Category Archives: Policy

Public Risks Being Left Behind as Downtown Seattle Land Runs Out

“Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” – Mark Twain As Seattle’s development boom continues without any sign of stopping, the city is rapidly approaching a point where Downtown is completely built out and there is no land left to … Continue reading

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New Movement Seeks to Empower Seattle Renters

On Saturday the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict hosted a Renter Summit to kick off a community conversation about rising rents, renter protections, and transportation options. The half-day event at Miller Community Center drew at least 100 residents from the Capitol Hill, … Continue reading

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CascadiaCast Episode 6: Nathan Vass

On this episode of CascadiaCast I had a lively chat with Nathan Vass, who splits his time between driving for King County Metro and his artistic pursuits in photography and video. He also frequently writes short stories about his experience … Continue reading

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CascadiaCast Episode 5: Cathy Tuttle

After a bit of a lull, CascadiaCast is back! (And with a hell of a lot better sound quality.) I had the exciting opportunity to talk with Cathy Tuttle, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways. We took a fascinating dive into … Continue reading

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Seattle’s Draft Comprehensive Plan Takes on the Big Issues

By 2040 the Puget Sound region is expected to have a population of 5 million, up from 3.9 million today. Seattle expects to be at the center of this growth and is planning for 120,000 new residents in 70,000 housing units, along with … Continue reading

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Efficiency, Equity Discussed at Forum on Seattle’s Transportation Congestion

On Thursday night the University of Washington hosted a lively panel discussion on Seattle’s infamous traffic woes. Organized by The Seattle Times, four experts on transportation debated various solutions for agonizing commutes and how emerging technology will change the way … Continue reading

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How Seattle’s Mandatory Affordable Housing Program Will Work

The Seattle City Council is considering a mandatory affordable housing program linked to commercial developments. The program is no longer just a commercial “linkage fee” (otherwise known as an “impact fee” in Washington state), and now consists of two options: developers … Continue reading

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The Key HALA Recommendations for Seattle’s Affordable Housing Future

The Seattle City Council is considering recommendations to increase the city’s amount and variety of affordable housing options. Over the past year, the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Advisory Committee (HALA) has been working to develop land use and housing … Continue reading

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CascadiaCast Episode 4: Patty Lent

On this episode of CascadiaCast I chat with Patty Lent, Bremerton Mayor and former Kitsap County Commissioner. Bremerton is the largest city in Kitsap County and home to the strategic Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Lent shared that she strongly believes … Continue reading

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Mayor’s Housing Committee Proposes Modifying Seattle’s Single-Family Zoning

On Tuesday afternoon the Seattle Times’ Danny Westneat broke the news (in an inflammatory manner) that Mayor Ed Murray’s committee on housing may recommend making changes to the city’s single-family zoning. If the idea lands on the committee’s final set of recommendations, … Continue reading

Posted in Density, Housing, Land Use, Policy, Residential | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments