Seattle and King County are moving about $160 million in homelessness contracts out of KCRHA after a forensic audit, while council actions on Aurora street closures and neighborhood crime plans test whether accountability reforms change street-level results.

In this episode

1. Regional Homelessness Agency “Right-Sizing” Will Largely Restore Pre-KCRHA Status Quo — Publicola

   The announcement, which will send most homeless service contracts back to the city and county, aims to preserve federal funding at risk after a damning forensic audit and changes in funding priorities under Trump. By Erica C. Barnett King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced Wednesday that they will transfer the region’s homelessness contracts back to the city…

2. Seattle bill allows street closures to deter gun violence, sex trafficking | The Seattle Times — The Seattle Times

   # Seattle City Council gives city more power to close streets for safety reasons – KIRO 7 News Seattle

Published: 2026-07-01T00:56:39.439000+00:00

Source: kiro7.com (kiro7.com)

Language: en

## Story

Seattle City Council gives city more power to close streets for safety reasons – KIRO 7 News Seattle

Sections

[![KIRO 7 News Seattle…

Crime holds steady in Seattle’s West Precinct — Northwest Asian Weekly

Crime holds steady in Seattle’s West Precinct

Reported crime in Seattle’s West Precinct, which includes the Chinatown-International District (CID), remained essentially unchanged through the first half of the year, according to the Seattle Police Department’s June safety newsletter.

While overall crime was flat compared with the same period in 2025, violent crime increased 9.2%, driven by a 28%…

Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools — The Urbanist

Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools

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# Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools

By Doug Trumm- July 01, 2026

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Seattle continues to lead the state in population growth, adding 6,800 residents in new April 2026 figures that…

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Community Passageways cuts in Rainier Beach put Seattle’s reform agenda on the line: a violence-prevention contract expires, Highway 99 removal moves from activist dream to city study in South Park, and King County plus Sound Transit face governance and funding tests.

In this episode

1. Community Passageways Will Cut 13 Staff in Rainier Beach This Summer When City Contract Ends — South Seattle Emerald

   Community Passageways Will Cut 13 Staff in Rainier Beach This Summer When City Contract Ends

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Step Back — If Seattle closes off blocks around Aurora as a public-safety move, what’s the theory of change here — and what evidence should we look for to tell whether it actually reduces shootings and exploitation, rather than just moving the problem a few blocks away?Background sources

• Seattle bill allows street closures to deter gun violence, sex trafficking | The Seattle Times — Lauren Girgis
• Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times — Catalina Gaitán
• KUOW - Street closures, SOAP laws. Can anything stop sex trafficking, gun violence on Seattle's Aurora Avenue? — Kuow
• Councilmember Juarez and Mayor Wilson announce plans combating violence along Aurora Avenue - Seattle City Council Blog — City Council News Releases
• Seattle leaders announce steps to address violence along Aurora Avenue | KNKX Public Radio — KNKX Public Radio
• Aurora Avenue North businesses fed up with shootings, sex trafficking | The Seattle Times — Paul Roberts

Seattle considers removing Highway 99 in South Park — or doing nothing | The Seattle Times — The Seattle Times

Seattle considers removing Highway 99 in South Park — or doing nothing | The Seattle Times

By

Seattle Times transportation reporter

Traffic Lab is a Seattle Times project that digs into the region’s transportation issues to explore the policies and politics that determine how we get around and how billions of dollars in public money are spent.

What started as a quixotic, resident-led effort…

West Seattle Link Light Rail: Final Design Phase Approved! | Sound Transit Updates (2026) — St. Pius X Catholic Church

West Seattle Link Light Rail: Final Design Phase Approved! | Sound Transit Updates (2026)

# West Seattle Link Light Rail: Final Design Phase Approved! | Sound Transit Updates (2026)

Table of Contents

Navigating the Transit Landscape Unraveling the Budget Puzzle The Impact of Federal Approval Design Adaptations and Cost Savings Environmental and Funding Challenges The Future of West Seattle and…

King County Council Searches for Footing with a New Executive — The Urbanist

No one expected the first transition of a new King County Executive in 16 years to go off without a few bumps along the road. In his first seven months in office, Girmay Zahilay has had to navigate a devastating flooding event, a scandal stemming from lax oversight of county dollars at the Department of Community and Human Services, and a significant budget deficit at Sound Transit . In contrast…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle City Council is weighing ways to curb unsolicited lowball homebuyer calls targeting Black homeowners, while King County’s latest overdose tracker keeps fentanyl deaths in view as a public-safety and health test.

In this episode

1. KUOW - Seattle homeowners who don't want to sell may get relief from predatory calls — KUOW

   # KUOW - Seattle homeowners who don't want to sell may get relief from predatory calls

Published: 2026-06-29T05:03:09-07:00

Source: kuow.org (kuow.org)

Language: en

## Story

KUOW - Seattle homeowners who don't want to sell may get relief from predatory calls Skip to main content

- [News & Stories](https://www.kuow.org/)

- [Economy](https://www.kuow.org/topics/economy)

# Seattle homeowners…

Step Back — When Sound Transit says a light-rail extension is entering “final design,” how final is that really — what can still change on cost, station locations, construction impacts, and opening date?Background sources

• Sound Transit Reveals New Cost-Saving Measures for West Seattle Link — Theurbanist
• West Seattle light rail ‘shovel ready,’ construction could start this year | FOX 13 Seattle — Lauren Donovan
• Sound Transit’s expansion plans balloon by up to $35 billion | The Seattle Times — Mike Lindblom
• How we will continue to fight for Ballard Light Rail - Seattle City Council Blog — Dan Strauss
• Sound Transit to decide May 28 on rail cuts, delays and phased builds across region — Komonews

Washington weekly drug overdose tracker June 22-26 | Washington | thecentersquare.com — The Center Square

Washington weekly drug overdose tracker June 22-26 | Washington | thecentersquare.com

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Drug paraphernalia collected from the streets of Seattle. Photo Courtesy of We Heart Seattle

The following is a list of drug-related deaths as reported by the King County Medical Examiner. The Center…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Sound Transit pushed West Seattle Link into final design as King County’s homelessness count rose to 18,365 and Seattle Public Schools began shopping for upper-level math materials, putting Seattle’s infrastructure, shelter, and classroom execution under the microscope.

In this episode

1. Sound Transit approves over $420 million in budget amendments for West Seattle and Ballard link extensions | Westside Seattle — Westside Seattle

   # Sound Transit Board Advances West Seattle Link Into Final Design

Published: 2026-06-26T19:18:41+00:00

Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org)

Language: en

## Story

Sound Transit Board Advances West Seattle Link Into Final Design

[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/theurbanist.org) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/urbanistorg/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UrbanistOrg/)…

King County's homeless population growth slows, but lack of housing, drug use persist | Washington | thecentersquare.com — The Center Square

King County's homeless population growth slows, but lack of housing, drug use persist | Washington | thecentersquare.com

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A homeless encampment with personal belongings and makeshift shelter is seen along a sidewalk in Seattle. Photo: Spencer Pauley / The Center Square

(The Center…

This Week on PubliCola: June 27, 2026 — PubliCola

Discouraging homelessness numbers, SPD hiring debate, King County budget shenanigans, and much more. By Erica C. Barnett Monday, June 22 Allegation: Civil Rights Office Director, Staff Went to Strip Club During City-Sponsored Civil Rights Trip A recently concluded investigation into Seattle Office for Civil Rights director Derrick Wheeler-Smith, which found Wheeler-Smith subjected a subordinate…

Seattle's Sound Transit Refunds Debt, Saving Approximately $23 Million | Metro — Metro Magazine

# Seattle's Sound Transit Refunds Debt, Saving Approximately $23 Million | Metro

Published: 2026-06-26T16:05:11.933000+00:00

Source: metro-magazine.com (metro-magazine.com)

Language: en

## Story

Seattle's Sound Transit Refunds Debt, Saving Approximately $23 Million | Metro


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Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners — EdWeek Market Brief

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# Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners

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Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan delay pushes Phase 2 into next year as budget projections show a $488 million gap, while South Park’s SR 99 removal case gains data and King County overdose deaths remain fentanyl-driven.

In this episode

1. City councilmember leading Comprehensive Plan Phase 2 review ... — West Seattle Blog

   West Seattle Blog… | DELAY: City councilmember leading Comprehensive Plan Phase 2 review says it’s on hold till next year

- WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Two more sightings (up...

- FOLLOWUP: Part of South Alki shore/water is s...

- Also in White Center today: Grand opening for...

- PHOTOS: Taste of White Center 2026!...

- FOLLOWUP: SDOT finally finishing 63rd/Beach D...

- READER PHOTOS: ‘Totally…

Seattle now faces nearly $500 million budget deficit as Mayor Katie Wilson considers new taxes | 570 KVI — 570 KVI

Seattle now faces nearly $500 million budget deficit as Mayor Katie Wilson considers new taxes | 570 KVI

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Click to open player flyout to access more features

# Seattle now faces nearly $500 million budget deficit as Mayor Katie Wilson considers new taxes

Just six months into her first term, Seattle’s Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson is facing a…

New Report Outlines Clear Case for Removing SR 99 Through South Park — The Urbanist

The momentum behind the idea of removing a redundant stretch of state highway that divides one of Seattle's most diverse neighborhoods got a big boost this week. A new report produced by Seattle's Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) looking at ways to transform State Route 99 through South Park outlines incredible upsides from scrubbing the highway off the map entirely, and very…

The WA Overdose Tracker Week 2 Update — The Center Square

The WA Overdose Tracker Week 2 Update

The Center Square, a leading national and state news and opinion media group, recently launched the WA State Overdose Tracker, here's week 2.

## Fewer Elderly Persons, but They Were Older

The data is compiled from King County Coroner data, following cases that were officially posted, often following autopsies.

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Last week, 13…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle City Council weighs a $6 million Montlake land buy for 50 permanently affordable homes, while King County backs off a harm-reduction cut and World Cup crowds stress-test transit, Pike Place pedestrianization, and Little Saigon enforcement.

In this episode

1. ‘Montlake Homes’ — City making plans for $6M acquisition of 520 surplus property for new ‘affordable homeownership’ project — Capitol Hill Seattle

   # ‘Montlake Homes’ — City making plans for $6M acquisition of 520 surplus property for new ‘affordable homeownership’ project

Published: 2026-06-24T16:45:07+00:00

Source: capitolhillseattle.com (capitolhillseattle.com)

Language: en

## Story

The Seattle City Council’s housing committee will consider a bill Wednesday allowing the city to acquire surplus land from the SR 520 expansion and…

County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists - PubliCola — PubliCola

# County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists - PubliCola

Author: ericacbarnett

Published: 2026-06-24T14:19:28+00:00

Source: publicola.com (publicola.com)

Language: en

## Story

County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists -…

Little Saigon remains troubled a week after Mayor Wilson's open-air drug crackdown begins — KOMO News

# Little Saigon remains troubled a week after Mayor Wilson's open-air drug crackdown begins

Published: 2026-06-23T16:42:32-07:00

Source: komonews.com (komonews.com)

Language: en

## Story

Nearly a week after Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said the city will no longer tolerate open-air drug use and sales in the Little Saigon neighborhood, conditions at the notorious corner of 12th Avenue South and…

Two match days, 1.1 million boardings, and a new single-day record for Water Taxi ridership – Metro Matters — King County Metro

Two match days, 1.1 million boardings, and a new single-day record for Water Taxi ridership – Metro Matters

Mix two match days, add some baseball and include a healthy dose of sunny weather. The result: record ridership as the region continues to choose transit over driving.

King County Metro and Sound Transit have released preliminary ridership estimates of 1.1 million boardings systemwide for…

Sales Were Up at Pike Place After Pedestrian Pilot. Is That...Bad? — The Urbanist

Seattle is buzzing these days thanks to increased activity from the FIFA Men's World Cup, with pedestrian-oriented places across downtown and the broader city seeing major influxes of crowds. With new vehicle-deterring barriers now in place along Pike Place Market on match days, weekends and for major events, the Market has been a major magnet for locals and out-of-towners alike. The pedestrian…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Sound Transit Link hit 280,000 boardings during Seattle’s U.S.-Australia World Cup match, while Metro’s Golden Gardens Direct turns transit-measure dollars into a beach bus. The stakes: whether event surges and small fixes build the case for bigger fall transit funding.

In this episode

1. Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match — The Urbanist

   Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match

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# Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match

By Douglas Trumm- June 23, 2026

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World Cup soccer fans cheering on the United States team helped push Sound Transit to a new ridership record on Friday. (Peter…

[PDF] HB 1110 - Seattle.gov — Seattle.gov

What is HB 1110? In 2023, the Washington State Legislature adopted House Bill 1110, often referred to as the “middle housing” bill. HB 1110 requires many cities in the state to allow a broader range of housing types in areas that have allowed predominantly detached homes. In Seattle, these requirements would apply in areas zoned Neighborhood Residential (NR) or Residential Small Lot (RSL).…

Construction Permit Performance - SDCI | seattle.gov — Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections

# Construction Permit Performance

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is responsible for issuing timely construction permits to help keep our buildings safe. Timely permits keep construction projects on time and on budget and help build Seattle’s housing supply. We’ve heard from the community that permits take too long. In response, we have new goals to speed up…

Step Back — Seattle keeps talking about rebuilding SPD’s ranks, but what does “police staffing” actually mean in practice — budgeted slots, sworn headcount, or officers actually available for patrol — and which number best predicts whether 911 response times improve?Background sources

• Mayor Harrell’s 2026 Proposed Budget for SPD - SPD Blotter — Daniel Griffin
• Police Chief Says No Plan to Slow Hiring Amid Budget Crunch; City Attorney Says "SOAP Orders Don't Work" at Aurora Ave. Safety Event - PubliCola — ericacbarnett
• 'Not even treading water': Washington state continues to lag in police hiring — Komonews
• Seattle Civilian Responder Team Chafes Under Police Guild Contract Restrictions — Theurbanist
• Seattle police ‘territorialism’ blocks crisis responders, leader says | The Seattle Times — David Kroman
• Public Safety Committee 6/9/2026 — Seattle Channel

Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens — The Urbanist

Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens

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# Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens

By Doug Trumm- June 23, 2026

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Councilmember Dan Strauss celebrated the impending launch of Golden Gardens Direct, a summer-only bus route pilot program, running from 15th Avenue NW and Market Street to the beach. (Doug Trumm)

On…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle HB 1110 implementation moves from state mandate to City Hall details, where parking, tree rules, fees, and permits can decide whether missing-middle zoning produces real homes. SPD staffing metrics add an accountability check on public-safety capacity.

In this episode

1. [PDF] House Bill Report HB 1110

   HOUSE BILL REPORT HB 1110 As Reported by House Committee On: Housing Appropriations Title: An act relating to creating more homes for Washington by increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing.

Brief Description: Increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing.

Sponsors: Representatives Bateman, Barkis,…

[PDF] Updating Seattle's Neighborhood Residential zoning

UPDATED OCTOBER 2024 Updating Seattle’s Neighborhood Residential zoning A proposal to increase housing choice and fulfill requirements of House Bill 1110 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Purpose 3 Updating Seattle’s Neighborhood Residential zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .…

Step Back — If the state already told Seattle to allow more homes in formerly single-family zones under HB 1110, where can City Hall still quietly make or break the outcome — through things like size limits, parking, fees, tree rules, or permit timelines?Background sources

• City's Growth Plan Update Maintains Seattle's Suburban Character, Including Mandatory Parking - PubliCola — ericacbarnett
• Seattle dropped key NIMBY rules. Why aren’t developers swarming? | The Seattle Times — Heidi Groover
• What HB 1110 Actually Requires Washington Planners to Understand About Their Zoning — Urbanform
• Court of Appeals Ruling Pushes Out Next Phase of Seattle's Growth Plan 'Significantly' — Theurbanist
• Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes — Theurbanist
• Permanent State Zoning Compliance Legislation — Seattle

[PDF] Seattle Police Department (SPD) 2025 Q1 Sworn Staffing ... - AWS — West Seattle Blog

Seattle Police Department (SPD) 2025 Q1 Sworn Staffing, Overtime and Performance Metrics Report GREG DOSS, ANALYST PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MAY 27, 2025 1. SPD Staffing Slides 3- 7 2 Sworn Staffing SPD Staffing Plan – Actuals through March 2025 and projections through Dec 2025 2025 Jan-Mar Actuals v. Original Staffing Plan • Q1 Hires Planned: 31 Q1 Actual Hires Achieved: 43 • Q1 Separations…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle Transit Measure renewal is moving into council debate, with Mayor Katie Wilson pushing a bigger bus-service package while zoning fights in Seattle and Tacoma show what reform can unlock — or delay.

In this episode

1. Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Bus Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up — The Urbanist

   # Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Bus Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up

Published: 2026-06-19T00:48:09+00:00

Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org)

Language: en

## Story

Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Bus Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up

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# Wilson Makes Case for Expanded Bus Measure as Council Debate Ramps Up

By Ryan Packer- June 18, 2026

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On…

Step Back — If King County Metro actually runs the buses, why does Seattle need its own bus measure — and what does the city really control when it raises money for service: routes, frequency, bus lanes, or just the size of the check?Background sources

• Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Sales Tax to Fund Local Bus Service Expansion - PubliCola — ericacbarnett
• Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network — Theurbanist
• Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus — Theurbanist
• Seattle Transit Measure Dollars at Work this Fall — Govdelivery
• Investing in safer, more comfortable transit rides, in partnership with King County Metro - SDOT Blog — Katie Olsen
• Mayor Katie Wilson releases Seattle Transit Measure renewal - SDOT Blog — Amy Abdelsayed
• Seattle details Denny Way bus lane proposal targeting Route 8 delays, traffic concerns — Komonews
• KUOW - Seattle proposes doubling transit tax to improve bus service — Kuow

Op-Ed: ‘Seattle Atlas’ Can Demystify Zoning, Build Case for More Housing — The Urbanist

Op-Ed: ‘Seattle Atlas’ Can Demystify Zoning, Build Case for More Housing

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# Op-Ed: ‘Seattle Atlas’ Can Demystify Zoning, Build Case for More Housing

By Dylan Wahbe- June 21, 2026

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The Seattle Atlas is an attempt to simply Seattle's zoning to make it more digestible for a lay audience. (Dylan Wahbe)

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with…

One Seattle Plan - OPCD | seattle.gov — City of Seattle

# One Seattle Plan

## What is the Seattle Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a 20 year vision and roadmap for Seattle’s future. Our Plan guides City decisions on where to build new jobs and houses, how to improve our transportation system, and where to make capital investments such as utilities, sidewalks, and libraries. The Plan is the framework for most of Seattle’s big-picture…

Tacoma Sees 62% More Homes Enter Pipeline Following 2025 Zoning Overhaul — The Urbanist

# Tacoma Sees 62% More Homes Enter Pipeline Following 2025 Zoning Overhaul

Published: 2026-06-19T17:48:37+00:00

Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org)

Language: en

## Story

Tacoma Sees 62% More Homes Enter Pipeline Following 2025 Zoning Overhaul

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# Tacoma Sees 62% More Homes Enter Pipeline Following 2025 Zoning Overhaul

By Ryan Packer- June 19,…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].

Seattle Construction Permits guidance lays out when homeowners need approval, what delays cost, and why preparation matters, while a City Hall ethics explainer shows where Seattle’s watchdog can fine and disclose—but not remove officials or void contracts.

In this episode

1. Step Back — Seattle has an Ethics and Elections Commission, but when someone alleges a councilmember, campaign, or city contractor crossed a line, what can it actually do — investigate, fine, force disclosure, refer a case — and where does its power stop?Background sources
   • Seattle mayor's election campaign fined for not reporting $10K in donations from parents — Komonews
   • Commission Actions - Ethics-and-Elections | seattle.gov — seattle.gov
   • Council President Nelson announces new good governance legislation for city-contracted consultants - Seattle City Council Blog — City Council News Releases
   • Sara Nelson wants to restrict political consultants at Seattle City Hall | The Seattle Times — Jim Brunner
2. City of Seattle Construction Permits: Read This Before You Build – Fuller Living Construction — Fuller Living Construction

   # City of Seattle Construction Permits: Read This Before You Build

February 15, 2025 by Evan Dunn

City of Seattle Construction Permits: Read This Before You Build

Planning construction in Seattle? Here's what you need to know upfront:

* **Permits are required** for projects over $6,500 or those involving structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.

* **Skipping permits** can lead to fines,…

Daily TopFive for Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Seattle Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected].