Washington
A Cutting-Edge Planning Hackathon in Seattle
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe covers an atypical urban planning and policy gathering called an “Urban Resilience Hackathon,” which was held at the University of Washington in Seattle late last month. For a day, the event showcased collaborative problem solving and innovative thinking in addressing urban challenges.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Seattle Downtown Plan Expands Permitted Uses
The Downtown Activation Plan shifts from Euclidean to form-based zoning to encourage more commercial development.
Seattle Road Safety Advocates Say Transportation Levy Perpetuates Car-Centric Status Quo
Critics of a proposed $1.3 billion transportation levy say the package isn’t enough to keep up with inflation and rising costs and fails to support a shift away from car-oriented infrastructure.
Elevating the ‘Small Stuff’ in Urban Design
Chuck Wolfe recaps arguments in favor of increased attention to incidentals — from benches to bollards — in urban development practices.
Washington State Legislates Statewide Cohousing Development
The new law will prevent local governments from prohibiting the development of coliving multifamily development through zoning and other regulations.
Snohomish County Opens Third BRT Line
The new 11-mile Swift Orange Line connects Edmonds, Washington, with the city of Everett and will soon link up with the Sound Transit Link network.
Seattle Area Developers Target Areas Around Light Rail Extension
The East Link line, which will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Seattle in 2025, is spurring transit-oriented development near future stations.
Deconstructing Office-to-Residential Conversions in Seattle
In a two-part inquiry in GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe looks at clearing the path to office-to-residential conversions and the complex path beyond.
Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding
The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.
Washington State’s Unhoused Residents Receive Close to Half of Jaywalking Tickets
Homeless people make up 0.4 percent of the state’s population but receive over 40 percent of jaywalking tickets.
Study: Seattle Vision Zero Projects Not Bad for Business
An analysis of seven road safety project sites showed no negative economic impact on surrounding businesses.
Washington State Requests Federal Funding for Tsunami Preparedness
The state’s Department of Natural Resources says it needs continued funding to map coastal areas at risk for tsunami impacts and prepare mitigation and evacuation plans.
Seattle to Introduce Electric Buses With Wireless Charging
In-ground induction chargers will reduce the cost of the charging network.
Seattle Mobility Advocates Say City Should Triple Transportation Levy
A measure set to go before voters in November will fund road safety and mobility projects, but advocates say a much bigger investment is required to meet the city’s needs.
Which Cities and States Will Join the “Mansion Tax” Club Next?
Higher taxes on high-value property sales are being considered in Chicago, Connecticut, and Washington state as a way to address the housing crisis.
Should Transit Riders Sit on Transit Agency Boards?
A proposal under consideration by Washington State lawmakers would give public transit riders a seat at the table and a voice in decisions that directly affect them.
How to Participate in Post-Pandemic Urban Resilience
In a summary of a recent talk, Chuck Wolfe provides five tools to help reimagine post-pandemic urban spaces with a focus on livability and co-creation.
Washington State Transportation Budget Must Weigh Megaprojects, Maintenance
Major infrastructure projects face ballooning costs, putting basic maintenance and safety upgrade projects on the back burner.
Washington House Passes Lot Splitting Bill
Residential properties can now be split, with certain restrictions, into multiple lots to spur more housing development.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
