PubliCola
@publicola.bsky.social
Seattle's trusted source for breaking news, political analysis, and investigative reporting since 2009. PubliCola.com/support
This week on PubliCola: An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, a deep dive on the federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that pushes off hard choices, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 22, 2025 - PubliCola
An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that…
publicola.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This week on PubliCola: An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, a deep dive on the federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that pushes off hard choices, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
Jam-packed Afternoon Fizz today, featuring the homelessness authority's "learning" trip to a religous recovery program in Baltimore, the latest on the next Seattle City Council president, Katie Wilson's plan to jerk-proof the Mayor's Office, and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
Homeless Authority Praises Religious Program, Katie Wilson Plans to Jerk-Proof the Mayor's Office, and Who Will Be the City Council's Next President? - PubliCola
1. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has signed a contract with Barb Oliver, the head of tiny house builder…
publicola.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Jam-packed Afternoon Fizz today, featuring the homelessness authority's "learning" trip to a religous recovery program in Baltimore, the latest on the next Seattle City Council president, Katie Wilson's plan to jerk-proof the Mayor's Office, and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett On Thursday, the Seattle City Council voted (earlier than usual!) to pass the city’s 2026 budget,…
publicola.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson!
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson! - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett We had Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson on Seattle Nice this week for a wide-ranging interview about her…
publicola.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson!
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
Seattle Nice sat down with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson this week to talk about her vision for the city, including her ambitious plan to shelter thousands of people and address the massive budget deficit outgoing mayor Bruce Harrell left for her to deal with. Listen and subscribe:
Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson says Seattle Nice is “Special” | Seattle Nice
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson turned down numerous invitations for national television appearances over the past week, telling Seattle Nice, “That is not my job.”...
seattle-nice.beam.ly
November 20, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Seattle Nice sat down with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson this week to talk about her vision for the city, including her ambitious plan to shelter thousands of people and address the massive budget deficit outgoing mayor Bruce Harrell left for her to deal with. Listen and subscribe:
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The Seattle City Council is getting ready to approve the city’s budget for the first year…
publicola.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff - PubliCola
The layoffs aren’t unusual for a new executive, Zahilay’s team says—it’s just that the county hasn’t had a new leader…
publicola.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:32 PM
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
Seattle Nice: Did Katie Wilson Win or Did Bruce Harrell Lose?
And is Erica a hypocrite for not obsessing over Wilson's lack of experience?
publicola.com/2025/11/17/s...
And is Erica a hypocrite for not obsessing over Wilson's lack of experience?
publicola.com/2025/11/17/s...
Seattle Nice: Did Katie Wilson Win or Did Bruce Harrell Lose? - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Our latest podcast episode (subscribe and get a new one every week!) focuses on the mayor’s…
publicola.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Seattle Nice: Did Katie Wilson Win or Did Bruce Harrell Lose?
And is Erica a hypocrite for not obsessing over Wilson's lack of experience?
publicola.com/2025/11/17/s...
And is Erica a hypocrite for not obsessing over Wilson's lack of experience?
publicola.com/2025/11/17/s...
Federal Funding Changes Could Create Thousands of New Homeless Seattle Residents
A deep dive into changes the Trump Administration is making to funding for homeless housing and services, and what local leaders and organizations are doing to prepare.
publicola.com/2025/11/17/f...
A deep dive into changes the Trump Administration is making to funding for homeless housing and services, and what local leaders and organizations are doing to prepare.
publicola.com/2025/11/17/f...
Federal Funding Changes Could Create Thousands of New Homeless Seattle Residents - PubliCola
The city and county are working on plans to offset potential federal funding cuts under the Trump Administration. By Erica…
publicola.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Federal Funding Changes Could Create Thousands of New Homeless Seattle Residents
A deep dive into changes the Trump Administration is making to funding for homeless housing and services, and what local leaders and organizations are doing to prepare.
publicola.com/2025/11/17/f...
A deep dive into changes the Trump Administration is making to funding for homeless housing and services, and what local leaders and organizations are doing to prepare.
publicola.com/2025/11/17/f...
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close)
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close) - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The voters have spoken: Katie Wilson will be the next Mayor of Seattle. On Wednesday, incumbent…
publicola.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close)
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Homelessness Authority Makes Potentially Controversial Hire, Harrell's $5,000-a-Week Consultant Speaks Out
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/h...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/h...
Homelessness Authority Makes Potentially Controversial Hire, Harrell's $5,000-a-Week Consultant Speaks Out - PubliCola
1. After laying off 13 people and holding 15 vacant positions open as part of a cost-cutting effort last month,…
publicola.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Homelessness Authority Makes Potentially Controversial Hire, Harrell's $5,000-a-Week Consultant Speaks Out
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/h...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/h...
Mayor Katie Wilson? It's Sure Looking Likely!
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Mayor Katie Wilson? It's Sure Looking That Way! - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson edged above 50 percent of the vote on Tuesday, in the final…
publicola.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Mayor Katie Wilson? It's Sure Looking Likely!
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett In the latest batch of ballots counted by King County’s elections office, labor organizer…
publicola.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025 - PubliCola
Monday, November 3 When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat In a guest…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:25 PM
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works - PubliCola
1. Some quick math on the latest ballot drop from King County Elections, which included another 56,118 votes in the Seattle…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First - PubliCola
By Alexis Mercedes Rinck In response to an openly antagonistic federal government more interested in interior decorating than keeping food…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Bruce Harrell gained a point on his challenger Katie Wilson yesterday, as King County Elections…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 PM
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
Sum and Substance of Seattle's Election Results | Seattle Nice
We discuss and debate last night's election and the big progressive wins here in Seattle. Why did moderates lose? Why is the mayor's race between...
seattle-nice.beam.ly
November 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett This morning, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes fired two of SPD’s top civilian staff, Chief Operating…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett and Andrew Engelson Mayor Bruce Harrell’s election night party started with an empty room—an hour before…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and a $1,000-a-Night Hotel
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and $1,000-a-Night Hotels - PubliCola
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of…
publicola.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:48 PM
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and a $1,000-a-Night Hotel
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett On the final Seattle Nice episode before Tuesday’s election (look for our post-election show in your…
publicola.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat - PubliCola
By Girmay Zahilay In the coming days, thousands of families across King County could open their refrigerators and find more…
publicola.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:08 PM
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
This Week On PubliCola: November 1, 2025
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 2, 2025 - PubliCola
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump’s “Operation Take Back America,” and more. Monday, October…
publicola.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:12 PM
This Week On PubliCola: November 1, 2025
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America"
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America" - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes celebrated earlier this week after an anti-drug trafficking operation recovered fentanyl,…
publicola.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:45 PM
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America"
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...