Washington
Where Washington Students Lack Safe Walking Routes
In many rural and suburban Washington state communities, children who walk or bike to school don’t have access to safe, adequate pedestrian facilities.
Washington Could Legalize Single-Staircase Buildings
Supporters of ‘point access blocks,’ which are common in Europe and other parts of the world, say the design maximizes living space and lowers the cost of construction.
Seattle Historic District Could Remove Street Dining
Despite the popularity of Ballard Avenue’s outdoor dining pergolas, some district board members argue the patios don’t match the district’s historic character.
Tacoma Developing New Housing Policy
The city’s Home in Tacoma plan is designed to address the region’s growth and rising housing prices, but faces local backlash over density and affordability concerns.
Washington Focuses Road Safety Efforts on Individuals, Neglecting Design
Legislative efforts to reduce traffic deaths could move the needle toward Vision Zero, but state leaders failed to commit infrastructure funds to making structural improvements.
Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing
Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.
Traffic Safety Bills Proposed in Washington’s State Legislature
As traffic fatalities continue to climb in Washington and around the country, three proposed state bills would prohibit some right turns on red, reduce the BAC limit for DUI arrests, and require more young drivers to take driver’s education courses.
Op-Ed: Seattle’s ADU Rules Leave Long-Term Renters Out in the Cold
One resident argues that adding a unit for long-term rental is too expensive and difficult, especially when compared to the city’s ‘super easy’ process for permitting a short-term or vacation rental.
Washington’s Proposed Housing Bills, Explained
The 2023 Washington state legislature will evaluate a slew of proposals aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.
Pedestrian Deaths Spike in King County Cities
Eight cities in Washington’s King County saw sharp increases in traffic fatalities, signaling a need for more robust road safety and traffic calming policies.
How Zoning Changes Could Boost Housing Supply in Seattle
The Puget Sound region could benefit from zoning tweaks that would encourage more transit-oriented development and ‘gentle’ density increases, new research finds.
Tacoma’s Lower Speed Limits Take Effect
The city hopes reducing speed limits will help them achieve their Vision Zero pledge.
Seattle’s SR 99 Tunnel Seeking State Bailout
The beleaguered project is not bringing in the expected toll revenue, leaving the Washington Transportation Commission on the hook for construction costs.
Boosters Hope Streetcar Could Breathe New Life into Downtown Seattle
Supporters of a stalled streetcar project say reviving the line would create more transit connections and boost economic development in the area.
Seattle Mayor Calls for ‘Low-Pollution Neighborhoods’
An executive order signed last week consolidates actions the city plans to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A Simple Fix for Blocked Bike Lanes
A bike lane detour in Seattle illustrates a cheap and easy way to safely direct bike traffic around obstructions such as utility work.
Puget Sound Transportation Plan Fails to Meet Climate Targets
Agency staff says the Puget Sound regional long-range plan won’t achieve 2030 sustainability goals set by the state.
King County Water Treatment Station Set to Open
The facility is part of a plan to protect the Duwamish River from polluted runoff from overflowing sewer pipes.
Seattle Considering Expedited Design Review for Affordable Housing
An emergency order in April 2020 exempted affordable housing projects from the city of Seattle’s design review process. A new ordinance would allow affordable housing proposals there own path to approval for another two-year test period.
Sooner Rather Than Later: Support Builds for Eastside-Only Light Rail in Seattle
The Eastside Link light rail route, now known as Line 2, is delayed. A Sound Transit board officials is suggesting that some of the route can open soon, while the rest of the route is prepped to open later.
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)
