Seattle
Wealthy Washington Neighborhoods Could Remain Untouched by Zoning Reforms
Neighborhoods with preexisting internal contracts are exempted from new legislation requiring all Washington cities to permit duplexes and other ‘missing middle housing.’
Poorly Timed Arrival for Seattle’s Long-Awaited Transportation Fee
A proposed transportation impact fee, years in the making, is stirring a controversy at a time of declining permitting and construction activity in the city of Seattle.
Seattle Downtown Plan Focuses on Public Safety, Programming
The mayor issued a 12-point plan for improving safety, developing services for people struggling with addiction, and revitalizing downtown spaces.
Study: Seattle’s Lower Speed Limits Reduced Crash Injuries
A change in the city’s speed limits has been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries during collisions.
Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations
An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.
More ADUs Than Single Homes Being Built in Seattle
Permits for accessory dwelling units jumped by 250 percent between 2019 and 2022.
Thousands of Seattle Housing Units Blocked by Lawsuits
Legal challenges filed by condo associations are holding up multiple high-rise housing developments that could bring much-needed housing and jobs to downtown Seattle.
Seattle Vision Zero Review Largely Misses the Point
The city released what it called a comprehensive review of its Vision Zero initiatives, but one critic argues the report doesn’t address some key opportunities for improving road safety.
A Chatbot Talks Regeneration and Recovery for Seattle
In his recent analysis of trends to watch for 2023, Managing Editor James Brasuell noted how ChatGPT might replace all the writers of Planetizen, and more. Chuck Wolfe decided to take literally Brasuell's “don't let it sneak up on you” admonition.
Seattle Historic District Could Remove Street Dining
Despite the popularity of Ballard Avenue’s outdoor dining pergolas, some district board members argue the patios don’t match the district’s historic character.
Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.
Op-Ed: Seattle’s ADU Rules Leave Long-Term Renters Out in the Cold
One resident argues that adding a unit for long-term rental is too expensive and difficult, especially when compared to the city’s ‘super easy’ process for permitting a short-term or vacation rental.
How Zoning Changes Could Boost Housing Supply in Seattle
The Puget Sound region could benefit from zoning tweaks that would encourage more transit-oriented development and ‘gentle’ density increases, new research finds.
Seattle’s SR 99 Tunnel Seeking State Bailout
The beleaguered project is not bringing in the expected toll revenue, leaving the Washington Transportation Commission on the hook for construction costs.
Boosters Hope Streetcar Could Breathe New Life into Downtown Seattle
Supporters of a stalled streetcar project say reviving the line would create more transit connections and boost economic development in the area.
Seattle Mayor Calls for ‘Low-Pollution Neighborhoods’
An executive order signed last week consolidates actions the city plans to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Simple Fix for Blocked Bike Lanes
A bike lane detour in Seattle illustrates a cheap and easy way to safely direct bike traffic around obstructions such as utility work.
Seattle Considering Expedited Design Review for Affordable Housing
An emergency order in April 2020 exempted affordable housing projects from the city of Seattle’s design review process. A new ordinance would allow affordable housing proposals there own path to approval for another two-year test period.
Sooner Rather Than Later: Support Builds for Eastside-Only Light Rail in Seattle
The Eastside Link light rail route, now known as Line 2, is delayed. A Sound Transit board officials is suggesting that some of the route can open soon, while the rest of the route is prepped to open later.
Seattle Planning Commission Urges Reimagining of the City’s Streets
In a set of recommendations submitted to the city, the commission calls for revised land use and transportation policies that reclaim public space from cars and shift focus away from vehicle throughput to more pedestrian-oriented uses.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
