Politics Jail or treatment? Seattle City Council is split on drug possession Councilmembers narrowly rejected a bill to allow the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute possession and public use. by Josh Cohen / June 7, 2023
Investigations Everett shelter got $3M in COVID relief despite complaints Local officials signed new contracts with The Hand Up Project after two residents died last year and former employees alleged financial mismanagement. by Lizz Giordano / May 22, 2023
Politics King County Council sends Human Services levy to August ballot In a debate between increasing the levy size and combating tax fatigue, councilmembers opted not to give their two cents. by Josh Cohen / May 4, 2023
News Seattle's historic Pacific Hospital could house unsheltered youth The Beacon Hill building would be a “launch pad” to prepare residents for independent adulthood. by Josh Cohen / April 28, 2023
Politics King County crisis center measure leads at first vote drop Voters are deciding whether to raise property taxes to fund walk-in behavioral health centers, residential treatment and higher wages. by Josh Cohen / April 25, 2023
News Washington is still offering stipends to homeless-service workers Human-services employees can apply through June 2 to receive $2,000. by Josh Cohen / April 17, 2023
Politics King County to vote this month on a levy for crisis care centers A $1.25 billion proposal on the special election ballot would open five on-demand mental health and addiction facilities and increase worker wages. by Josh Cohen / April 6, 2023
Politics King County levy renewal may not cover affordable-housing costs Advocates warn that the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy needs to increase to match rising construction expenses. by Josh Cohen / April 3, 2023
Northwest Reports Podcast | Can Seattle reinvent its Downtown? Season 1 , Episode 17 / March 29, 2023 Reporter Josh Cohen discusses the city's plans — and readers' moonshot dreams — to improve the central business core.
News Spokane's Camp Hope is closing soon. Where will its residents go? A court ruling requires the city, WSDOT and service providers to work together to find an answer, but they differ on how to move forward. by Mai Hoang / March 28, 2023 / Updated at 9:30 a.m. March 30
News New UW study says human-services workers are underpaid by 37% Seattle homeless outreach, child care and elder care workers are leaving for higher wages, making it harder to provide care for the city’s most vulnerable. by Josh Cohen / March 6, 2023
News Seattle's Third Avenue Project takes a new approach to old problems Outreach providers and social workers are teaming up to combat drugs, crime and poverty in 'the Blade.' by Josh Cohen / February 27, 2023
News As Downtown recovers, Seattle reimagines what it could be With hybrid work here to stay, city leaders ask: Can the central business district become a residential neighborhood? by Josh Cohen / February 22, 2023
Politics Homeless services could face cuts in WA's 2023 legislative session Advocates have outlined steps to ease the housing crisis — but it all depends on how legislators divvy the budget. by Josh Cohen / January 31, 2023
Politics Stipend for WA homeless-service workers has provided $10.7M so far More than 11,000 people have applied to the program, which aims to address turnover. Funding long-term pay increases could prove more challenging. by Josh Cohen / December 21, 2022