Washington

Seattle Landlords Scrambling to Fill Growing Number of Empty Apartments
Vacancy rates are up to 7.5 percent in greater Seattle, and many landlords are offering deals like a month's free rent.
Transit Board Votes Against Bus Fares
A 3-2 vote determined that Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, will continue to offer rides for free.

Seattle Ready to Give Free Transit Passes to All High School Students
About 16,000 Seattle students would get free transit passes when school starts again in the fall under a plan approved by the Seattle City Council yesterday.
First Protected Bike Lanes Coming Soon to Bellevue
Bellevue, Washington is adding its first protected bike lanes, and is planning a lot more bike infrastructure to come.

Even in the Pacific Northwest, Developments Conflict With Water
The Seattle region would seem to have plenty of water to go around. That doesn't mean there aren't environmental consequences for more development.

The 'Head Tax' Failed in Seattle; Cities Still Want the Tax to Support Housing, Transit
If your city was home to some of the wealthiest, largest companies in the country, would you tax them to raise money for more housing and transit service?

Means-Based, Transit-Fare Discounts Take a Leap Forward in the Big Apple
The 2019 New York City budget includes $106 million to subsidize half the transit fare for qualified residents for six months. The city joins the ranks of Seattle, Toronto, and the Bay Area that offer income-based discounts for transit fares.

Big BRT Plans Underway in Seattle and Environs
The Urbanist details on of the big bus rapid transit routes on the table in Seattle.

Critics Pounce on $190 Million Proposed for Seattle Mariners Stadium Support
A city grappling with a homeless crisis might rethink its spending habits.

Everett's New Downtown Plan Ready for Scrutiny
A public hearing offers a chance to analyze the zoning changes proposed by the "Metro Everett" downtown plan.
Don't Forget the Green Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) don't just help mitigate housing supply and affordability issues, they also offer significant sustainability benefits.

Seattle Planning Director Pursues Equity Amid a Pro-Growth Agenda
An interview with Seattle Planning Director Sam Assefa for the latest installment of the "Planners Across America" series.

Setting the Toll for New Seattle Tunnel
The Washington State Transportation Commission has begun the planning process to determine the toll schedule for the tunnel that replaces part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct that opens this fall. They must raise six percent of the $3.3 billion cost.

Redfin CEO Laments Frustrated Homebuyers, Low Inventory
The U.S. has become a "landlord nation," says Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. His analysis: fiercely-defended restrictive local zoning laws have cut off supply, dividing those who own from those who rent.

Seattle's Popular Capitol Hill Neighborhood Getting New Design Guidelines
The new guidelines will allow for new design decisions in a neighborhood undergoing rapid change.

Analysis: Homeless Villages Don't Spur Crime
Homeless villages aren't hotbeds of crime, according to recent analysis. Rather, they can be part of a "crime prevention ecosystem."

Seattle Revamping its Tree Ordinance
A recent study found that Seattle's tree coverage shrank from 2010-2015, but the city has a goal to cover 30 percent of the city with trees by 2037.

Environmental Impact Study Builds the Case for Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle
Proponents of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit rule in Seattle say the tactics of opponents backfired with this Environmental Impact Study.

Tacoma Link Extension Wins $75 Million in Federal Funding
A federal grant will allow Sound Transit to double the length of Tacoma's light rail system.

Priced Lane or Priced Roadway?
The Pacific Northwest's Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area is studying options to add congestion pricing to one or two interstates.
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