An illustration of how some of the HALA recommendations would shape neighborhoods. (City of Seattle)
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 program policies that will fulfill Mayor Ed Murray’s goal for 50,000 new housing units – 40 percent of those “affordable” – over the next 10 years. Here is a selection of the most important policies that will make Seattle more affordable for people of all incomes.
Last week the Intelligent Transportation Society of America hosted a symposium at the University of Washington on the future of transportation and “shared use mobility” services like bike share and Uber. Leaders in the local transportation industry, on both the public and private side, debated how these new modes reflect demographic changes and how they will impact transportation modeling, planning, and funding. They also discussed the ramifications of emerging technology like autonomous vehicles and networked vehicles.
Nearly two years have passed since the inception of The Northwest Urbanist, and with this 100th post I’m celebrating the grand journey it’s been so far. But firstly, I wouldn’t be writing about local planning and design issues if it weren’t for readers like you. Thank you for your comments, your subscriptions, and your deep interest in the urban issues that affect all of us in the great Pacific Northwest. You are what inspires me to research, attend press conferences, and dive into civic debates. This all comes after another milestone, 
The Northwest Urbanist 
King County Council Receives Recommended U-Link Bus Restructures
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