Washington
Washington State Bills Would Boost Housing in Rural Areas
Several proposed laws could make way for more housing development outside the state’s major city centers.
Can We Resist Displacement From Transit-Oriented Development?
Transit stations increase nearby jobs and populations, but they could also contribute to displacement. What can we do differently?
Washington Lawmakers Eye Rent Stabilization
Democrats are pushing for a statewide rent stabilization bill that would give renters some protections while offering more flexibility for landlords than blanket rent control policies.
Washington Tribes Oppose Wind Project
Tribal communities claim that a major wind energy project threatens sensitive cultural and environmental resources.
Cascadia HSR Awarded Planning Grant
The $49.7 million federal grant will allow WSDOT to move forward with public outreach and planning work.
Seattle-Area Light Rail Breaks Ridership Record, Again
Thanks to a new extension and reorganized connecting bus lines, the Link light rail system topped 3 million rides in October.
Snohomish River Gains Legal Rights
A new law in one Washington town enshrines the river’s legal right to “exist, regenerate, and flourish.”
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Parking Mandates Have a New Victim: Daycare Centers
In Washington state, onerous parking requirements are a major factor in a growing childcare shortage.
Washington Voters Keep Carbon Tax
An initiative that would have ended the state’s “cap and invest” program failed, leaving the program in place.
Seattle Has No Plans to Ditch Parking Requirements
An update to the city’s comprehensive plan will reduce, but not fully eliminate, parking mandates for housing developments.
How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal
SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.
Olympia Draft Transportation Plan Zeroes in on Complete Streets, Bike Infrastructure
The city’s comprehensive plan update could signal a shift in transportation planning priorities to a more comprehensive approach that ensures safer roads for all users.
Opinion: I-5 Expansion EIR Deludes Itself
The environmental impact report for a massive highway project in the Pacific Northwest ignores the reality of induced demand.
Seattle’s New Overlook Walk Offers Ample Park Space Near Pike Place Market
The elevated park and event space replaces part of the demolished Alaskan Way Viaduct, connecting the city’s famous Pike Place Market to the waterfront.
West Seattle Link Expansion Could Cost $7 Billion
Sound Transit is moving forward with a proposed route despite severe cost overruns, throwing other major rail projects into question.
Shared Mobility Riders in Seattle to Get Free Transit Trips
Riders who park Lime bikes or scooters at one of 14 designated Link light rail stations can earn free trips on the region’s transit systems.
Seattle Expands Heat Pump Rebates
Moderate-income households can access up to $8,000 in incentives to switch from oil heating systems to more efficient electric heat pumps.
Seattle Launches New Rapid Bus Line
The new RapidRide G is King County Metro’s most ambitious BRT line to date.
Tacoma Program Offers Free Street Trees
The Green Blocks program targets neighborhoods with the highest need for additional tree canopy.
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
