The Seattle area's $53.8 billion transit expansion plan is moving along in fits and starts.
It’s been six years since Seattle-area voters approved a suite of taxes and fees to raise $27.7 billion for transit funding. While the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan has made some progress in that time, locals also point to examples of slow, even potentially abandoned plans for transit improvements originally envisioned as part of the region’s transit expansion.
Mike Lindblom updates the plan’s progress for the Seattle Times, examining some of the good (e.g., announcing preferred locations for three stations and a short tunnel in West Seattle for the Ballard Link extension) and the bad (e.g., a hub station planned for the Chinatown International District) when it comes to implementing the vision laid out by ST3.
The source article, below, includes status updates on ST3 plans for West Seattle, Sodo Station, the Chinatown International District, Seattle Center, and Ballard Crossing.
FULL STORY: Sound Transit 3: Progress in West Seattle, paralysis in Chinatown International District
Alternatives Explored for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extensions
Plans to extend the Sound Transit light rail system are moving forward. Elected officials have a big choice to make that will determine the cost and scope of the projects.
The Northgate Link Extension Is Great, But Voters Want More
A recent survey of Seattle voters finds widespread support for the continued expansion of the Link light rail system in Seattle.
Two Transit Agencies Using Their Clout to Spur Affordable Housing
More transit agencies are recognizing that it's not enough to build transit infrastructure if the people who really need it don't live close enough to use it.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
The Urban Heat Divide: Addressing LA’s Thermal Inequities
LA's thermal inequities leave low-income, minority neighborhoods disproportionately hotter and more vulnerable, prompting advocacy and policy efforts to address these disparities through green infrastructure and equitable climate investments.
Healing the Land: Collaborative Effort to Reclaim Orphan Well Sites
The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are partnering to plug over 110 orphan wells across four National Wildlife Refuges, restoring habitats, protecting ecosystems, and reducing methane emissions.
The Apartment Through History
The humble apartment, as a typology, has been with us for millennia.
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service