Washington
Seattle Lime Bike and Scooter Rides Jumped 61% in 2025 After Introduction of ‘LimeGlider’
Lime added a half-bike, half-scooter hybrid dubbed the LimeGlider to its Seattle fleet in May.
Spokane Could Tax Parking Lots 12% to Increase Development
A proposal before the city council would tax surface parking lots in an effort to boost infill development.
Co-founder of Seattle Transit Riders Union Wins Mayoral Bid
Katie Wilson, co-founder and general secretary of Seattle's Transit Riders Union, edged out incumbent Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell in one of the nation's closest races on Nov. 4 that took nine days before a winner could be declared.
Pro-Housing Candidates Sweep Puget Sound Region
Growth advocates won multiple local seats around the Seattle area.
Seattle’s Zoning Reform Could Unlock a ‘Multiplex Boom’
A package of stackable density bonuses could make it easier for developers to build 12-plexes.
‘Fish-Friendly’ Washington Development Blends Affordability and Sustainability
A community land trust took on a difficult site in suburban Seattle — and ended up with a sustainable, diverse, mixed-ownership-form development that challenges multiple norms.
Seattle Conflict Between Trees and Housing Heats up
A 2023 update to Seattle’s tree ordinance has led to sharp increase in the number of trees being cut down for redevelopment, prompting advocates to call for better protection of the city’s tree canopy.
Floating Light Rail Bridge Crossing Marks Historic Moment for Seattle Transit
Once testing is complete, Sound Transit will open the world’s first light rail line that uses a floating bridge connecting downtown Seattle to the Eastside.
Washington Nonprofits Build Housing on Their own Offices
While affordable housing with some office space for nonprofits is relatively common, in Redmond, Washington, a group of human services organizations went the other way: they rebuilt their collective office space and added housing.
Now 20% Car-Free, Seattle's Population is Growing. Its Traffic is Not.
Since 2017, the number of cars in the city has stayed roughly the same, even as the population continues to grow.
Seattle Mayor Addresses Soaring Light Rail Costs
As the cost for Sound Transit’s light rail expansion keeps growing, Mayor Bruce Harrell promised to streamline permitting and communication to ensure the project is finished sooner.
Spokane Updates its Complete Streets Policy
Mayor Lisa Brown signed a revised version of the city’s Complete Streets framework that more closely aligns with state law and the city’s municipal code.
Landlords Fined for First Time Under WA’s New Law Capping Rent Increases
For the first time, Washington’s attorney general has enforced the state’s new cap on rent hikes, fining eight landlords $2,000 each for violating the law.
Washington’s New Rent Cap Set Just Below 10% for 2026
Washington’s statewide cap on annual residential rent increases will be just shy of 10 percent next year, down slightly from its current level.
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.
Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
Seattle’s Upzoning Plan is Ambitious, Light on Details
The city passed a ‘bare-bones’ framework to comply with state housing laws that paves the way for more middle housing, but the debate over how and where to build is just getting started.
Seattle Families Build Their Dream Apartment Building From Scratch
A group of friends decided to buy land and finance the construction of a custom-built apartment building with unique apartment layouts and sizes and a wealth of shared amenities.
Seattle Safe Parking Site to Close, Relocate
A nonprofit leases lots during permitting stages to erect tiny homes and RV safe parking sites for unhoused residents. But the model means constant uncertainty and displacement.
Pagination
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
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello