Washington

With elections coming up, local politicians are peddling various plans for the replacement of the Alaska Way Viaduct -- though there is increasing consensus around removing the freeway and creating a waterfront boulevard.

Seattle's new local food initiative will try to help provide access to health, fresh food in neighborhoods that are a long walk or bus ride from a supermarket.

A recent report argues that tolls could provide the solution to Seattle's traffic congestion, but they would have to be very high, and very widely used.

Tacoma, Washington, could become a walkable city, according to Danish architect Lars Genzoe.

Motorists in Oregon, Washington and Idaho are using less gas per week than the average American. A recent report credits the region's public transit systems and land use policies for the reduction in fuel consumption.

Seattle's new light rail line is poised to usher in a new era for Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Though most are excited about the new development, the fear of gentrification has made some residents worry that they won't be around to reap the benefits.

Officials and residents in Snohomish County, Washington, are grappling over proposed changes to their comprehensive plan. A major point of contention is whether "fully contained communities" should be allowed.

Green roofs offer an opportunity for outdoor space and gardening for people with little or no yards.

The City of Oak Harbor, Washington is giving residents a chance to sound off about planning and development issues on several blogs.

It's politics, not planning, that drives up housing costs. Rather than back away from regulations, more professional planning is needed to create healthy and affordable communities.

A four year pilot project to charge solo drivers a variable toll to use carpool lanes begins April 26.

A recent study from the Washington Public Interest Research Group shows the environmental benefits of public transit.

Local opposition to McMansions in suburban Seattle was prevalent long before arsonists burned down three luxury homes this week. But those opposed to so-called "rural cluster development" housing worry the criminal acts may work against their goals.

Zoning changes in downtown Seattle have created a more dense area, as was intended. But the zoning changes are also bringing some unintended consequences.

Despite objections from city staff, a former Denny's restaurant in Washington has been declared a historic landmark. Many residents are backing the designation.

Boise State University's Centre for Creativity and Innovation has created and index of creative cities that's found Boise to be just about as creative as cities such as Portland and Seattle.

Seattle seems to be on its ways to becoming a successful world city, according to a private consultant's list of the global trends that make cities great.

Increasing bicycle use in Seattle may depend on how well the city can address the danger of the "right hook" -- right turns at intersections that cause many of the city's bicycle accidents and fatalities.

In an effort to standardize its procedures, the city of Seattle is considering a plan to give homeless people 48 hours of notice before they are forced to clear out encampments on city property.

Building housing fro the homeless in Seattle is saving the city more than $3 million per year, according to this editorial from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.