This favorable profile of Jack McCullough, a Seattle lawyer representing developers, highlights his role as a deal-maker. Recent agreements between his clients and Mayor Ed Murray may preserve a path forward for affordable housing.
In the midst of a development and tech boom, Seattle faces the specter of a San Francisco-like future. According to an article by Bob Young, "Mayor Ed Murray wanted a strategy to keep Seattle housing from becoming too expensive. He knew it had to go through Jack McCullough."
As one of the region's top land use lawyers, McCullough represents developers who want to minimize city fees on their projects. The article, an admittedly laudatory piece on McCullough, centers on "a compromise Murray called the 'Grand Bargain.' The city would pull back some of its proposed mandatory fees on development while still moving toward its goal; McCullough would holster his lawsuit challenging the city's system of collecting fees from developers for affordable housing and another one in the works."
The deal McCullough brokered may preserve robust development as well as a conduit for affordable housing. From the article: "But McCullough, whose parents were a laborer and secretary, knows not everyone is doing so well, and festering social problems aren't in the interest of his clients. He saw the 'ghost of Seattle's future,' he said, and it was San Francisco."
FULL STORY: The low-key lawyer behind Seattle’s ‘Grand Bargain’ on affordable housing
San Francisco’s Housing Woes: How the Past Informs the Present
A zoning history dating back to the 19th century still has significant impacts on the city’s housing in the present day.
Mandatory Housing Affordability Details Released in Seattle
Seattle has released the long-awaited environmental impact statement for the Mandatory Housing Affordability program—a final step in the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda process launched by former Mayor Ed Murray.
How Seattle Houses the People Who Need it Most
The Seattle Weekly explores the question of how Seattle, a quickly growing and desirable city, is working to ensure housing options for its low-income residents.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
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.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)