The Urbanist

theurbanist.orgMost Puget Sound Cities Aren't Keeping Up With Housing Growth TargetsCentral Puget Sound is ahead of its overall established growth target by around 16,000 units, according to data from earlier this year. But that regional target was able to be eclipsed thanks in large part to housing growth happening in just a few cities, with 26 out of 40 cities falling short.

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NEW STORY// Most Puget Sound Cities Aren't Keeping Up With Housing Growth Targets By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgOp-Ed: Stop MAGA from Taking Over Washington, Vote No on I-645, I-001, and I-638Three harmful statewide ballot initiatives, which seek to block the millionaires tax and curtail the rights of queer and transgender kids in Washington state, are an effort to distract and divide us. Don't fall for it.

NEW OP-ED// Op-Ed: Stop MAGA from Taking Over Washington, Vote No on I-645, I-001, and I-638 By Suresh Chanmugam via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgOp-Ed: Prop 1 Will Sustain Seattle's Transit MomentumSeattle voters face a choice to renew the Seattle Transit Measure on November 3, ramping up even more King County Metro bus service within the city. Transit advocates Ashwin and Zachary lay out the re...

Seattle voters face a choice to renew the Seattle Transit Measure on November 3, ramping up even more King County Metro bus service within the city. Transit advocates Ashwin and Zachary lay out the reasons voters should say yes. Op-ed: www.theurbanist.org/op-ed-prop-1...

theurbanist.orgOp-Ed: Prop 1 Will Sustain Seattle's Transit MomentumSeattle voters face a choice to renew the Seattle Transit Measure on November 3, ramping up even more King County Metro bus service within the city. Transit advocates Ashwin and Zachary lay out the reasons voters should say yes.

NEW OP-ED// Op-Ed: Prop 1 Will Sustain Seattle's Transit Momentum By Ashwin Bhumbla, Zachary Burton via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgDowntown Highrise Project Still Under Fire as Design Gets Revised TallerA retrofit to build a new mass-timber addition above the Doyle Building at 2nd Avenue and Pine Street has added six floors since the Seattle Landmarks Board saw it last year. That change is only likel...

A retrofit to build a new mass-timber addition above the Doyle Building at 2nd Avenue and Pine Street has added six floors since the Seattle Landmarks Board saw it last year. That change is only likely to intensify opposition. Story: www.theurbanist.org/downtown-hig...

The Urbanist reposted

A presentation today at the Puget Sound Regional Council shows that just a few cities across the region are producing housing at a race on pace with growth targets since 2019/2020. Seattle, Redmond, Kirkland, Shoreline, Port Orchard, Woodinville are exceeding targets, but 26 out of 40 aren't.

The Urbanist reposted

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You have admit Rachel Lichtenberg is cooking.

destinationpike.bsky.social@destinationpike.bsky.social

Now thats a destination worth traveling for! Some day well be hosting public events this crowded on our end of Pike!

The Urbanist reposted

seattletimes.comTacoma weighs cutting mental health response team during budget shortfall

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The HOPE team is Tacoma's version of Seattle's CARE team and it might be cut even though it only costs $2M per year. Sounds like it, like CARE, has struggled with dispatch protocols to be independent from the police. Unfortunately the article doesn't share Tacoma police's budget $.

The Seattle Times@seattletimes.com

Tacoma is considering eliminating its HOPE Team, which works to help people in crisis and connect them with longer-term behavioral health services.

theurbanist.orgDowntown Highrise Project Still Under Fire as Design Gets Revised TallerA retrofit to build a new mass-timber addition above the Doyle Building at 2nd Avenue and Pine Street has added six floors since the Seattle Landmarks Board saw it last year. That change is only likely to intensify opposition from historic preservation advocates and nearby residents.

NEW STORY// Downtown Highrise Project Still Under Fire as Design Gets Revised Taller By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgDaylight Shines Between Scully and Noble in the 32nd DistrictThe race to represent North Sound's 32nd Legislative District in the House hasn't been getting much attention, with Keith Scully and Danica Noble sharing positions on many issues. But comments at a re...

The race to represent North Sound's 32nd Legislative District in the House hasn't been getting much attention, with Keith Scully and Danica Noble sharing positions on many issues. But comments at a recent forum provided more contrast. Story: www.theurbanist.org/daylight-shi...

theurbanist.orgWilson Pledges 'Striking Progress' With Homelessness ShiftA "neighborhood-centered, by-name" framework builds on success providing targeted services in Pioneer Square this summer. Taking the program citywide will only be possible thanks to Wilson's major pus...

A "neighborhood-centered, by-name" framework builds on success providing targeted services in Pioneer Square this summer. Taking the program citywide will only be possible thanks to Seattle Mayor Wilson's major push to expand shelter capacity. Story: www.theurbanist.org/wilson-pledg...

theurbanist.orgOp-Ed: Brian Heywood’s Plan to Take Over Snohomish County Government Must Be StoppedTwo 2026 charter amendments are at the heart of a Republican megadonor's plan to take over Snohomish County. If they pass, it would have rippling impacts on transit expansion, housing growth, and safe...

Two 2026 charter amendments are at the heart of a Republican megadonor’s plan to take over Snohomish County. Op-ed by Andrew Villeneuve: www.theurbanist.org/op-ed-brian-...

theurbanist.orgWilson Pledges 'Striking Progress' With Homelessness ShiftA "neighborhood-centered, by-name" framework builds on success providing targeted services in Pioneer Square this summer. Taking the program citywide will only be possible thanks to Wilson's major push to expand shelter capacity.

NEW STORY// Wilson Pledges 'Striking Progress' With Homelessness Shift By Amy Sundberg via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgDaylight Shines Between Scully and Noble in the 32nd DistrictThe race to represent North Sound's 32nd Legislative District in the House hasn't been getting much attention, with Keith Scully and Danica Noble sharing positions on many issues. But comments at a recent forum provided more contrast.

NEW STORY// Daylight Shines Between Scully and Noble in the 32nd District By Oliver J. Moffat via @theurbanist.org

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I'm currently tuned into the Seattle Landmarks Board for a briefing on potential changes to the Doyle Building that would allow this 18 story mass-timber addition. A ton of people are signed up to comment on the proposal.

Ryan Packer@typewriteralley.bsky.social

The Clarke/Barnes proposal to add a mass-timber tower atop the podium of the existing Doyle Building at Pine and 2nd has actually grown from 12 to 18 stories since last year. But condo owners next door are once again coming out hard to get the project cancelled to protect their views.

theurbanist.org'We're Not Going to Stop': Sound Transit Assuages Concerns About Reaching BallardAt a town hall this week at Ballard's National Nordic Museum, Sound Transit walked through its path to be able to get to Market Street by 2042. That work involves needing to find $8 to $10 billion via cost savings, new revenue, or creative borrowing over the coming years.

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NEW STORY// 'We're Not Going to Stop': Sound Transit Assuages Concerns About Reaching Ballard By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgUpcoming Urbanist Socials and Canvass for Urbanist Endorsed Candidate Nilu JenksUrbanist Socials and an opportunity to support Urbanist Endorsed Seattle City Council Candidate Nilu Jenks into office!

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NEW STORY// Upcoming Urbanist Socials and Canvass for Urbanist Endorsed Candidate Nilu Jenks By Diego Batres via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgRinck Pushes Against Gender-Based Violence, Facing Budget HeadwindsAn $8 million allocation proposed by Rinck's office would target abuser accountability, survivor services, and violence prevention, filling in gaps left by a federal retreat on the issue. The proposal faces other competing priorities during budget deliberations.

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NEW STORY// Rinck Pushes Against Gender-Based Violence, Facing Budget Headwinds By Amy Sundberg via @theurbanist.org

The Urbanist reposted

I. Hernandez

@hernando206.bsky.social

theurbanist.orgState Lawmaker, SDOT Director Clash Over Aurora Avenue OverhaulMore than four years after receiving a state commitment for $50 million to upgrade Seattle's deadliest road, planning remains underway on any potential overhaul. A recent email exchange involving Rep. Julia Reed brings frustrations around the city's approach to the project fully into the open.

Excellent, well-reported article. I will say (not in SDOT's defense as they are the failure point here), WSDOT Local Programs is not an easy entity to work with if you want to procure public works projects quickly. Idk how much legislators could influence that, or if it's just baked in.

The Urbanist@theurbanist.org

NEW STORY// State Lawmaker, SDOT Director Clash Over Aurora Avenue Overhaul By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

The Urbanist reposted

Jason

@jrock08.bsky.social

theurbanist.orgState Lawmaker, SDOT Director Clash Over Aurora Avenue OverhaulMore than four years after receiving a state commitment for $50 million to upgrade Seattle's deadliest road, planning remains underway on any potential overhaul. A recent email exchange involving Rep....

"I’ve worked in city government a long time so I speak roundabout email as well as anyone. Please do not spray water on my inbox and then try to convince me it is raining." @juliareedwa.bsky.social's mean email to an SDOT director is a lot funnier than my past mean emails to SDOT directors.

Ryan Packer@typewriteralley.bsky.social

EXCLUSIVE: an email exchange that took place this month between Representative Julia Reed and Acting SDOT Director Angela Brady brings frustrations around the city's slow progress planning a street overhaul on Aurora Ave N fully out in the open. www.theurbanist.org/state-lawmak...

theurbanist.orgState Lawmaker, SDOT Director Clash Over Aurora Avenue OverhaulMore than four years after receiving a state commitment for $50 million to upgrade Seattle's deadliest road, planning remains underway on any potential overhaul. A recent email exchange involving Rep. Julia Reed brings frustrations around the city's approach to the project fully into the open.

NEW STORY// State Lawmaker, SDOT Director Clash Over Aurora Avenue Overhaul By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

The Urbanist reposted

theurbanist.orgHousing Accountability Act Puts Tiny Beaux Arts Village in the SpotlightBeaux Arts Village and its 310 residents might seem like an unlikely place for a state review of housing regulations. But the 2025 law giving Washington's Commerce Department direct oversight of growt...

Good morning! If you were itching for a longread about how the town of Beaux Arts Village (pop. 310) is grappling with a new state housing regulation accountability framework, today is absolutely your lucky day. www.theurbanist.org/housing-acco...

theurbanist.orgHousing Accountability Act Puts Tiny Beaux Arts Village in the SpotlightBeaux Arts Village and its 310 residents might seem like an unlikely place for a state review of housing regulations. But the 2025 law giving Washington's Commerce Department direct oversight of growth plans isn't leaving out any jurisdiction, no matter its size.

NEW STORY// Housing Accountability Act Puts Tiny Beaux Arts Village in the Spotlight By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgSunday Video: Get Outside With Light Rail's HelpBeautiful autumn weather might be giving you the itch to get outside. Bob Svercl's tour videos, featuring park destinations within a close walk of light rail stations across the region, are a great source of inspiration.

NEW STORY// Sunday Video: Get Outside With Light Rail's Help By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgOp-Ed: Bremerton Should Fully Pedestrianize Quincy SquareThe newly completed $4 million overhaul of 4th Street in Bremerton has the opportunity to create a year-round central gathering space. But city leaders are on the fence about going all-in.

NEW OP-ED// Op-Ed: Bremerton Should Fully Pedestrianize Quincy Square By Travis Merrigan at @bikebremerton via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgHow ICE Continues to Wield Washington's Own DataAgainst a backdrop of increased immigration enforcement nationwide, a new report from the University of Washington Center of Human Rights confirms ICE is still using state data to find targets in Washington.

NEW STORY// How ICE Continues to Wield Washington's Own Data By Amy Sundberg via @theurbanist.org

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Replying to @amysundberg.bsky.social

Looking through these slides, it doesn't look like much of a change. There's been more sales tax collection this year than expected. Next year JumpStart is slightly higher than expected but more than balanced out by lower REET.

The Urbanist reposted

Seattle revenue forecast incoming!

The Urbanist reposted

theurbanist.orgSeattle Social Housing Developer Advances First Construction ProjectA 7,800-square-foot site along E Yesler Way, which belonged to former House Speaker Frank Chopp, will become 20 units of social housing following a unanimous vote of the Seattle Social Housing Develop...

Replying to @typewriteralley.bsky.social

Get the full scoop this morning at @theurbanist.org, though I expect a few more details will trickle out during this event. www.theurbanist.org/seattle-soci...

The Urbanist reposted

Good morning from the Frank Chopp cabins at 24th and Yesler, where the Seattle Social Housing Developer is holding a press conference about last night's big announcement. This site will become 20 income restricted, passive house homes by 2028 – the developer's first building project.

theurbanist.orgSeattle Social Housing Developer Advances First Construction ProjectA 7,800 site along E Yesler Way, which belonged to former House Speaker Frank Chopp, will become 20 units of social housing following a unanimous vote of the Seattle Social Housing Developer Thursday night. It marks the developer's second overall residential project.

NEW STORY// Seattle Social Housing Developer Advances First Construction Project By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

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theurbanist.orgCouncilmembers Seek to One-Up Katie Wilson on Police SpendingThe Office of Housing would lose out to Seattle Police Department in Katie Wilson’s budget proposal, but councilmembers want to go even further to divert housing funds to boost police and restore pet ...

Listening to the Seattle SPD budget presentation right now. I mentioned there should be some salary savings in 2027 for SPD officers, and now we have a number: $4.5 million. www.theurbanist.org/councilmembe...

The Urbanist reposted

theurbanist.orgDespite Pushback, Updated RapidRide R Plans Include Scant ChangesCompared to plans presented earlier this year laying out how the existing Route 7 would be converted into a RapidRide line, designs released this week only include two new stop pairs. That adjustment ...

Newly filed documents show that the updated plans for the RapidRide R through the Rainier Valley restore just two stop pairs compared to designs presented this summer. That's unlikely to assuage transit advocates concerned about excessive stop consolidation. www.theurbanist.org/despite-push...

Start checking your mailboxes and vote! 🗳️

King County Elections@elections.kingcounty.gov

Ballots are in the mail, King County voters! If you don't receive yours by Monday, October 19, call us at 206-296-VOTE. Vote early! Use an official ballot drop box! kce.wiki/DropBox Track your ballot! kce.wiki/BallotAlert Tell your friends!

theurbanist.orgDespite Pushback, Updated RapidRide R Plans Include Scant ChangesCompared to plans presented earlier this year laying out how the existing Route 7 would be converted into a RapidRide line, designs released this week only include two new stop pairs. That adjustment is unlikely to assuage concerns around decreasing access to transit in the Rainier Valley.

NEW STORY// Despite Pushback, Updated RapidRide R Plans Include Scant Changes By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.org'The Ave for All' Transforms U District's Main ThoroughfareFor one Saturday, pedestrians took over The Ave in a demonstration of the demand for people-focused spaces in the heart of Seattle's densest neighborhoods. Building on an idea that has been around sin...

For one Saturday, pedestrians took over The Ave in a demonstration of the demand for people-focused spaces in the heart of Seattle's densest neighborhoods. Advocates who put on the event hope it can start a trend. Story: www.theurbanist.org/the-ave-for-...

theurbanist.org'Unfathomable Disaster' Looms Following Public Defender Pay DisputeWashington's only non-profit appellate public defense law firm has historically been tasked with handling around 40% of public defense appeals. But without a new contract agreement, it could have to c...

Washington's only non-profit appellate public defense law firm has historically been tasked with handling around 40% of public defense appeals. But without a new contract agreement, it could have to close its doors at the end of the year. Story: www.theurbanist.org/unfathomable...

theurbanist.org'Unfathomable Disaster' Looms Following Public Defender Pay DisputeWashington's only non-profit appellate public defense law firm has historically been tasked with handling around 40% of public defense appeals. But without a new contract agreement, it could have to close its doors at the end of the year, throwing hundreds of active cases into jeopardy.

NEW STORY// 'Unfathomable Disaster' Looms Following Public Defender Pay Dispute By Amy Sundberg via @theurbanist.org

The Urbanist reposted

The Seattle Social Housing Developer is holding a press conference on Friday morning at the Douglass-Truth library, sending a strong signal that its next project could be in the Central District. A board vote on potential property acquisition is scheduled for tomorrow night.

theurbanist.org2026 General Election EndorsementsThe Urbanist Elections Committee is thrilled to announce our 2026 general election endorsements. Be sure to vote by November 3.

NEW STORY // 2026 General Election Endorsements By The Urbanist Elections Committee via @theurbanist.org www.theurbanist.org/2026-general...

theurbanist.org'The Ave for All' Transforms U District's Main ThoroughfareFor one Saturday, pedestrians took over The Ave in a demonstration of the demand for people-focused spaces in the heart of Seattle's densest neighborhoods. Building on an idea that has been around since 1955, the advocates who put on the event hope it can start a trend.

NEW STORY// 'The Ave for All' Transforms U District's Main Thoroughfare By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgTacoma Pushes to Reimagine Crash-Prone Portland AvenueBetween safety upgrades and proposed new bus route, one of Tacoma’s most dangerous roads may see a safer future. The changes are a long time in the making.

NEW STORY// Tacoma Pushes to Reimagine Crash-Prone Portland Avenue By Carolyn Bick via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgRelaunched Community Court Gets Paired With Punitive Repeat Offender SystemThe new Connection Court program restores a non-carceral pathway that had been closed off by Erika Evans' predecessor. But King County public defenders are raising concerns about how the two programs are set to be implemented.

NEW STORY// Relaunched Community Court Gets Paired With Punitive Repeat Offender System By Amy Sundberg via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgSeattle's 'Centers & Corridors' Zoning Update Delayed Another YearA ruling last month from a state hearings board is prompting additional work on the environmental review underpinning Seattle's twenty-year growth plan. While that update isn't set to change the plan's contents, any vote to update zoning remains on hold until it wraps up.

NEW STORY// Seattle's 'Centers & Corridors' Zoning Update Delayed Another Year By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgSunday Video: Pierce Transit Goes to the BallotPierce Transit's Prop 1 asks voters for a 0.3% sales tax increase to give local bus service a major boost. Tacoma transit advocate Cameron Johnson breaks down what the measure entails and what it could mean for transit riders across Pierce County.

NEW STORY// Sunday Video: Pierce Transit Goes to the Ballot By Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org

theurbanist.orgNew Flyover Video Shows Latest West Seattle Link DesignReleased as Sound Transit reaches 30% design on the future 3 Line, the new renderings show the full 3.9 mile line that will run between SoDo and Alaska Junction until connecting with the rest of the light rail network as soon as 2042.

NEW STORY// New Flyover Video Shows Latest West Seattle Link Design By Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org

The Urbanist reposted

Who is going to create a rendering of the Beaux Arts Village skyscraper

Ryan Packer@typewriteralley.bsky.social

The tiny enclave of Beaux Arts Village (pop. 310) is on the cusp of triggering the Builder's Remedy next week, unless the town council approves interim zoning changes that get the city into compliance with the Growth Management Act.

The Urbanist reposted