The Urbanist
@theurbanist.org
Advocacy journalism for better cities.👩🦽👨🦯🚶🚴♀️ 🚎 ⛴️ 🚊 🚆 🏙️
Based in the Seattle metro area.
Read our coverage on theurbanist.org. 📰
Based in the Seattle metro area.
Read our coverage on theurbanist.org. 📰
Reposted by The Urbanist
I'm listening to Seattle's City Council meeting now, and we've already heard a few public comments opposing the new SPOG contract.
December 9, 2025 at 10:13 PM
I'm listening to Seattle's City Council meeting now, and we've already heard a few public comments opposing the new SPOG contract.
Reposted by The Urbanist
"We are indeed in a pickle," Claudia Balducci said a few minutes ago, speaking more broadly about the ST board appointments. "It's not uncommon for us to get into pickles, but this is a particularly large pickle."
December 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
"We are indeed in a pickle," Claudia Balducci said a few minutes ago, speaking more broadly about the ST board appointments. "It's not uncommon for us to get into pickles, but this is a particularly large pickle."
Reposted by The Urbanist
All CMs vote yes on the SPMA contract, as expected. Again, this is different from the SPOG contract, that we'll get to next.
December 9, 2025 at 10:55 PM
All CMs vote yes on the SPMA contract, as expected. Again, this is different from the SPOG contract, that we'll get to next.
Reposted by The Urbanist
The King County Council is considering the latest slate of Sound Transit board appointments, with Tukwila Mayor Tom McLeod is up now: "Everything needs to be on the table for board consideration; ultimately, choices in Ballard and West Seattle will ripple across the entire financial plan," he says.
December 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
The King County Council is considering the latest slate of Sound Transit board appointments, with Tukwila Mayor Tom McLeod is up now: "Everything needs to be on the table for board consideration; ultimately, choices in Ballard and West Seattle will ripple across the entire financial plan," he says.
Beginning on January 1, Seattle’s monorail operator is ending free transfers from other transit services for riders who rely upon ORCA E-purse.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Monorail to Nix Transfer Credits, Raising Costs on Some ORCA Card Users » The Urbanist
# Beginning on January 1, Seattle’s monorail operator is ending free transfers to other transit services for riders who rely upon ORCA E-purse. The change could turn a $4.00 trip into a $7.00 trip for...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Beginning on January 1, Seattle’s monorail operator is ending free transfers from other transit services for riders who rely upon ORCA E-purse.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Reposted by The Urbanist
This is tonight! I'll be there, and I'm hoping some folks might want to talk about whatever happens with the SPOG contract this afternoon. 😉
One week until The Urbanist Winter Holiday Party! Join us Dec. 9 for an evening of connection, policy talk, and celebration with speakers Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Dionne Foster, Paul Charbonneau, and Rocco DeVito. Get your ticket soon!
Two Weeks Until The Urbanist’s Winter Holiday Party » The Urbanist
# Get your ticket to The Urbanist's annual holiday party while supplies last. Our speaking program on December 9 will feature Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and other urbanist leaders and...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 9:24 PM
This is tonight! I'll be there, and I'm hoping some folks might want to talk about whatever happens with the SPOG contract this afternoon. 😉
NEW STORY // Monorail to Nix Transfer Credits, Raising Costs on Some ORCA Card Users
Story by Stephen Fesler via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Story by Stephen Fesler via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Monorail to Nix Transfer Credits, Raising Costs on Some ORCA Card Users » The Urbanist
# Beginning on January 1, Seattle’s monorail operator is ending free transfers to other transit services for riders who rely upon ORCA E-purse. The change could turn a $4.00 trip into a $7.00 trip for...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 7:11 PM
NEW STORY // Monorail to Nix Transfer Credits, Raising Costs on Some ORCA Card Users
Story by Stephen Fesler via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Story by Stephen Fesler via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/09/m...
Reposted by The Urbanist
Washington's Transportation Commission is holding a work session on "corridor urbanism" this morning, something that continues to circulate around state level planning after being promoted by Chris Gregoire's think-tank.
December 9, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Washington's Transportation Commission is holding a work session on "corridor urbanism" this morning, something that continues to circulate around state level planning after being promoted by Chris Gregoire's think-tank.
Reposted by The Urbanist
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Trump attacks and defend the working class.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat » The Urbanist
# State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Tr...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:08 AM
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Trump attacks and defend the working class.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
“Washington State’s federal delegation, also took credit for pushing the Federal Way light rail project forward Saturday, along with other planned extensions including last year’s Lynnwood Link Extension that had their federal funding threatened during Donald Trump’s first term in the White House.”
Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federal Way.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail » The Urbanist
# Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federa...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“Washington State’s federal delegation, also took credit for pushing the Federal Way light rail project forward Saturday, along with other planned extensions including last year’s Lynnwood Link Extension that had their federal funding threatened during Donald Trump’s first term in the White House.”
Reposted by The Urbanist
Co-sign with every fiber of my being. Thanks for doing great work, @alexis4seattle.bsky.social ❤️
An amendment on deck to Seattle's 2026 legislative agenda from Alexis Mercedes Rinck would prioritize the issue of condominium reform and updated elevator standards when it comes to potential housing reforms.
December 9, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Co-sign with every fiber of my being. Thanks for doing great work, @alexis4seattle.bsky.social ❤️
Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federal Way.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail » The Urbanist
# Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federa...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federal Way.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
The Shoreline Management Act basically bans this, doubly so because it’s attached and urban.
I know Americans overly romanticize Europe but I still think moving to a little house on a canal in the Netherlands could solve like 82% of my problems
December 9, 2025 at 4:17 AM
The Shoreline Management Act basically bans this, doubly so because it’s attached and urban.
😎
A federal judge today struck down the Trump administration’s halt on approving new wind farms on federal lands and waters. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/c...
Federal Judge Finds Trump’s Halt on Wind Energy Is Illegal
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:08 AM
😎
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Trump attacks and defend the working class.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat » The Urbanist
# State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Tr...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:08 AM
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Trump attacks and defend the working class.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Reposted by The Urbanist
See you tomorrow?
One week until The Urbanist Winter Holiday Party! Join us Dec. 9 for an evening of connection, policy talk, and celebration with speakers Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Dionne Foster, Paul Charbonneau, and Rocco DeVito. Get your ticket soon!
Two Weeks Until The Urbanist’s Winter Holiday Party » The Urbanist
# Get your ticket to The Urbanist's annual holiday party while supplies last. Our speaking program on December 9 will feature Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and other urbanist leaders and...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 1:10 AM
See you tomorrow?
Station names may have been approved a long time ago, but locals don’t seem to be letting it ago. 👀
On the press tour last week, when I brought up the fact that people might confuse Federal Way Downtown with, uh, Downtown Seattle, the reaction from the ST folks was mostly, "Well, we approved those station names a long time ago."
www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/s/...
www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/s/...
From the Seattle community on Reddit: Light Rail Airport Signage is Now HORRENDOUS!
Explore this post and more from the Seattle community
www.reddit.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Station names may have been approved a long time ago, but locals don’t seem to be letting it ago. 👀
NEW STORY // Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat » The Urbanist
# State Senator Rebecca Saldaña announced a bid for the open King County Council District 2 seat in the 2026 election, positioning herself in the progressive lane and pledging to fight back against Tr...
www.theurbanist.org
December 9, 2025 at 1:05 AM
NEW STORY // Rebecca Saldaña Announces Run for Girmay Zahilay’s Former County Council Seat
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/r...
Reposted by The Urbanist
HUD update: "intentional chaos" sounds about right.
HUD has withdrawn the Notice of Funding Opportunity for homelessness program announcing the news during a hearing in a lawsuit by @naehomelessness.bsky.social against new rules that preclude low-barrier housing and require agencies to implement discriminatory rules. www.hud.gov/hud-partners...
Continuum of Care Program | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Continuum of Care ProgramOverviewThe Continuum of Care (CoC) Program (24 CFR part 578) is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for eff...
www.hud.gov
December 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
HUD update: "intentional chaos" sounds about right.
NEW STORY // Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail » The Urbanist
# Transit riders and elected officials alike celebrated light rail's arrival in South King County, as Sound Transit held a grand celebration to tout its three new stations and cut the ribbon in Federa...
www.theurbanist.org
December 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
NEW STORY // Thousands Pack Trains for Launch of Federal Way Light Rail
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Story by Ryan Packer via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/t...
Reposted by The Urbanist
Rinck's amendment also adds additional passenger-only ferries as a priority in the transportation section.
December 8, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Rinck's amendment also adds additional passenger-only ferries as a priority in the transportation section.
Reposted by The Urbanist
An amendment on deck to Seattle's 2026 legislative agenda from Alexis Mercedes Rinck would prioritize the issue of condominium reform and updated elevator standards when it comes to potential housing reforms.
December 8, 2025 at 10:17 PM
An amendment on deck to Seattle's 2026 legislative agenda from Alexis Mercedes Rinck would prioritize the issue of condominium reform and updated elevator standards when it comes to potential housing reforms.
Reposted by The Urbanist
Redmond City Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe has filed with the PDC to run for the state legislature, challenging incumbent Amy Walen in the 48th LD.
A pro business moderate, Walen is clearly vulnerable, having just lost a race for the 48th's seat in the state senate by 17 points.
A pro business moderate, Walen is clearly vulnerable, having just lost a race for the 48th's seat in the state senate by 17 points.
December 8, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Redmond City Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe has filed with the PDC to run for the state legislature, challenging incumbent Amy Walen in the 48th LD.
A pro business moderate, Walen is clearly vulnerable, having just lost a race for the 48th's seat in the state senate by 17 points.
A pro business moderate, Walen is clearly vulnerable, having just lost a race for the 48th's seat in the state senate by 17 points.
"Stephen Weber, the chair of the advocacy group Friends of Portland Streetcar and a former member of Portland’s now disbanded Streetcar Citizens Advisory Committee, has called the Brookville purchase a '$12 million mistake.'"
At first glance, a streetcar deal with Portland appears to be heavily lopsided in favor of Sound Transit, which will trade aging Škodas for ones that are essentially brand new, but significant issues could follow them to Tacoma.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/08/s...
Sound Transit Brokers Streetcar Swap Between Portland and Tacoma » The Urbanist
# At first glance, the deal appears to be heavily lopsided in favor of Sound Transit, which will trade aging Skoda streetcars for ones that are essentially brand new. But the Brookville cars leaving P...
www.theurbanist.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:22 PM
"Stephen Weber, the chair of the advocacy group Friends of Portland Streetcar and a former member of Portland’s now disbanded Streetcar Citizens Advisory Committee, has called the Brookville purchase a '$12 million mistake.'"
"The three cities filed a petition for judicial review of the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent ruling that 31 planned projects, including a second terminal, would not have a significant environmental impact on nearby communities." www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...
Storm grows over Sea-Tac Airport expansion plans
Plans to expand Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including a new terminal, are tapping into enduring concerns that increased traffic at Sea-Tac hurts nearby neighborhoods.
www.seattletimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
"The three cities filed a petition for judicial review of the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent ruling that 31 planned projects, including a second terminal, would not have a significant environmental impact on nearby communities." www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...