With several stipulations, Seattle City Council has signed off on the university's plans for up to 6 million square feet of new construction, including high-rises.
A ten-year vision to accommodate another 7,000 students and staff, the UW's expansion plans call for 6 million square feet of new construction. Seattle City Council has approved the plan this month, Daniel Beekman writes, after preliminary approval in September.
The plan includes an "innovation district" made up of "high rises there where students and researchers can partner with companies, governments and nonprofits to start new projects and businesses." Towers as tall as 17 stories may rise in the vicinity of the medical center.
City Council approval came with a stipulation that "the university must have no more than 12 percent of students and employees commute by driving alone by 2028," strengthening the university original proposal of 15 percent.
Another condition previously required the university to build at least 450 units of affordable housing for low-wage employees. The UW subsequently agreed to do so as long as the construction was treated as voluntary. One councilmember, Kshama Sawant, approved the plan but called 450 units a "paltry number when you consider the actual need."
FULL STORY: Seattle City Council approves plan for UW to build 6 million square feet, add high-rise district
Capital Gains Tax Under Consideration in Seattle
A proposed capital gains tax would invest $37 million per year in solving affordable housing and homelessness crises in Seattle.
The Cost of Solving Homelessness in Seattle: $400 Million
It’s "dramatically higher" than any number under discussion, and not even close to what the city will raise with its new tax on large businesses.
Seattle Voters Approve Social Housing Referendum
Voters approved a corporate tax to fund the city’s housing authority despite an opposition campaign funded by Amazon and Microsoft.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)