Washington

The Pandemic Crisis Is a Hospital Crisis
"Flatten the curve" was one of the first pandemic terms that Americans heard during the first surge. The idea was to reduce coronavirus transmission so as to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. But which curve? Case in point: Idaho.

Sound Transit To Receive $3.84 Billion in Federal Loans
The funding will support the financing of six projects, including the Downtown Redmond Link Extension.

Long Commutes in Seattle Fell Sharply During the Pandemic
The number of people commuting 20 minutes or more each way dropped by close to half a million, while short commutes rose slightly.

One Quarter of Washington State Renters Fear Eviction
State data show more tenants expect eviction in the coming months even as the state struggles to disburse rental assistance funds.

Renderings Show Seattle Waterfront's Two New Pedestrian Bridges
The Marion Street and Union Street bridges showcase two vastly different designs for improving pedestrian access.

Seattle Accepting Proposals for Neighborhood Recovery Fund Projects
The fund will invest $6 million in community-led projects aimed at public space activation, digital equity, and other recovery strategies.

Centering Non-Drivers Would Improve Infrastructure for All
Inadequate infrastructure disproportionately harms people with mobility challenges who can't or don't drive, but their needs closely mirror those of all pedestrians.

As Heat Waves Become More Common, Bus Shelters Are Needed to Keep Transit Riders Onboard
As climate change brings prolonged, intense heat waves to cities once associated with rain and cold weather will have to attend to the lack of shelter provided to bus and transit riders.

This Washington City Quietly Eliminated Single-Family Zoning
Walla Walla's 2018 zoning reforms included adaptive reuse, reduced parking requirements, and more relaxed rules for accessory dwelling units.

Sound Transit Facing Major Budget Shortfall for Light Rail Projects
Since voters approved a measure expanding Seattle's light rail network, construction and land costs have soared, adding billions to the projected price tag.

The Importance of Transit to Parks and Trails
Learn about efforts from across the country to expand access to public lands via public transit.

Seattle Faith Leaders Call Density Bonus Amendment a 'Poison Pill'
An amendment increasing affordability requirements to 60% for housing built on church-owned property has come under fire from Black church leaders who call it a death knell for many affordable housing projects.

$158 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding Going to Seattle-Area Light Rail Projects
New Capital Investment Grant funding was announced earlier this month.

Opinion: Bring Back the Neighborhood Corner Store
A call for zoning reforms that legalize commercial buildings in residential neighborhoods in Seattle—a building type and land use that has fallen out of favor all over the United States.

Detroit Floods as the Pacific Northwest Bakes: It's Time to Shift the Conversation About Climate Change
The record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest has mostly been depicted in the media by kids running through fountains, but images of flooded highways and stranded vehicles in Detroit tell a more accurate story of climate change.

Seattle Extends Eviction Moratorium, Struggles to Distribute Rental Assistance
The city's mayor announced an extension to the city's eviction moratorium as millions in emergency rental assistance remain undisbursed.

Innovative Road Funding Pilot Program Advances in California
State Sen. Scott Wiener authored legislation dubbed the Gas Tax Alternative Pilot to extend the California Road Charge Program that completed its pilot in 2017. The program takes on more significance with the 2035 sales ban of gas-powered vehicles.

The 5 Worst Streets in Seattle
Want to know which streets are most likely to produce a negative emotional response among Seattle transportation safety advocates? Read on.

2020 Population Growth Rates for the 50 Biggest U.S. Cities
The Census Bureau released new data on May 27 that includes the first four months of the pandemic. Seattle tops the growth rate at 2.2% from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020, while Baltimore and San Francisco land at the bottom with -1.4%.

Sweeping Residential Zoning Reform Advances in Tacoma
Zoning and land use changes proposed in the Home in Tacoma plan, an element of the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan, was approved this month by the Tacoma Planning Commission.
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