Wonk Wagers

Seattle’s New Payroll Tax Is a Gamble

City council's latest business legislation levies companies the region is counting on to lead its recovery. Will they stay?

07/21/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

News Wire

The Defund SPD Debate Flows Between Streets and Spreadsheets

While Black Lives Matter-inspired protests continue, city hall squabbles over how to defund Seattle’s police force.

07/14/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Evict This

Seattle City Council Votes to Curb Winter Evictions

The new legislation aims to mitigate homelessness at a dangerous time of year.

02/11/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

News Wire

Seattle's Progressive City Council vs. Amazon

Kshama Sawant's showdown with Amazon is poised to come to a head in 2020.

01/14/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Glass. Ceiling. Shattered.

Meet the Women Who Fought for Their Place in Seattle Politics

Political pioneers like Bertha Knight Landes, Ruby Chow, and Patty Murray are the real MVPs.

11/26/2019 By Stefan Milne, Courtney Cummings, Lily Hansen, and Sam Jones

Climate (Policy) Change

10 Important Takeaways from Seattle's Green New Deal

Seattle City Council announced an ambitious list of climate goals. Here's what you need to know.

08/21/2019 By Lily Hansen

Growth Hangover

Seattle City Council Passed Its Biggest Affordable Housing Measure in Years

The plan allows larger buildings in certain areas across the city and pays for thousands of units of new affordable housing.

03/19/2019 By Philip Kiefer

Explainer

How the University of Washington Plans to Grow in the Next Decade

Between now and 2028, the campus anticipates expanding beyond its means.

02/26/2019 By Aly Brady

The Silent Treatment

How Does Jenny Durkan Compare to Past Mayors When it Comes to Public Disclosure?

A new executive, a new administration—same transparency problems?

02/26/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Bezos Bubble

New York Bucks HQ2 and Proves You Can Resist Amazon

The tech giant scraps its Queens headquarters as New York City officials put up the fight Seattle hasn't.

02/14/2019 By Anne Dennon

In Transit

Lisa Herbold Still Hates the Streetcar

The $285.8 million price tag and $65.3 million shortfall could be her best chance to kill the project.

02/06/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Sawant Wants to Change Hiring Process for Human Services Director

The council member blocked mayor Jenny Durkan's appointment choice in committee, demanding instead a different way to hire for the role.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

2019 Election

Lisa Herbold Is Running for Re-Election

The City Hall veteran says she's not done yet.

01/30/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Advocates Call for State Protections Against Eviction

A new study published by Washington Community Action Network surveyed more than 800 tenants about their experiences with rental housing.

01/30/2019 By Haley Gray

2019 Election

Former Police Chief Is Running for Seattle City Council

Jim Pugel built a reputation as an early supporter of police reform.

01/29/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Seattle City Council Freezes Redevelopment on Mobile Home Parks

Residents of Halcyon Mobile Home Park feared evictions when the property went up for sale.

01/29/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Sanctuary City

Seattle City Council Approves $12 Million in Grants It Rejected on Monday

Earlier this week, a council member's opposition to an ICE reimbursement inadvertently sank a routine bill.

12/19/2018 By Hayat Norimine

The Bezos Bubble

Amazon Got the Scrutiny in New York It Never Faced in Seattle

New York City council members don't want Queens to turn into Seattle.

12/16/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Growing Pains

5 Things to Know About the University of Washington Master Plan

Here's how UW plans to mitigate growth in the next 10 years.

12/12/2018 By Hayat Norimine

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