Seattle Reform Hits Courts, Transit Math, and HUD Risk — June 04, 2026

Wilson Pushes Faster Upzones as SPD Staffing Still Lags — June 11, 2026

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is accelerating the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan toward broader upzones by 2027, promising taller, denser housing near transit as the city’s reform agenda also confronts stubborn SPD staffing shortages and slower response times. IN THIS EPISODE 1. “Taller, denser, faster”: Mayor Wilson announces accelerated approach to comprehensive plan [https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WASEATTLE/bulletins/4114386] — City of Seattle  # “Taller, denser, faster”: Mayor Wilson announces accelerated approach to comprehensive plan | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | --- | --- | | | | | --- | | Office of the Mayor logo - press release version | | | | | | | --- | --- | | Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release… 2. Step Back — When Seattle leaders promise “taller, denser, faster,” what can they actually speed up on their own — permits, zoning maps, fees, appeals — and what still has to survive council votes, state rules, or neighborhood-level pushback? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Mayor Harrell orders comprehensive permitting reforms to accelerate housing and small business growth - Office of the Mayor [https://harrell.seattle.gov/2025/06/23/mayor-harrell-orders-comprehensive-permitting-reforms-to-accelerate-housing-and-small-business-growth/] — Kate Jacobs * Katie Wilson's 'Taller Denser Faster' Plan Starts to Get Fleshed Out [https://www.theurbanist.org/katie-wilsons-taller-denser-faster-plan-starts-fleshed-out/] — Theurbanist * Wilson Pledges 'Taller, Denser, Faster' Housing Growth Plan [https://www.theurbanist.org/wilson-pledges-taller-denser-faster-housing-growth-plan/] — Theurbanist * Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-council-looks-to-curb-appeals-that-hindered-zoning-changes/] — Theurbanist * “Taller, denser, faster”: Mayor Wilson announces accelerated approach to comprehensive plan [https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WASEATTLE/bulletins/4114386] — Govdelivery * Seattle City Council reviewing plan for more housing density | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-city-council-reviewing-plan-for-more-housing-density/] — David Kroman 3. SPD staffing shortages cause slower response times [https://mynorthwest.com/kiro-radio/spd-faces-staffing-shortages-causing-slower-response-times/3961243] — KIRO Newsradio  [KIRO NEWSRADIO](https://mynorthwest.com/kiro-radio) # Seattle Police Department faces staffing shortages causing slower response times May 28, 2024, 2:49 PM ![Photo: SPD responds to a shooting amid staffing… 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seattle-daily-fix/id1895649659] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6SnLmXKBtus9Fld4TOlCRJ]. Feedback? Email seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Sound Transit Resets ST3 Amid Seattle Accountability Tests — June 10, 2026

Sound Transit adopted an updated ST3 plan to keep light rail moving despite a $34.5 billion shortfall, while Seattle’s drug ordinance fight underscores how enforcement promises hinge on diversion, funding, and political accountability. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Sound Transit Board adopts updated ST3 system plan | Sound Transit [https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/sound-transit-board-adopts-updated-st3-system-plan] — Sound Transit # Sound Transit Board adopts updated ST3 system plan ### Affordable plan includes Link Light Rail construction from Everett to Tacoma Dome, West Seattle and Ballard Link to Seattle Center, design of full Ballard project A year after launching the [Enterprise Initiative](https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/achieving-long-term-affordability/enterprise-initiative) to address rapidly rising… 2. Step Back — Sound Transit just adopted an updated ST3 plan — but when a voter-approved megaproject runs late or over budget, who actually has the power to change the scope, timeline, or taxes, and what accountability is built in if the promises slip? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Sound Transit Board OKs Major ST3 Update, Casting Ballard into Limbo [https://www.theurbanist.org/sound-transit-board-oks-major-st3-update-casting-ballard-into-limbo/] — Theurbanist * Sound Transit plans to close $34.5B shortfall over 2 decades, reshaping light rail future [https://komonews.com/newsletter-daily/sound-transit-light-rail-massive-budget-shortfall-future-expansion-plans-cuts-seattle-everett-lynnwood-pierce-snohomish-county-federal-way-tacoma-fife-stations-car-tab-fees] — Komonews * Sound Transit Seeks Hail Mary Financial Tool to Complete ST3 Buildout » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/sound-transit-seeks-hail-mary-financial-tool-to-complete-st3-buildout/] — Theurbanist * Washington Legislature Delivers Sound Transit a One-Two Punch in 2026 [https://www.theurbanist.org/washington-legislature-delivers-multiple-blows-to-sound-transit-in-2026/] — Theurbanist 3. KUOW - Seattle City Council passes controversial drug ordinance [https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-city-council-passes-drug-ordinance] — KUOW # Seattle City Council passes controversial drug ordinance  ![caption: A drug user displays two blue fentanyl pills she is smoking in downtown Seattle, October 22, 2021. Seattle's ordinance making drug possession and public use a gross misdemeanor took… 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seattle-daily-fix/id1895649659] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6SnLmXKBtus9Fld4TOlCRJ]. Feedback? Email seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Seattle’s Zoning Rewrite Meets the Transit Math — June 09, 2026

Seattle’s One Seattle zoning rewrite and transit funding fight are converging: the city is loosening Neighborhood Residential rules under HB 1110 while Mayor Katie Wilson pitches a sales-tax boost for 100,000 more annual bus trips, amid Sound Transit’s $34.5 billion ST3 gap. IN THIS EPISODE 1. [PDF] Updating Seattle's Neighborhood Residential zoning [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/updatingneighborhoodresidentialzoning.pdf] 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .… 2. Step Back — When Seattle says it has upzoned “single-family” neighborhoods, what does that actually let someone build on a normal block — and which fine-print rules could decide whether we get real housing abundance or just a few pricier townhomes? BACKGROUND SOURCES * New Middle Housing Codes to Boost Housing Supply - Building Connections [https://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2026/03/02/new-middle-housing-codes-to-boost-housing-supply/] — SDCI Community Engagement * Seattle dropped key NIMBY rules. Why aren’t developers swarming? | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/seattle-dropped-key-nimby-rules-why-arent-developers-swarming/] — Heidi Groover * Seattle City Council signs off on new growth plan, zoning changes | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-city-council-signs-off-on-new-growth-plan-zoning-changes/] — David Kroman * Seattle Council Sets the Stage for a Potential Multiplex Boom » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-council-sets-the-stage-for-a-potential-multiplex-boom/] — Theurbanist * Addressing Seattle Housing Shortage: Mayor Wilson Releases Final Centers and Corridors Zoning Proposal  - Office of the Mayor [https://wilson.seattle.gov/2026/01/30/addressing-seattle-housing-shortage-mayor-wilson-releases-final-centers-and-corridors-zoning-proposal/] — Seferiana Day-Hasegawa * Seattle's Comprehensive Plan - Council | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/council/topics/comprehensive-plan] — seattle.gov * Addressing Seattle Housing Shortage: Mayor Wilson Releases Final Centers and Corridors Zoning Proposal - The Daily Plan It Blog [https://dailyplanit.seattle.gov/addressing-seattle-housing-shortage-mayor-wilson-releases-final-centers-and-corridors-zoning-proposal/] — iand * With a Year of Zoning Changes Ahead, Mayor Wilson Can Still Put an Urbanist Stamp on the "One Seattle Plan" - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2026/02/02/with-a-year-of-zoning-changes-ahead-mayor-wilson-can-still-put-an-urbanist-stamp-on-the-one-seattle-plan/] — ericacbarnett 3. Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus [https://www.theurbanist.org/bus-network-boost-from-wilsons-seattle-transit-measure-comes-into-focus/] — The Urbanist Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus By Ryan Packer- June 08, 2026 Share With a 0.15% sales tax bump, Seattle would be poised to see 100,000 more bus trips per year, boosting frequencies on major routes like the D Line and the 36. (Ryan… 4. System expansion | Sound Transit [https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion] — Sound Transit # System expansion ### KEY ## Expansion projects ### Filters #### Project #### Status Regionwide updates ## Spring/Summer Progress Report Learn about the innovative Wind and Wave Monitoring System that supports 2 Line operations across the I-90 floating bridge, find everything you need to know to take advantage of transit for the region’s big “summer of soccer,” see what our new five-year… 5. Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan (2014) - OPCD | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/current-projects/seattle-2035-comprehensive-plan] — City of Seattle # Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan (2014) Since 1994, Seattle's Comprehensive Plan has guided growth in Seattle with the goal of fostering a healthy and vibrant city for years to come. < [What & Why](javascript:void(0); "What & Why tab") [Project Documents](javascript:void(0); "Project Documents tab") [Background](javascript:void(0); "Background tab") #### This page contains information on the… 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seattle-daily-fix/id1895649659] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6SnLmXKBtus9Fld4TOlCRJ]. Feedback? Email seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Seattle’s Housing Plan Hits the Zoning-Test Phase — June 08, 2026

Seattle’s One Seattle Plan is moving from growth vision to zoning votes, with HB 1110 middle-housing rules and Centers and Corridors legislation determining whether promises become buildable homes. Bellevue’s Wilburton surge shows what calibrated transit-oriented zoning can unlock. IN THIS EPISODE 1. [PDF] Updating Seattle's Neighborhood Residential zoning [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/updatingneighborhoodresidentialzoning.pdf] — City of Seattle 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .… 2. Step Back — Seattle leaders keep calling the One Seattle Plan a blueprint for growth, but what does a comprehensive plan actually control — zoning, permits, infrastructure money, school or transit capacity — and what parts are still just promises until later votes? BACKGROUND SOURCES * One Seattle Plan - OPCD | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan] — seattle.gov * City Council passes final Comprehensive Plan legislation - Seattle City Council Blog [https://council.seattle.gov/2025/12/16/city-council-passes-final-comprehensive-plan-legislation/] — City Council News Releases * Addressing Seattle Housing Shortage: Mayor Wilson Releases Final Centers and Corridors Zoning Proposal  - Office of the Mayor [https://wilson.seattle.gov/2026/01/30/addressing-seattle-housing-shortage-mayor-wilson-releases-final-centers-and-corridors-zoning-proposal/] — Seferiana Day-Hasegawa * Addressing Seattle Housing Shortage: Mayor Wilson Releases Final Centers and Corridors Zoning Proposal - The Daily Plan It Blog [https://dailyplanit.seattle.gov/addressing-seattle-housing-shortage-mayor-wilson-releases-final-centers-and-corridors-zoning-proposal/] — iand 3. [PDF] HB 1110 - Seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/implementinghb1110.pdf] 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).… 4. One Seattle Plan - OPCD | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan] # 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… 5. Op-Ed: Bellevue’s Wilburton Housing Policy Actually Builds Housing [https://www.theurbanist.org/op-ed/] — The Urbanist Op-Ed: Bellevue’s Wilburton Housing Policy Actually Builds Housing 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Op-Ed: Bellevue’s Wilburton Housing Policy Actually Builds Housing By Joe Fain (Guest Contributor)- June 07, 2026 Share Shortly after 2 Line light rail arrived in Bellevue's Wilburton neighborhood, so too did a zoning overhaul bringing applications for more than 2,300 homes. (Doug… 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seattle-daily-fix/id1895649659] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6SnLmXKBtus9Fld4TOlCRJ]. Feedback? Email seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Seattle’s Missing-Middle Test Meets Link’s Ridership Boom — June 07, 2026

Seattle HB 1110 implementation puts missing-middle zoning into the One Seattle Plan, testing whether reform can produce homes without MHA-style drag, while Sound Transit’s cross-lake 2 Line helps Link become America’s busiest light rail system. IN THIS EPISODE 1. [PDF] HB 1110 - Seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/implementinghb1110.pdf] 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).… 2. [PDF] Updating Seattle's Neighborhood Residential zoning [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/updatingneighborhoodresidentialzoning.pdf] 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .… 3. Step Back — Seattle is betting again that changing zoning rules will unlock more homes — but we tried a version of this with MHA upzones and affordability fees. Did that policy actually deliver the housing and below-market units Seattle promised, and what should that track record make us watch as HB 1110 rolls out? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Seattle Leads Nation in Affordable Apartment Production » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-leads-nation-in-affordable-apartment-production/] — Theurbanist * Developers Ask for Mandatory Affordable Housing Fee Holiday as Permits for New Apartments Dry Up - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2026/04/10/developers-ask-for-mandatory-affordable-housing-fee-holiday-as-permits-for-new-apartments-dry-up/] — ericacbarnett * Developers want rollback of Seattle affordability program as construction stalls | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/developers-want-rollback-of-seattle-affordability-program-as-construction-stalls/] — David Kroman * Seattle property owners challenge 'affordable housing' fees for building new homes [https://reason.com/2025/07/17/seattle-property-owners-challenge-program-that-charges-affordable-housing-fees-for-building-new-homes/] — Christian Britschgi * Seattle dropped key NIMBY rules. Why aren’t developers swarming? | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/seattle-dropped-key-nimby-rules-why-arent-developers-swarming/] — Heidi Groover 4. Crosslake Light Rail Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US [https://www.theurbanist.org/sound-transit-most-used-light-rail-system-in-us/] — The Urbanist # Crosslake Light Rail Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US Published: 2026-06-06T14:00:10+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Crosslake Light Rail Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Crosslake Light Rail Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US By Doug… 5. One Seattle Plan - OPCD | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan] # 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… 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seattle-daily-fix/id1895649659] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6SnLmXKBtus9Fld4TOlCRJ]. Feedback? Email seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [seattle-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].