Debating Seattle's Growth

There's plenty to talk about in a city where rents have increased by 51 percent since 2010.

1 minute read

August 12, 2016, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Seattle

Rigucci / Shutterstock

Josh Feit shares, and responds to, a pair of articles detailing the current development environment in Seattle. "Three of our city’s most thoughtful and longtime urbanists, Sightline researcher Dan Bertolet, Stranger writer Charles Mudede, and activist Cary Moon, published in-depth articles on the affordable housing crisis yesterday," explains Feit for context.

According to Feit, Bertolet's article "pushes back against the seemingly self apparent idea that development, which is literally tearing up our city, is the problem rather than the solution."

"Conversely, Mudede and Moon tack more to Seattle’s left wing consensus that demolition is an apt indictment of development," adds Feit.

Feit is genuinely appreciative of the work that went into both articles, and it's clear that Feit is seeking the more accepting political environment that has been advocated by the YIMBY movement: "Yes, we live in a city, like a lot of American cities right now, that seems cursed by new comers and gentrification. But we also live in a city that’s blessed with genuine thinkers who can nudge our populist anger away from a leftist and local version of Trumpism."

Thursday, August 11, 2016 in Publicola

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

cars

Study: Automobile Dependency Reduces Life Satisfaction

Automobile dependency has negative implications for wellbeing. This academic study finds that relying on a car for more than 50 percent of out-of-home travel is associated with significant reductions in life satisfaction.

December 10 - Science Direct

Yellow San Diego Unified School District school bus.

San Diego School District Could Accelerate Workforce Housing Program

A proposal to build housing on five district-owned properties could yield 1,000 housing units for low- and moderate-income district employees.

December 10 - Governing

Red bus parked at transit station in Denver, Colorado with CO state capitol dome in background.

Denver Transit Board Approves $1.2 Billion Budget

The 2025 budget for the Regional Transportation District is the largest in the agency’s 55-year history.

December 10 - The Denver Post

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.