Seattle

Interstate Freeway System

Sound Transit's Stride BRT to Bring Additional Time Savings

An expansion of Interstate 405 in the Seattle region will include bus rapid transit stations that will allow vehicles to travel even faster along the new transit corridor.

February 4, 2020 - The Urbanist

Olympia, Washington

Tax on High Earners Proposed to Fund Homeless Services in Seattle's King County

The Washington State Legislature is proposing a type of tax that the city of Seattle tried, and failed, to implement a few years go.

February 3, 2020 - KUOW

Single-Family Neighborhood

Seattle Planning Commission Calls for New Residential Density

A recently published white paper written by the Seattle Planning Commission calls on the city to follow in the footsteps of the city of Minneapolis and the state of Oregon.

January 22, 2020 - The Urbanist

Interbay Seattle

Report Explores Future of Seattle Interbay Armory Site

The 25-acre site will be vacant after the National Guard relocates, and a new report says a public development authority should manage the property.

January 17, 2020 - The Urbanist

Tiny Houses

Tiny Houses—Not a Big Enough Solution

We shouldn’t have to scale down the idea of basic economic security to fit inside the dimensions of a tiny house. But that’s precisely what we’re doing.

January 15, 2020 - Shelterforce Magazine

Seattle

To Clear Obstacles to Housing Affordability, Environmental Law Reformed in Washington

State and local lawmakers hope that recent reforms to the Washington State Environmental Policy Act are only an initial step toward ending the law's use as a tool for delaying affordable housing plans.

January 8, 2020 - Crosscut

Seattle

Lowering the Barrier to Make Public Land Available for Affordable Housing

Municipalities can help fill in a crucial piece of the affordable housing puzzle by making public land accessible for development.

December 30, 2019 - Housing Matters

Washington

A Transit and Land Use Planning Shift in Federal Way, Washington

Federal funding for Sound Transit's Federal Way Link extension and a new transit-oriented land use plan are changing the future of Federal Way.

December 23, 2019 - The Urbanist

Underpass Camp

Seattle Regional Homelessness Authority Plan Moves Forward, but Faces Controversy

A proposal for a regional entity to oversee homeless services in King County is running into jurisdictional conflicts.

December 20, 2019 - The Urbanist

Seattle Speed Limits

Seattle Expands Speed Limit Reductions

After an initial wave of speed limit reductions in 2016, the city of Seattle will embark on a major expansion of speed limit reductions over the next 18 months.

December 11, 2019 - The Urbanist

Cadillac Escalade

'Biggest Carbon Loser' Contest Launching in Seattle

KUOW is taking applications for participants in a "biggest carbon loser" competition.

December 11, 2019 - KUOW

Seattle

Seattle Councilmember Calls for Transit-Oriented Density

Seattle Councilmember Abel Pacheco writes on opinion piece for The Urbanist to make the case for transit-oriented density on The Ave in the city's University District.

December 10, 2019 - The Urbanist

Security Cameras

Use of Private Surveillance Grows With the Help of Cheap AI Tech

As the technology gets cheaper, AI surveillance systems are gaining popularity in some parts of the country, like the neighborhood of Magnolia in Seattle.

December 9, 2019 - The Seattle Times

Beacon Hill Intersection

School Proximity and Speeding Tickets: Still Can't Win Safety Improvements

A loss for traffic safety advocates in Seattle.

December 7, 2019 - The Urbanist

The Wharf D.C.

Local Curbed Sites Shut Down in D.C., Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia

In a blow to local news, a popular planning, development, and real estate platform winnows its local offerings.

December 4, 2019 - The Wrap

Seattle View

Judge Puts Washington's Transportation-Busting Initiative on Hold

Washington state voters expecting to see their vehicle registration fees drop to $30 on Thursday due to the passage of Initiative 976 on Nov. 5 might have to wait much longer after a King County Superior Court judge put the measure on hold.

December 3, 2019 - The Seattle Times

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Raising Taxes on Uber and Lyft Rides

A new 57-cent tax will help fund affordable housing and a few transportation programs in Seattle.

December 2, 2019 - The Seattle Times

Wisconsin Capitol

Madison Common Council Narrowly Approves Unpopular $40 Wheel Tax

Despite major opposition by residents, the Madison Common Council approved a $40 motor vehicle registration fee (aka 'wheel tax') on an 11-8 vote on Oct. 29 to help fund the city's new East-West Bus Rapid Transit system.

November 29, 2019 - Wisconsin State Journal

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Seattle Companies Want to Drive Down Prohibitive ADU Costs

Legal barriers to accessory dwelling units may be disappearing in some places, but costs can still be prohibitive. Several companies are stepping forward with more affordable options.

November 25, 2019 - The Urbanist

Compost Field

Human Waste as a Climate Solution

Using treated waste as an agricultural fertilizer is controversial, but the practice has several climate-related benefits.

November 21, 2019 - Yale Climate Connections

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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.