on Monday. Democratic leaders see it as a huge step forward in balancing the state’s tax code, but the tax will need to survive a court battle and Republican-backed repeal campaigns.
Makah Leader Patrick DePoe Launches State House Bid in LD24
On Tuesday, Makah Tribal Leader Patrick DePoe launched a campaign for the state House in the 24th Legislative District. In an interview with The Urbanist, he was in favor of taxing the rich, expanding housing, curbing parking mandates, and increasing education and health care funding.
Seattle Leaders Riff About Abundance, Budget Cuts at State of Downtown Summit
At the "State of Downtown" summit last week, budget fault lines and unlikely collaborations emerged, as business leaders acclimate to new progressive leadership at the City of Seattle and King County.
Labor Leader Sabio-Howell Launches Bid Challenging State Senator Jamie Pedersen
Hannah Sabio-Howell is taking on State Senator Jamie Pedersen in the 43rd LD. As a young Millennial renter and labor movement leader, she is stressing an affordability agenda and contending the incumbent is too cozy with corporations.
Former Seattle Council Candidate Ron Davis Challenges Longtime Legislator Gerry Pollet
Taking on an incumbent who has been in office since 2011, Ron Davis is eyeing tax changes, housing reforms, and a more robust state response to federal overreach as major planks of his platform.
Neighborhood Cafe and Corner Store Bill Fails for Third Straight Year
The failure of HB 1175 to make it to the state Senate floor mirrors a similar fate two years ago. Bill sponsor Mark Klicker placed the decision to let the neighborhood cafe bill die squarely on Local Government Committee Chair Jesse Salomon.
Op-Ed: Why HB 2442 is a Lifeline for Cash-Strapped King County
King County is staring down a fiscal cliff that threatens to dismantle the services our communities rely on most. Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa lays out the case for passing House Bill 2442 to give counties another revenue tool to address their fiscal challenges.
Wilson Sketches Affordability Agenda in State of City Speech
On Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson pledged to attack affordability on four different fronts: housing, childcare, food, and small business opportunities. It was her first State of the City speech since taking office seven weeks ago.