Ryan Packer
@typewriteralley.bsky.social
Pedestrian
Reporting at The Urbanist as Contributing Editor
Transportation advocate
Probably covering a random public meeting
(they-them)
📍Puget Sound
https://www.patreon.com/typewriteralley
Reporting at The Urbanist as Contributing Editor
Transportation advocate
Probably covering a random public meeting
(they-them)
📍Puget Sound
https://www.patreon.com/typewriteralley
Pinned
Ryan Packer
@typewriteralley.bsky.social
· Nov 24
Hi new followers-
Several years ago I decided to start documenting how regularly people in my city of Seattle were getting hurt while trying to get around via walking or biking, in as close to real-time as possible.
In response to consistent feedback I'm going to continue on this platform.
Several years ago I decided to start documenting how regularly people in my city of Seattle were getting hurt while trying to get around via walking or biking, in as close to real-time as possible.
In response to consistent feedback I'm going to continue on this platform.
Shocked to discover that Sara Nelson is spending her lame duck period on the council going on conservative talk radio to frame budget legalization that she had ample time to amend as Council President as being "rammed down our throats in one budget session."
November 25, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Shocked to discover that Sara Nelson is spending her lame duck period on the council going on conservative talk radio to frame budget legalization that she had ample time to amend as Council President as being "rammed down our throats in one budget session."
Sarah Perry will be the King County Council's next Chair, with Jorge Barón serving as Vice Chair, according to a pending motion filed for adoption.
The only committee Claudia Balducci will chair is Regional Water Quality.
mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationD...
The only committee Claudia Balducci will chair is Regional Water Quality.
mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationD...
King County - File #: 2025-0369
Title: A MOTION relating to the organization of the council; and amending Motion 11105 (part), as amended, and OR 1-040, Motion 1122, Section F, as amended, and OR-2-020, and Motion 11122, Section G, ...
mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov
November 25, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Sarah Perry will be the King County Council's next Chair, with Jorge Barón serving as Vice Chair, according to a pending motion filed for adoption.
The only committee Claudia Balducci will chair is Regional Water Quality.
mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationD...
The only committee Claudia Balducci will chair is Regional Water Quality.
mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov/LegislationD...
This overpass is used by 1,500 cars per day, so I can't help wondering if repairing it is actually the biggest priority for a state with a billion-dollar-per-year maintenance backlog.
Update on the Bullfrog Road overpass over westbound I-90: WSDOT received 7 bids, and awarded the contract to Garco Construction. Work is already underway off-site, and in the next few weeks, we expect to announce the construction schedule to repair the overpass.
November 25, 2025 at 8:57 PM
This overpass is used by 1,500 cars per day, so I can't help wondering if repairing it is actually the biggest priority for a state with a billion-dollar-per-year maintenance backlog.
In 2009, there was an open process to fill a vacancy left on the King County Council when one of its members was elected Executive.
A 12-member committee reviewed applications from 11 people, a list featuring folks who intended to file for the seat and who didn't.
kingcounty.gov/en/dept/coun...
A 12-member committee reviewed applications from 11 people, a list featuring folks who intended to file for the seat and who didn't.
kingcounty.gov/en/dept/coun...
County Council receives 11 applications for Constantine vacancy in District 8 - King County, Washington
kingcounty.gov
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
In 2009, there was an open process to fill a vacancy left on the King County Council when one of its members was elected Executive.
A 12-member committee reviewed applications from 11 people, a list featuring folks who intended to file for the seat and who didn't.
kingcounty.gov/en/dept/coun...
A 12-member committee reviewed applications from 11 people, a list featuring folks who intended to file for the seat and who didn't.
kingcounty.gov/en/dept/coun...
We will do a 2,500 page environmental review on a new highway that we know will lead to more traffic, and then rule out a bus lane with analysis that is done on the back of a napkin.
Idk what stage this is at, but it was eye opening when we prodded about the Route 8 study (which SDOT took as fact) but it just counted cars in 2 lanes then multiplied delay by two for adding a bus lane. No factoring in of mode shift, alternate routes, etc. I'd imagine that's what WSDOT is doing too
November 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We will do a 2,500 page environmental review on a new highway that we know will lead to more traffic, and then rule out a bus lane with analysis that is done on the back of a napkin.
Any press is, uh...
I'm not sure what kind of PR they were going for last night, but here it is
West Seattle Link light rail project balloons by billions of dollars
www.fox13seattle.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Any press is, uh...
My main takeaway from this event is that dropping Avalon Station is as good as a done deal.
I'm having a hard time figuring out who the audience for this West Seattle light rail visioning event is. After remarks by CM Mosqueda and Dow Constantine, Sound Transit is presenting board-level info (what's a "tail track"?).
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
November 25, 2025 at 4:49 AM
My main takeaway from this event is that dropping Avalon Station is as good as a done deal.
Just before 7:30pm tonight, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at Rainier Ave S and S Rose Street in Dunlap.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
November 25, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Just before 7:30pm tonight, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at Rainier Ave S and S Rose Street in Dunlap.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
Just before 6pm tonight, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at 20th Ave NW and NW Market Street in Ballard.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital (by walking to Swedish Ballard).
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital (by walking to Swedish Ballard).
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Just before 6pm tonight, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at 20th Ave NW and NW Market Street in Ballard.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital (by walking to Swedish Ballard).
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital (by walking to Swedish Ballard).
I'm having a hard time figuring out who the audience for this West Seattle light rail visioning event is. After remarks by CM Mosqueda and Dow Constantine, Sound Transit is presenting board-level info (what's a "tail track"?).
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 AM
I'm having a hard time figuring out who the audience for this West Seattle light rail visioning event is. After remarks by CM Mosqueda and Dow Constantine, Sound Transit is presenting board-level info (what's a "tail track"?).
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
This would be a good onboarding briefing for a new board member but...
See you at the West Seattle light rail event tonight?
westseattleblog.com/2025/11/chan...
westseattleblog.com/2025/11/chan...
CHANGE: West Seattle Light Rail Visioning Forum has a new date - November 24
Just in - a new date, one week later than originally planned, for the West Seattle Light Rail Visioning Forum.
It's now set for 5:30 pm Monday, November 24, same location - Youngstown Cultural Arts...
westseattleblog.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:51 AM
See you at the West Seattle light rail event tonight?
westseattleblog.com/2025/11/chan...
westseattleblog.com/2025/11/chan...
If you're wondering when Eddie Lin, Seattle's newest Councilmember, gets sworn in: the answer is tomorrow, following the official certification of election results today.
But without a council meeting this week, the ceremonial swearing-in (with speeches and such) will take place next Tuesday.
But without a council meeting this week, the ceremonial swearing-in (with speeches and such) will take place next Tuesday.
November 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
If you're wondering when Eddie Lin, Seattle's newest Councilmember, gets sworn in: the answer is tomorrow, following the official certification of election results today.
But without a council meeting this week, the ceremonial swearing-in (with speeches and such) will take place next Tuesday.
But without a council meeting this week, the ceremonial swearing-in (with speeches and such) will take place next Tuesday.
It. Is. Happening!
November 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
It. Is. Happening!
Noteworthy, because in 2009 this was specifically not the process, with an independent body created to produce a list of names - because it's a bit unusual for an Executive to create a list of candidates to fill their own vacant council seat.
King County Executive-elect Zahilay says he intends to submit 3 nominees for his open council seat that will act as caretakers and not run for the seat next year. He says the appointment should take place by 12/9.
(He's being sworn in as Executive tomorrow.)
(He's being sworn in as Executive tomorrow.)
November 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Noteworthy, because in 2009 this was specifically not the process, with an independent body created to produce a list of names - because it's a bit unusual for an Executive to create a list of candidates to fill their own vacant council seat.
This is actually a huge milestone.
November 24, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This is actually a huge milestone.
Operational trials for four-minute headways between Lynnwood and International District were set to start early this morning. Has anyone seen the trains yet?
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/20/s...
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/20/s...
Sound Transit 2 Line Testing Enters a New, More Visible Phase » The Urbanist
# Light rail riders will see out-of-service trains running between International District-Chinatown and Lynnwood as the next major milestone for testing on the full 2 Line.
www.theurbanist.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Operational trials for four-minute headways between Lynnwood and International District were set to start early this morning. Has anyone seen the trains yet?
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/20/s...
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/20/s...
4:30pm on a Sunday and it's hard to find an open seat at the US Bank Center's Cedar Hall common space. The latent demand for third places in downtown Seattle is so incredibly high.
November 24, 2025 at 12:49 AM
4:30pm on a Sunday and it's hard to find an open seat at the US Bank Center's Cedar Hall common space. The latent demand for third places in downtown Seattle is so incredibly high.
Just after 6:30am this morning, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at Aurora Ave N and N 80th Street.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
November 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Just after 6:30am this morning, Seattle Fire responded to a driver hitting someone walking at Aurora Ave N and N 80th Street.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
The person who was hit was transported to the hospital.
When I saw Seattle treasure Nathan Vass was reading tonight at Folio, one of my favorite literary venues, I knew I had to be there. If you don't have Nathan's book yet...get on it!
November 23, 2025 at 4:52 AM
When I saw Seattle treasure Nathan Vass was reading tonight at Folio, one of my favorite literary venues, I knew I had to be there. If you don't have Nathan's book yet...get on it!
A longtime Seattleite was recently telling me that you used to be able to grab day-of rush tickets to theater shows and concerts at the information booth at Pike Place, in the 90s. We should bring that back.
November 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM
A longtime Seattleite was recently telling me that you used to be able to grab day-of rush tickets to theater shows and concerts at the information booth at Pike Place, in the 90s. We should bring that back.
Weekend transit ridership has rebounded to close to 2019 levels so much more quickly than weekday ridership but we still do the most transit-disruptive construction (like 3rd Ave repaving) on the weekends.
November 22, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Weekend transit ridership has rebounded to close to 2019 levels so much more quickly than weekday ridership but we still do the most transit-disruptive construction (like 3rd Ave repaving) on the weekends.
In her email newsletter, Maritza Rivera says that she pulled a proposed proviso on traffic safety funds for Stone Way N, after learning that SDOT "now" has plans for added crosswalks there.
Except: those improvements were included in SDOT's 2025 work plan, released back in...late January.
Except: those improvements were included in SDOT's 2025 work plan, released back in...late January.
November 22, 2025 at 5:41 PM
In her email newsletter, Maritza Rivera says that she pulled a proposed proviso on traffic safety funds for Stone Way N, after learning that SDOT "now" has plans for added crosswalks there.
Except: those improvements were included in SDOT's 2025 work plan, released back in...late January.
Except: those improvements were included in SDOT's 2025 work plan, released back in...late January.
One week on @theurbanist.org:
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
November 22, 2025 at 12:31 AM
One week on @theurbanist.org:
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
-Two original Sound Transit stories
-Two fully reported Seattle budget stories
-Dispatches from both Clyde Hill & Kirkland
-One story about Katie Wilson's transition team
And a book review!
I know I'm biased, but I really think we punch above our weight.
We're creeping toward the final adoption of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan on December 16, just shy of a full year late under the state deadline.
Meanwhile, one appeal against the plan's environmental review, also creeping along, just got an argument date at the state court of appeals, for mid-Jan.
Meanwhile, one appeal against the plan's environmental review, also creeping along, just got an argument date at the state court of appeals, for mid-Jan.
November 21, 2025 at 11:10 PM
We're creeping toward the final adoption of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan on December 16, just shy of a full year late under the state deadline.
Meanwhile, one appeal against the plan's environmental review, also creeping along, just got an argument date at the state court of appeals, for mid-Jan.
Meanwhile, one appeal against the plan's environmental review, also creeping along, just got an argument date at the state court of appeals, for mid-Jan.
Hearing a rumor recently I hadn't been hearing a few weeks ago: transportation committee chair Alexis Mercedes Rinck?
November 21, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Hearing a rumor recently I hadn't been hearing a few weeks ago: transportation committee chair Alexis Mercedes Rinck?