Washington

Seattle Could Upzone its Way to Affordability
Seattle is considering a proposal to upzone some of the densest parts of the city as part of its Mandatory Housing Affordability program.

Planetizen Week in Review: September 24, 2016
More than one city made big planning news this week. You only need two minutes and thirty seconds to find out more.

Court Ruling Mandates Culvert Improvements in Washington
In the state of Washington, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals delivered what some are calling the "most important ruling on treaty fishing rights since 1974."
Why Don't Environmentalists Support Washington's Carbon Tax Measure?
A largely revenue-neutral carbon tax proposal, similar to the carbon tax in British Columbia which began in 2008, qualified for the November ballot in Washington. Environmentalists and Democrats, not Big Oil, may cause it's defeat.
Washington Adopts 'First-of-its-Kind' Carbon Reduction Rule
The state's unique Clean Air Rule is called 'cap-and-reduce.' Businesses that fall under the cap are required to reduce emissions, just like California's cap-and-trade program. However, they can not be forced to purchase carbon credits.
Spotlighting the Women Shaping Seattle
The Urbanist is publishing a series of articles focusing on the leadership of women is shaping the past, present, and future of Seattle.

Sweeping Speed Limit Reductions Proposed for Seattle's Streets
Two Seattle councilmembers are proposing a large, necessary step toward slowing drivers enough to eliminate traffic deaths in the city.

Roads Not Taken: Reimagining a Different Seattle
In 1851 the City of Seattle could have been a vastly different place if alternative development decisions had been made that took the original inhabitants, nature, and topography into consideration.

Seattle's 'Pathway Home' Initiative Seeks Housing First Strategy for Homeless
'Housing first' has become a policy buzzword of sorts to describe an approach to homeless services. A pair of new reports on the homelessness situation in Seattle finds consensus on the need for a housing first policy.

Wouldn't It be Nice if Legislators Were Rewarded for Voting to Increase the Gas Tax?
Surprisingly, legislators are rewarded for supporting new gas taxes: they get reelected, according to a new analysis by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. What's more, they overwhelmingly hail from red states.
Over $14 Million Awarded to Eight Projects to Find Alternatives to Gas Taxes
The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding ways to transition from the gas tax to other user-based revenue mechanisms to fund transportation infrastructure. The federal gas tax hasn't keep pace with transportation expenditures since 2008.

This November, Four Major Transportation Measures at Stake
If you live in Detroit, Atlanta, Seattle, or Los Angeles, you have more to look forward to in November than choosing Donald or Hillary. Major decisions concerning regional transportation are on the line.

Critiquing the Implementation of Seattle's Pedestrian Master Plan
A status update of the Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan leaves a writer wondering if the backlog of pedestrian infrastructure maintenance will grow while only a few planned projects get built.

Reviewing Potential Amendments to the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan
The Seattle City Council is currently considering the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan. The plan could change significantly from Mayor Ed Murray's proposed draft to the final, approved version.

Light Rail Ridership Takes Off in Seattle After Expansion
Besting all expectations, ridership numbers have increased 83 percent since Seattle's Sound Transit light rail system added two new stations, connecting downtown to the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood and the University of Washington.

Debating Seattle's Growth
There's plenty to talk about in a city where rents have increased by 51 percent since 2010.

Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Gets Committee Approval in Seattle
A key component of the city of Seattle's Housing Affordability and and Livability Agenda moved forward earlier this week.
Proposed Water Pollution Rules Await Federal Approval in Washington State
A long and contentious battle, including threats fro the U.S. Environmental protection Agency, could soon find resolution.

Details of the Seattle's Big ST3 Light Rail Plan
The $54 billion ST3 plan would add 62 miles of light rail over 25 years.
Architect Declares the End of Micro-Housing in Seattle
Though housing advocates consider micro-housing units a helpful tool in keeping housing affordable, the city of Seattle has nonetheless produced a series of regulations making such projects harder and harder to build.
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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