Seattle
More ADUs Than Single Homes Being Built in Seattle
Permits for accessory dwelling units jumped by 250 percent between 2019 and 2022.
Thousands of Seattle Housing Units Blocked by Lawsuits
Legal challenges filed by condo associations are holding up multiple high-rise housing developments that could bring much-needed housing and jobs to downtown Seattle.
Seattle Vision Zero Review Largely Misses the Point
The city released what it called a comprehensive review of its Vision Zero initiatives, but one critic argues the report doesn’t address some key opportunities for improving road safety.
A Chatbot Talks Regeneration and Recovery for Seattle
In his recent analysis of trends to watch for 2023, Managing Editor James Brasuell noted how ChatGPT might replace all the writers of Planetizen, and more. Chuck Wolfe decided to take literally Brasuell's “don't let it sneak up on you” admonition.
Seattle Historic District Could Remove Street Dining
Despite the popularity of Ballard Avenue’s outdoor dining pergolas, some district board members argue the patios don’t match the district’s historic character.
Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.
Op-Ed: Seattle’s ADU Rules Leave Long-Term Renters Out in the Cold
One resident argues that adding a unit for long-term rental is too expensive and difficult, especially when compared to the city’s ‘super easy’ process for permitting a short-term or vacation rental.
How Zoning Changes Could Boost Housing Supply in Seattle
The Puget Sound region could benefit from zoning tweaks that would encourage more transit-oriented development and ‘gentle’ density increases, new research finds.
Seattle’s SR 99 Tunnel Seeking State Bailout
The beleaguered project is not bringing in the expected toll revenue, leaving the Washington Transportation Commission on the hook for construction costs.
Boosters Hope Streetcar Could Breathe New Life into Downtown Seattle
Supporters of a stalled streetcar project say reviving the line would create more transit connections and boost economic development in the area.
Seattle Mayor Calls for ‘Low-Pollution Neighborhoods’
An executive order signed last week consolidates actions the city plans to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Simple Fix for Blocked Bike Lanes
A bike lane detour in Seattle illustrates a cheap and easy way to safely direct bike traffic around obstructions such as utility work.
Seattle Considering Expedited Design Review for Affordable Housing
An emergency order in April 2020 exempted affordable housing projects from the city of Seattle’s design review process. A new ordinance would allow affordable housing proposals there own path to approval for another two-year test period.
Sooner Rather Than Later: Support Builds for Eastside-Only Light Rail in Seattle
The Eastside Link light rail route, now known as Line 2, is delayed. A Sound Transit board officials is suggesting that some of the route can open soon, while the rest of the route is prepped to open later.
Seattle Planning Commission Urges Reimagining of the City’s Streets
In a set of recommendations submitted to the city, the commission calls for revised land use and transportation policies that reclaim public space from cars and shift focus away from vehicle throughput to more pedestrian-oriented uses.
New Shared Mobility Tax, More Traffic Cameras Could Be Headed to Seattle
Proposals before the city council include a per-vehicle tax on shared bikes and scooters and a hike to the city’s vehicle registration fee.
Opinion: Give Every Seattle Bus Dedicated Lanes
Painting red dedicated bus lanes can improve travel times for bus riders, encourage more people to use public transit, and reduce emissions from transportation.
Op-Ed: A Bold but Attainable Vision for Seattle’s Third Avenue
The editorial board of The Urbanist lays out their plan for a reimagined Third Avenue that plays to the strengths of the corridor while improving safety and transit service.
Community Land Trusts Make Homeownership Accessible
The organizations sell homes to low-income buyers at rates far below market prices, putting homeownership within reach for more families.
Checking in on the Progress of the Sound Transit 3 Plan
The Seattle area's $53.8 billion transit expansion plan is moving along in fits and starts.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
