RSS Parrot

SDOT Prepares to Roll Out the Route 8 Red Carpet on Denny Way

https://www.theurbanist.org/sdot-prepares-to-roll-out-the-route-8-red-carpet-on-denny-way/

Published: July 21, 2026 18:35

Long-awaited upgrades to one of the city's busiest bus corridors are just a few days away, with SDOT set to permanently close the often-clogged slip lane onto Yale Avenue on August 1. A full eastbound bus lane will be installed by the end of August.

Op-Ed: Bellevue Must Invest in Safe Routes to Stations in Light Rail Era

https://www.theurbanist.org/op-ed-bellevue-must-invest-in-safe-routes-to-stations-in-light-rail-era/

Published: July 21, 2026 13:00

Join the SAFE Bellevue Coalition in sending a letter to city leaders to show your support for a future-focused Bellevue budget that is committed to reducing the high rate of serious injuries on our streets.

Upcoming Urbanist Events with Endorsed Candidates

https://www.theurbanist.org/upcoming-urbanist-events-with-endorsed-candidates/

Published: July 20, 2026 21:08

Canvass on July 26th, volunteer for good local candidates, and support our election committee’s work at our Endorsement Party on Thursday.

Property Owner Opposition Prompts Seattle Public Restroom Reshuffle

https://www.theurbanist.org/property-owner-opposition-prompts-seattle-public-restroom-reshuffle/

Published: July 20, 2026 13:00

A pair of public restrooms near 1st Avenue S and S Charles Street will be relocated by early August after SDOT settled with a nearby property owner who filed an appeal. Cederstrand Rentals LLC called the use "incompatible" with the standards of the Pioneer…

Pierce County Pursues Regional Homelessness Approach, Hoping to Avoid Neighbor’s Pitfalls

https://www.theurbanist.org/pierce-county-pursues-regional-homelessness-approach/

Published: July 19, 2026 18:42

Many years in the making, Pierce County’s coordinated approach to homelessness still faces challenges after being approved by county council in June. With King County partially dismantling its troubled regional authority, Pierce County hopes to avoid the…

Seattle Council and Mayor Butt Heads Over Universal Free School Meals

https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-council-and-mayor-butt-heads-over-universal-free-school-meals/

Published: July 18, 2026 13:00

Seattle City Council is weighing an amendment that would delay Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposal for universal free school meals in favor of a more cautious expansion and a voucher food assistance program.

Jenks and Kang Offer Differing Views at D5 Seattle Council Forum

https://www.theurbanist.org/jenks-and-kang-offer-differing-views-at-d5-seattle-council-forum/

Published: July 17, 2026 17:00

Seattle’s D5 Council frontrunners Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang diverged around the issues of surveillance cameras, Aurora “stay out” orders, and relative enthusiasm for the mayor’s Taller Denser Faster housing proposal.

Wilson's Transit Measure Advances Out of Council Committee Intact

https://www.theurbanist.org/wilsons-transit-measure-advances-out-of-council-committee-intact/

Published: July 17, 2026 13:00

While amendments from the Council did make a mark on the Seattle Transit Measure renewal, it still largely resembles Wilson's initial proposal. Amendments that would have scaled it back in scope and duration were both defeated Thursday.

2026 Primary Election Endorsements

https://www.theurbanist.org/2026-primary-election-endorsements/

Published: July 16, 2026 23:21

The Urbanist Elections Committee is excited to announce our 2026 primary election endorsements. Check out our great slate of leaders. Be sure to vote by August 4.

Port of Seattle Jumps Back Into Stadium District Housing Fracas

https://www.theurbanist.org/port-of-seattle-jumps-back-into-stadium-district-housing-fracas/

Published: July 16, 2026 16:20

The City's hearing examiner granted the Port of Seattle intervenor status in a newly filed appeal seeking to keep the door open to housing in North SoDo, just as the two sides are poised to go head-to-head in the hearing room.

Seattle Council Committee Votes to Rein In Growth Plan Appeals

https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-council-committee-votes-to-rein-in-growth-plan-appeals/

Published: July 15, 2026 20:17

A 3-0 Land Use Committee vote sends Eddie Lin's proposal to close a commonly used avenue of growth plan appeals to a full Seattle City Council vote next week. The proposal has sparked opposition from many of the same groups that have used appeals to delay…

Seattle Transit Advocates Push Back on Watering Down Transit Measure Renewal

https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-transit-advocates-push-back-on-watering-down-transit-measure-renewal/

Published: July 15, 2026 13:00

Councilmember Bob Kettle's proposal to slash the Seattle Transit Measure renewal by one-third drew significant pushback this week at a public hearing on potential amendments. Among those strongly advocating against the move was the Seattle Transit Advisory…

Pierce Transit Goes to Voters for First Funding Increase Since 2002

https://www.theurbanist.org/pierce-transit-goes-to-voters-for-first-funding-increase-since-2002/

Published: July 14, 2026 20:55

The 0.3% sales tax bump going onto the November ballot would increase service by around 40% by the mid-2030s, the biggest expansion of transit service in Pierce County in decades. Since May, the proposal has been tweaked to include free rides for seniors.