Latest News

Legal Appeal from MLB Stadium Authority Restarts Stadium District Housing Saga

A push to allow housing in the Stadium District looked like it had been thwarted by a legal appeal and a shift on city council, but a new appeal from T-Mobile Park's facilities district is poised to reignite debate.

Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot

Installing fare gates at a focused number of light rail stations would pay for itself within two to five years and boost fare revenue by more than $30 million, according to Sound Transit. If given the green light later this year, gates could be in place by 2029 or 2030.

Issaquah Claims Victory at Sound Transit, Despite Rail Delay to 2050

Even though the 4 Line was delayed from 2044 to 2050, Issaquah leaders including Mayor Mark Mullet hosted a community celebration Monday night. Mullet sees staying on the calendar as the first step in getting the timeline for the Eastside's next light rail line moved up.

Celebrate Pride 2026, South End Style

Looking for Pride plans beyond downtown? Our guide rounds up South Seattle's biggest LBGTQIA+ celebrations, from White Center and Columbia City to Georgetown, Hillman City, and beyond.

Sound Transit's Murky Path to Ballard, with Regionwide ST4 Hopes Dim

While hesitant to alter plans or go back to voters for funding, Sound Transit board members approved a "Request for Information" that could unearth more affordable plans for light rail to Ballard. Even so, the path to get the project back on schedule remains murky at best.

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.