Politics Maritime vs. real estate: Seattle’s decades-long rezoning fight The city is updating protections for waterfront industrial lands, but a fight over the SoDo ‘Makers District’ development could upend it. by Josh Cohen / July 7, 2023
Politics Mayor Harrell releases blueprint to ‘activate’ Downtown Seattle The laundry list includes ideas for denser housing and expanded homeless outreach — along with some Space Needle-level swings. by Josh Cohen / June 28, 2023
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
Politics How will ‘missing middle’ zoning impact Seattle housing? A new Washington state law allows 4-6 unit buildings across the city. Here's what that might look like. by Josh Cohen / June 5, 2023
News Courts consider lifting federal oversight of Seattle police The SPD has been under a Department of Justice ‘consent decree’ since 2012 due to excessive use of force. by Josh Cohen / May 30, 2023
News Seattle rallies as Supreme Court weighs criminalizing homelessness The Grants Pass v. Johnson decision could make it easier to sweep encampments, but advocates say it may hinder the ability to get stable housing. by Josh Cohen / April 23, 2024 / Updated: April 23, 6:40 P.M.
Politics Seattle City Council rejects affordable-housing development bill The pilot program proposed by Tammy Morales would’ve offered incentives to develop mixed-use buildings while partnering with community organizations. by Josh Cohen / April 19, 2024
Politics How will Seattle’s $230M deficit influence the 2025 city budget? Some Councilmembers who promised to conduct a full audit are softening their approach. Now the city is trying new processes for the next cycle. by Josh Cohen / March 13, 2024
Politics Audit finds inflation, wages drove Seattle’s $1.7B budget increase The new five-year analysis digs into every department’s spending in an effort to help the city confront a projected $241 million deficit in 2025. by Josh Cohen / May 2, 2024
Politics Advocates say Seattle’s $1.45B transportation tax isn’t enough A coalition is asking to increase the levy to $1.9B for more bike and pedestrian safety measures — which a poll found a majority of voters might support. by Josh Cohen / May 10, 2024