Seattle is considering a proposal to upzone some of the densest parts of the city as part of its Mandatory Housing Affordability program.

Daniel Beekman reports on a proposed rezoning of neighborhoods in Seattle after "officials [last week] released detailed maps [pdf] showing how some the city’s densest neighborhoods could become denser."
The changes are included in the city's proposed Mandatory Housing Affordability program, championed by Mayor Ed Murray and moving through City Council.
Beekman describes the upzoning proposal as half of a "grand bargain" to ensure housing affordability, as intended by the Mandatory Housing Affordability program.
"The council has already passed legislation requiring developers to help the city create rent-restricted housing when they build new projects, either on-site or via fees," as the other half of the grand bargain equation, according to Beekman.
FULL STORY: Seattle proposes more density for some neighborhoods, releases maps

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie