The Urbanist
@theurbanist.org
Advocacy journalism for better cities.👩🦽👨🦯🚶🚴♀️ 🚎 ⛴️ 🚊 🚆 🏙️
Based in the Seattle metro area.
Read our coverage on theurbanist.org. 📰
Based in the Seattle metro area.
Read our coverage on theurbanist.org. 📰
As the First Hill Streetcar celebrates a decade of carrying riders, questions mount about the future of the streetcar network as a whole. With a plan to finally connect the two existing lines being declared dead, the status quo is likely not sustainable.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Seattle Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future as Newest Line Turns Ten » The Urbanist
# As the First Hill Streetcar celebrates a decade carrying riders, questions mount about the future of the Seattle Streetcar network as a whole. With a plan to finally connect the two existing lines b...
www.theurbanist.org
January 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
As the First Hill Streetcar celebrates a decade of carrying riders, questions mount about the future of the streetcar network as a whole. With a plan to finally connect the two existing lines being declared dead, the status quo is likely not sustainable.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
NEW STORY // Seattle Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future as Newest Line Turns Ten
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Seattle Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future as Newest Line Turns Ten » The Urbanist
# As the First Hill Streetcar celebrates a decade carrying riders, questions mount about the future of the Seattle Streetcar network as a whole. With a plan to finally connect the two existing lines b...
www.theurbanist.org
January 23, 2026 at 4:26 PM
NEW STORY // Seattle Streetcar Faces Uncertain Future as Newest Line Turns Ten
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/23/s...
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/u...
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle » The Urbanist
# In this podcast, The Urbanist newsroom previews Washington's state legislative session and breaks down the huge setback dealt to the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement project, a highway boondoggle w...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/u...
Reposted by The Urbanist
In an interview just now, Balducci told me that the switch in committee assignments also took her by surprise and wasn't her first choice.
She had been in the middle of a two-year term as the system expansion committee chair.
She had been in the middle of a two-year term as the system expansion committee chair.
Claudia Balducci is being replaced by Redmond Mayor Angela Birney as chair of the Sound Transit board's system expansion committee.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
January 22, 2026 at 11:24 PM
In an interview just now, Balducci told me that the switch in committee assignments also took her by surprise and wasn't her first choice.
She had been in the middle of a two-year term as the system expansion committee chair.
She had been in the middle of a two-year term as the system expansion committee chair.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Trump turns tariffs on and off like a toddler with a light switch. Seattle dockworkers are on the frontlines facing the very real consequences of Trump’s reckless and unpredictable trade policies.
At a Seattle Port Rocked by Tariffs, There Were 70 Jobs for 600 Workers
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Trump turns tariffs on and off like a toddler with a light switch. Seattle dockworkers are on the frontlines facing the very real consequences of Trump’s reckless and unpredictable trade policies.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Sound Transit has confirmed we'll get the opening date for the full 2 Line tomorrow morning, at 10am.
January 22, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Sound Transit has confirmed we'll get the opening date for the full 2 Line tomorrow morning, at 10am.
“‘While 75-year-long bonds can help at the margins, they don’t replace the need for sustainable revenue and a focus on designing for riders and building for further system expansion,’ Seattle Subway Board President David Scott told The Urbanist.”
With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 program across the finish line, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds to finance light rail projects. A change to state law would need to be passed to allow bonds over 40 years.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout » The Urbanist
# With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 network across the finish line as planned, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds. If the Washington State Legislature OKs...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:36 PM
“‘While 75-year-long bonds can help at the margins, they don’t replace the need for sustainable revenue and a focus on designing for riders and building for further system expansion,’ Seattle Subway Board President David Scott told The Urbanist.”
Eight local housing plans have been put under review by the Washington State Department of Commerce for compliance with the 2025 Housing Accountability Act. That could lead to first implementation of a "builder's remedy” in some of those communities.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Washington to Scrutinize Eight Local Housing Plans Under New Accountability Law » The Urbanist
# The reviews are the first to take place under the 2025 Housing Accountability Act, intended to spur housing construction by reducing barriers added at the local level. Growth plan reviews are one st...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Eight local housing plans have been put under review by the Washington State Department of Commerce for compliance with the 2025 Housing Accountability Act. That could lead to first implementation of a "builder's remedy” in some of those communities.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Reposted by The Urbanist
The two Democrats who opposed the bill in committee were Tara Simmons (Poulsbo), and Darya Farivar (NE Seattle).
Simmons said she was unpersuaded by data showing a positive impact from 0.05% in countries outside the US, because those places have better public transit and universal health care.
Simmons said she was unpersuaded by data showing a positive impact from 0.05% in countries outside the US, because those places have better public transit and universal health care.
January 22, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The two Democrats who opposed the bill in committee were Tara Simmons (Poulsbo), and Darya Farivar (NE Seattle).
Simmons said she was unpersuaded by data showing a positive impact from 0.05% in countries outside the US, because those places have better public transit and universal health care.
Simmons said she was unpersuaded by data showing a positive impact from 0.05% in countries outside the US, because those places have better public transit and universal health care.
Reposted by The Urbanist
The Washington House's community safety committee just gave the green light to a bill lowering Washington's blood alcohol threshold for a DUI to the international 0.05% standard. This bill has failed during the last three legislative sessions.
The vote was a closely divided 5-4, across party lines.
The vote was a closely divided 5-4, across party lines.
January 22, 2026 at 5:37 PM
The Washington House's community safety committee just gave the green light to a bill lowering Washington's blood alcohol threshold for a DUI to the international 0.05% standard. This bill has failed during the last three legislative sessions.
The vote was a closely divided 5-4, across party lines.
The vote was a closely divided 5-4, across party lines.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Washington to Scrutinize Eight Local Housing Plans Under New Accountability Law » The Urbanist
# The reviews are the first to take place under the 2025 Housing Accountability Act, intended to spur housing construction by reducing barriers added at the local level. Growth plan reviews are one st...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
Builder's remedy
www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 program across the finish line, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds to finance light rail projects. A change to state law would need to be passed to allow bonds over 40 years.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout » The Urbanist
# With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 network across the finish line as planned, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds. If the Washington State Legislature OKs...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 4:28 PM
With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 program across the finish line, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds to finance light rail projects. A change to state law would need to be passed to allow bonds over 40 years.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout » The Urbanist
# With creative tools needed to get the entire Sound Transit 3 network across the finish line as planned, Sound Transit is turning to the idea of 75-year bonds. If the Washington State Legislature OKs...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/21/s...
Reposted by The Urbanist
I had so much fun recording this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social, talking Katie Wilson's housing growth plans, the Route 8 bus lane, sustaining the arts in Belltown, and some ideas for more carfree streets across the city.
megaphone.link/CC6681383179
megaphone.link/CC6681383179
Car-Free Zones, The Croc Is for Sale, and Does Seattle Need a Town Center? by City Cast Seattle
megaphone.link
January 21, 2026 at 4:18 PM
I had so much fun recording this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social, talking Katie Wilson's housing growth plans, the Route 8 bus lane, sustaining the arts in Belltown, and some ideas for more carfree streets across the city.
megaphone.link/CC6681383179
megaphone.link/CC6681383179
NEW STORY // Washington to Scrutinize Eight Local Housing Plans Under New Accountability Law
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Washington to Scrutinize Eight Local Housing Plans Under New Accountability Law » The Urbanist
# The reviews are the first to take place under the 2025 Housing Accountability Act, intended to spur housing construction by reducing barriers added at the local level. Growth plan reviews are one st...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:32 PM
NEW STORY // Washington to Scrutinize Eight Local Housing Plans Under New Accountability Law
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/w...
Reposted by The Urbanist
December Pedestrianized Pike Place Pilot numbers are in, and drum roll please…
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
Sales are up again! (7.1%). Sales at the market have beat expectations every month of the pilot so far. Take a moment of zen and join me this video stroll down the festive street last month.
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
Sales are up again! (7.1%). Sales at the market have beat expectations every month of the pilot so far. Take a moment of zen and join me this video stroll down the festive street last month.
January 22, 2026 at 4:30 AM
December Pedestrianized Pike Place Pilot numbers are in, and drum roll please…
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
Sales are up again! (7.1%). Sales at the market have beat expectations every month of the pilot so far. Take a moment of zen and join me this video stroll down the festive street last month.
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
🥁
Sales are up again! (7.1%). Sales at the market have beat expectations every month of the pilot so far. Take a moment of zen and join me this video stroll down the festive street last month.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Claudia Balducci is being replaced by Redmond Mayor Angela Birney as chair of the Sound Transit board's system expansion committee.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
January 22, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Claudia Balducci is being replaced by Redmond Mayor Angela Birney as chair of the Sound Transit board's system expansion committee.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
Balducci will not serve on the committee at all, under a proposed motion set to be considered at tomorrow's board meeting.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Notably absent from the list today (either to replace or retain) was SDCI Director Brooke Belman, who Bruce Harrell appointed at the eleventh hour last year.
A slew of major changes to Seattle city department leadership coming out of Katie Wilson's office today.
Office of Housing Director Maiko Winkler-Chin, Parks Superintendent AP Diaz, and Department of Neighborhoods Director Jenifer Chao are all out, but OPCD Director Rico Quirindongo is staying on.
Office of Housing Director Maiko Winkler-Chin, Parks Superintendent AP Diaz, and Department of Neighborhoods Director Jenifer Chao are all out, but OPCD Director Rico Quirindongo is staying on.
January 21, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Notably absent from the list today (either to replace or retain) was SDCI Director Brooke Belman, who Bruce Harrell appointed at the eleventh hour last year.
Reposted by The Urbanist
First confirmation today at the Seattle Freight Board that SDOT plans to upgrade the existing paint bike lanes on Elliott and Western Aves in Belltown to protected bike lanes as part of a planned repaving project.
January 21, 2026 at 1:12 AM
First confirmation today at the Seattle Freight Board that SDOT plans to upgrade the existing paint bike lanes on Elliott and Western Aves in Belltown to protected bike lanes as part of a planned repaving project.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Ever waited for a bus that never showed up? Those are “ghost buses” — unplanned trip cancellations — and thanks to legislation Councilmember Balducci sponsored in 2025, King County Metro now has to report on them. We now have the initial results of that first reporting. 1/4
January 21, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Ever waited for a bus that never showed up? Those are “ghost buses” — unplanned trip cancellations — and thanks to legislation Councilmember Balducci sponsored in 2025, King County Metro now has to report on them. We now have the initial results of that first reporting. 1/4
Reposted by The Urbanist
We are planning for a more equitable, vibrant, and resilient future for the Uptown neighborhood!
Take our Uptown survey to share your input that will help guide the early phases and strategies for the Uptown Regional Center Plan: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6G9LK82.
The survey closes on April 15, 2026.
Take our Uptown survey to share your input that will help guide the early phases and strategies for the Uptown Regional Center Plan: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6G9LK82.
The survey closes on April 15, 2026.
January 20, 2026 at 8:56 PM
We are planning for a more equitable, vibrant, and resilient future for the Uptown neighborhood!
Take our Uptown survey to share your input that will help guide the early phases and strategies for the Uptown Regional Center Plan: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6G9LK82.
The survey closes on April 15, 2026.
Take our Uptown survey to share your input that will help guide the early phases and strategies for the Uptown Regional Center Plan: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6G9LK82.
The survey closes on April 15, 2026.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Well, there's at least one member of the King County Council thinking about the future of RapidRide and the fact that we've gotten much slower at delivering transit upgrades intended to increase frequency, speed, and reliability.
January 20, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Well, there's at least one member of the King County Council thinking about the future of RapidRide and the fact that we've gotten much slower at delivering transit upgrades intended to increase frequency, speed, and reliability.
The Eastside's largest city could ultimately go much further than a new statewide baseline in providing flexibility for builders when it comes to costly off-street parking. Recent elections in Bellevue have likely changed the conversation that's ahead.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/20/b...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/20/b...
Bellevue Could Take State Parking Reform to the Next Level » The Urbanist
# The Eastside's largest city could ultimately go much further than the new statewide baseline in providing flexibility for builders when it comes to costly off-street parking stalls. Recent elections...
www.theurbanist.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:24 PM
The Eastside's largest city could ultimately go much further than a new statewide baseline in providing flexibility for builders when it comes to costly off-street parking. Recent elections in Bellevue have likely changed the conversation that's ahead.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/20/b...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/20/b...
Reposted by The Urbanist
At least Claudia Balducci is asking a question about how the World Cup can benefit the Chinatown International District, which usually gets left out of the major events at the stadiums.
January 20, 2026 at 6:09 PM
At least Claudia Balducci is asking a question about how the World Cup can benefit the Chinatown International District, which usually gets left out of the major events at the stadiums.
Reposted by The Urbanist
At this committee meeting now, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer is complaining that a briefing underway on FIFA World Cup planning is "Seattle-centric."
As best I can tell, tomorrow morning's meeting of the King County Council's transportation committee is the first time since at least 2002 (likely much longer) that this committee — in charge of King County Metro — has not had a member on it whose district includes the City of Seattle.
January 20, 2026 at 5:55 PM
At this committee meeting now, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer is complaining that a briefing underway on FIFA World Cup planning is "Seattle-centric."