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

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

September 16 - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

September 16 - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

September 16 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.