Seattle

Seattle Tiny-Home Villages Facing Host of Challenges
The villages offer much-needed housing for homeless people, but controversy is brewing over their operations.

Debating the Future of One of Seattle's Pedestrian-Friendly Gems
The corridor along University Way is currently exempt from the wave of upzoning implemented by the city's Mandatory Housing Affordability program, but that exemption is only temporary.

The Psychic Forces of NIMBY Rage
With several years of contentious political debates, many surrounding homelessness, ravaging Seattle, a writer attempts to explain how the politics of city building got so heated.
Where Demographic Trends Tilt More White in Seattle
A story of gentrification in an already relatively white city.

Bus Transit Service Increased in Seattle (Again)
The city of Seattle is improving transit service as the city grows.

Ride-Hailing Tax to Fund Affordable Housing on the Table in Seattle
Seattle would join cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. in taxing rides with companies like Uber and Lyft. Seattle would use some of that revenue to fund affordable housing projects.

Seattle Ponders Improvements to Ballard Bridge for All Modes of Transport
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is in the midst of a planning study on Ballard Bridge, soliciting feedback from the community about how to improve circulation of vehicles and pedestrians.

An App to Map the City's Most Accessible Routes
Google Maps is built for able-bodied people, but the AccessMap Seattle app is for everyone.

The Varied Career of a Transit Service Planner
The career of Emily Yasukochi, senior associate at Nelson\Nygaard, has offered an incredible variety of experience and institutions considering it's all been centered around transit and sustainable transportation.
Three Parcels Donated for Affordable Housing Development by the City of Seattle
The city of Seattle took advantage of a new state law to donate three underused parcels to affordable housing developers.

When the Federal Government Ties Homeless Funding to Unemployment Rates
A strong economy can lead to a lack of affordable housing and a lack of affordable housing can lead to higher rates of homelessness. But a stronger economy can also disqualify regions from federal support for homelessness.

Portland Adjusts Residential Infill Plan to Minimize Displacement
Portland wants to add density but doesn't want to displace current residents of low- and middle-income neighborhoods.

Seattle Streetcar Project Facing Major Challenges
The city council approved funding for a new streetcar line, but cost increases mean the project is behind schedule and federal funds could be in jeopardy.

Why Jay Inslee Should Embrace Cross-Laminated Timber
With a timber rich state and a desire to fight climate change, mass timber and CLT could become Jay Inslee's signature green economy success in Washington State.

In the Housing Market, a Few Decades Makes a Huge Difference
"[P]erhaps at this point, this column should include a trigger warning for any young couple traumatized by the current housing market around here."

Seattle Residents Wary of Urban Greening Efforts
Parts of the city desperately need more trees, but some residents worry about the long-term effects of tree planting in neighborhoods.

State Law Allows for Local Reform of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act
Reform of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is underway at the local level after a new state bill offered "safe harbor" under the law for a menu of land use and development reforms.

Floating Train Bridge Arriving in Seattle
The never-before-used design is already being built.

Parks Levy Headed for Approval in Seattle's King County
King County, Seattle spends 80 of its parks operating budget with money generated from a levy imposed on homeowners. After approving the levy most recently in 2013, voters are supporting it again this week.

Congestion Pricing Gains Traction in Seattle
Congestion pricing is a popular subject of conversation in Seattle, even if the idea hasn't yet proven popular with voters. The city is looking for ways to lead on climate change by reducing emissions from transportation.
Pagination
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.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
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