Washington

Report Explores Future of Seattle Interbay Armory Site
The 25-acre site will be vacant after the National Guard relocates, and a new report says a public development authority should manage the property.

Thorough, Impactful ADU Reform Proposed in Washington State
A model of accessory dwelling unit reform will be under consideration this year in the Washington State Legislature.

To Clear Obstacles to Housing Affordability, Environmental Law Reformed in Washington
State and local lawmakers hope that recent reforms to the Washington State Environmental Policy Act are only an initial step toward ending the law's use as a tool for delaying affordable housing plans.

Lowering the Barrier to Make Public Land Available for Affordable Housing
Municipalities can help fill in a crucial piece of the affordable housing puzzle by making public land accessible for development.

Washington State to Transition to Battery Electric Ferries
Washington's largest diesel emissions polluter will transition its fleet to diesel-hybrids and then to battery-electric propulsion to comply with Gov. Inslee's emissions-reduction executive order which will also please the orcas in Puget Sound.

A Transit and Land Use Planning Shift in Federal Way, Washington
Federal funding for Sound Transit's Federal Way Link extension and a new transit-oriented land use plan are changing the future of Federal Way.

Seattle Regional Homelessness Authority Plan Moves Forward, but Faces Controversy
A proposal for a regional entity to oversee homeless services in King County is running into jurisdictional conflicts.

Seattle Expands Speed Limit Reductions
After an initial wave of speed limit reductions in 2016, the city of Seattle will embark on a major expansion of speed limit reductions over the next 18 months.

'Biggest Carbon Loser' Contest Launching in Seattle
KUOW is taking applications for participants in a "biggest carbon loser" competition.

Seattle Councilmember Calls for Transit-Oriented Density
Seattle Councilmember Abel Pacheco writes on opinion piece for The Urbanist to make the case for transit-oriented density on The Ave in the city's University District.

Use of Private Surveillance Grows With the Help of Cheap AI Tech
As the technology gets cheaper, AI surveillance systems are gaining popularity in some parts of the country, like the neighborhood of Magnolia in Seattle.

School Proximity and Speeding Tickets: Still Can't Win Safety Improvements
A loss for traffic safety advocates in Seattle.

An Incremental Upzoning Approved in Tacoma
Though it stops well short of a citywide upzoning, the city of Tacoma has still expanded its planned development envelope by upzoning residential neighborhoods around the city.

Local Curbed Sites Shut Down in D.C., Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia
In a blow to local news, a popular planning, development, and real estate platform winnows its local offerings.

2019 Bicycle Friendly States Rankings Released
The Pacific Northwest is leading the way for bicycle safety at the state level, according to the latest report from the League of American Bicyclists.

Judge Puts Washington's Transportation-Busting Initiative on Hold
Washington state voters expecting to see their vehicle registration fees drop to $30 on Thursday due to the passage of Initiative 976 on Nov. 5 might have to wait much longer after a King County Superior Court judge put the measure on hold.

Seattle Raising Taxes on Uber and Lyft Rides
A new 57-cent tax will help fund affordable housing and a few transportation programs in Seattle.

Madison Common Council Narrowly Approves Unpopular $40 Wheel Tax
Despite major opposition by residents, the Madison Common Council approved a $40 motor vehicle registration fee (aka 'wheel tax') on an 11-8 vote on Oct. 29 to help fund the city's new East-West Bus Rapid Transit system.

Seattle Companies Want to Drive Down Prohibitive ADU Costs
Legal barriers to accessory dwelling units may be disappearing in some places, but costs can still be prohibitive. Several companies are stepping forward with more affordable options.

Human Waste as a Climate Solution
Using treated waste as an agricultural fertilizer is controversial, but the practice has several climate-related benefits.
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