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Court Ruling Against Seattle Growth Plan Undercuts State Housing Reforms

Ruling in favor of two groups trying to reopen environmental review of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, a state Court of Appeals has affirmed a major loophole in recent state laws intended to reduce barriers to urban housing development. The decision could have big impacts statewide.

OPINION | To the Class of 2026: Your Actions Can Help Shape Our Future

Op-Ed: It’s Time for Vending in Link Stations

Most transit systems across the world have integrated retail within stations. It’s time for Sound Transit to join the party by streamlining its fledgling vendor program.

Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network

The City of Seattle's investment in King County Metro service would jump by 60% over the life of the proposed 10-year renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure. While backed by a sales tax increase, Wilson framed the measure as a path to affordability and access.

Black and Brown Youth in the South End Find Their Voices Through Spoken-Word Poetry

Seattle's Library Levy Renewal Campaign Kicks Into Full Gear

The seven-year levy renewal will invest around $68 million into the Seattle Public Library every year, providing more than a third of the department's budget. Library supporters see the measure as essential to provide library services to a growing city.

June Housing Forum, Socials, and July Fundraiser

Join The Urbanist for our June 10 housing forum and get your ticket for our Summer Endorsed Candidate Party on July 19. We're also hosting two social hours in June.

King County DCHS Seeks to Put Fraud Concerns to Bed with New Protocol

The King County Department of Community and Human Services has implemented reforms to prevent fraud and waste in the $1.8 billion in annual grant funding it administers. Meanwhile, an outside audit continues looking into flagged contracts.

The Electric Sculptures of Black Artist Tom Lloyd Illuminate the Frye

An exhibition at Frye Art Museum called "Tom Lloyd" is a fascinating exploration into the career of Lloyd, an early pioneer of light art who has remained obscured from broader art history.

33 Bookstores. 10 Days. No Car. An Urbanist’s Guide to Independent Bookstore Day

To meet the Independent Bookstore Day challenge, two book worms used transit to visit 33 bookstores scattered around the Puget Sound region in just 10 days. Here's how they did it and what they learned.

DOOM LOOP: Public Outreach

A concerned resident demands a greater role in neighborhood planning.

Bellevue Set to Expand 'Supercharger' Building Incentive Program to More Neighborhoods

Housing permits in light rail-adjacent Wilburton are taking off, which has prompted Bellevue leaders to consider unleashing Wilburton's incentive program lowering affordability requirements in other areas. But affordable housing advocates aim to hold the line against permanent expansion.