The Urbanist
Amy Sundberg, Ryan Packer, and Doug Trumm of The Urbanist (www.theurbanist.org) discuss the latest news and ideas related to improving cities and quality of life with a special focus on Seattle and the Puget Sound region.
The Urbanist
Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle
Ryan Packer, Amy Sundberg, and Doug Trumm of The Urbanist newsroom preview the session now underway at the Washington State Legislature in Olympia and break down the huge setback that the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement project was just dealt, via a massive cost jump pushing the budget near $20 billion.
Ryan recently covered a myriad of housing bills working their way through Olympia. Bills allowing smaller elevators and scissor stairs could make midrise buildings more feasible to build. The hosts discussed the pros and cons of legislation allowing residential construction in commercial zones in mid-sized cities, which was requested by Governor Bob Ferguson, but perpetuates a corridor urbanism approach that focuses apartments in polluted areas near dangerous highways.
The bills we referenced include:
- House Bill 1175 - Neighborhood cafes
- HB 1443 - Allows Mobile Dwelling Units on all Residences
- HB 2228 - Legalizing Scissor Stairs
- Senate Bill 5156 - Legalizing Smaller Elevators - Sightline Institute has a video explainer for more info.
- SB 6002 - Regulate Immigration Officials Access to License Plate Readers - Read Amy Sundberg’s article for more.
- SB 6026 - Requiring Mid-Size Cities to Allow Residential in all Commercial Zones.
Additionally, Amy and Doug recounted their first interview with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson since she's been installed in office. And the crew talks about their go-to parks for false spring reveling.
