Washington

Buses in downtown Seattle on the dedicated 3rd Avenue bus lanes

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations

An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

March 28, 2023 - Axios

Seattle Transit

Fare Enforcement Upheld by Washington Supreme Court

But using armed police to enforce fare payment is less than ideal in the eyes of the top court in the state of Washington.

March 21, 2023 - Crosscut

Seattle

More ADUs Than Single Homes Being Built in Seattle

Permits for accessory dwelling units jumped by 250 percent between 2019 and 2022.

March 10, 2023 - The Seattle Times

Aerial view of Bellevue, Washington waterfront homes

Washington Could Legalize Multifamily Housing

A bill legalizing duplexes and fourplexes in most of the state’s residential neighborhoods passed the state House on Monday.

March 8, 2023 - The Seattle Times

View of Seattle skyline with houses in foreground

Thousands of Seattle Housing Units Blocked by Lawsuits

Legal challenges filed by condo associations are holding up multiple high-rise housing developments that could bring much-needed housing and jobs to downtown Seattle.

March 2, 2023 - The Urbanist

Rainbow painted crosswalk next to green painted bike lane on Seattle, Washington street

Seattle Vision Zero Review Largely Misses the Point

The city released what it called a comprehensive review of its Vision Zero initiatives, but one critic argues the report doesn’t address some key opportunities for improving road safety.

March 1, 2023 - The Urbanist

Adult holding small child and holding hand of older child walking across crosswalk

Where Washington Students Lack Safe Walking Routes

In many rural and suburban Washington state communities, children who walk or bike to school don’t have access to safe, adequate pedestrian facilities.

February 22, 2023 - The Seattle Times

Washington

Washington Could Legalize Single-Staircase Buildings

Supporters of ‘point access blocks,’ which are common in Europe and other parts of the world, say the design maximizes living space and lowers the cost of construction.

February 8, 2023 - The Urbanist

Covered pergolas for outdoor dining line the curb on Ballard Avenue, Seattle

Seattle Historic District Could Remove Street Dining

Despite the popularity of Ballard Avenue’s outdoor dining pergolas, some district board members argue the patios don’t match the district’s historic character.

February 7, 2023 - The Urbanist

View of Tacoma, Washington with Mount Rainier in background

Tacoma Developing New Housing Policy

The city’s Home in Tacoma plan is designed to address the region’s growth and rising housing prices, but faces local backlash over density and affordability concerns.

February 2, 2023 - The Urbanist

Pedestrians in zebra crosswalk with green bike lane in downtown Seattle, Washington with three-story brick building in background

Washington Focuses Road Safety Efforts on Individuals, Neglecting Design

Legislative efforts to reduce traffic deaths could move the needle toward Vision Zero, but state leaders failed to commit infrastructure funds to making structural improvements.

February 1, 2023 - The Urbanist

Seattle buses in line at a depot with Seattle skyline in background

Seattle Brings Free Transit to Public Housing

Linking transit programs to housing can lower administrative costs and streamline the process for riders.

January 31, 2023 - Route Fifty

Stoplight with green light and "no right turn on red" pictograph on overhead signal

Traffic Safety Bills Proposed in Washington’s State Legislature

As traffic fatalities continue to climb in Washington and around the country, three proposed state bills would prohibit some right turns on red, reduce the BAC limit for DUI arrests, and require more young drivers to take driver’s education courses.

January 31, 2023 - KATU.com

View of downtown Seattle across a body of water with colorful houses in the foreground

Op-Ed: Seattle’s ADU Rules Leave Long-Term Renters Out in the Cold

One resident argues that adding a unit for long-term rental is too expensive and difficult, especially when compared to the city’s ‘super easy’ process for permitting a short-term or vacation rental.

January 24, 2023 - The Seattle Times

View of Washington state capitol building dome from across lake with green trees in foreground and grey cloudy sky

Washington’s Proposed Housing Bills, Explained

The 2023 Washington state legislature will evaluate a slew of proposals aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.

January 15, 2023 - Crosscut

View of pedestrian suspension bridge over waterway surrounded by green grass with small apartment buildings in background

Pedestrian Deaths Spike in King County Cities

Eight cities in Washington’s King County saw sharp increases in traffic fatalities, signaling a need for more robust road safety and traffic calming policies.

January 11, 2023 - The Urbanist

Aerial view of waterfront houses in Seattle, Washington

How Zoning Changes Could Boost Housing Supply in Seattle

The Puget Sound region could benefit from zoning tweaks that would encourage more transit-oriented development and ‘gentle’ density increases, new research finds.

January 9, 2023 - Urban Institute

Black and white 25 mph speed limit sign on post with trees in background

Tacoma’s Lower Speed Limits Take Effect

The city hopes reducing speed limits will help them achieve their Vision Zero pledge.

January 3, 2023 - King 5 News

Seattle Road Toll

Seattle’s SR 99 Tunnel Seeking State Bailout

The beleaguered project is not bringing in the expected toll revenue, leaving the Washington Transportation Commission on the hook for construction costs.

December 27, 2022 - The Urbanist

Gold Seattle Streetcar on street against stormy gray sky

Boosters Hope Streetcar Could Breathe New Life into Downtown Seattle

Supporters of a stalled streetcar project say reviving the line would create more transit connections and boost economic development in the area.

December 21, 2022 - The Urbanist

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