Seattle Takes Back Homelessness Contracts as Safety Plans Tighten — July 02, 2026

Seattle Takes Back Homelessness Contracts as Safety Plans Tighten — July 02, 2026

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 [https://publicola.com/2026/07/01/regional-homelessness-agency-right-sizing-will-largely-restore-pre-kcrha-status-quo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=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 [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/seattle-bill-allows-street-closures-to-deter-gun-violence-sex-trafficking/] — 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… 3. Crime holds steady in Seattle’s West Precinct [https://nwasianweekly.com/2026/07/crime-holds-steady-in-seattles-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%… 4. Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-tacoma-lead-as-washingtons-population-growth-cools/] — The Urbanist Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Seattle, Tacoma Lead as Washington's Population Growth Cools By Doug Trumm- July 01, 2026 Share Share on Bluesky Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share via Email Seattle continues to lead the state in population growth, adding 6,800 residents in new April 2026 figures that… 5. Seattle launches new strategy to decrease crime in Little Saigon | KNKX Public Radio [https://www.knkx.org/law/2026-06-30/seattle-mayor-katie-wilsonlaunches-strategy-reduce-crime-little-saigon-open-drug-use] — KNKX Public Radio Seattle launches new strategy to decrease crime in Little Saigon | KNKX Public Radio Skip to main content Menu Play Live Radio Next Up: 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 Available On Air Stations - On Air Now Playing KNKX Public Radio - On Air Now Playing Jazz24 All Streams Song information is currently unavailable for our players. Find what you are listening to by clicking here. # Seattle launches… 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 Reform Meets the Budget-and-Delivery Test — July 01, 2026

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 [https://southseattleemerald.org/news/2026/06/29/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 News Voices Arts & Culture Arts & Culture - Latest in Arts & Culture - Pongo Poetry Community - Latest in Community - South End Guides - Grassroots Responders - Unbroken Threads Events Events Newsletters - Sign Up for The Roundup - Sign Up for The Daily Emerald Community Passageways staff,… 2. 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 [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/seattle-bill-allows-street-closures-to-deter-gun-violence-sex-trafficking/] — Lauren Girgis * Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/seattle-officials-introduce-bill-to-help-residents-battle-gun-violence/] — Catalina Gaitán * KUOW - Street closures, SOAP laws. Can anything stop sex trafficking, gun violence on Seattle's Aurora Avenue? [https://thankyou.kuow.org/stories/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 [https://council.seattle.gov/2026/05/29/councilmember-juarez-and-mayor-wilson-announce-plans-combating-violence-along-aurora-avenue/] — City Council News Releases * Seattle leaders announce steps to address violence along Aurora Avenue | KNKX Public Radio [https://www.knkx.org/law/2026-06-12/seattle-leaders-announce-steps-to-address-violence-along-aurora-avenue] — KNKX Public Radio * Aurora Avenue North businesses fed up with shootings, sex trafficking | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/business/local-business/tired-of-the-b-s-aurora-avenue-north-businesses-fed-up-with-crime/] — Paul Roberts 3. Seattle considers removing Highway 99 in South Park — or doing nothing | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-considers-removing-highway-99-in-south-park-or-doing-nothing/] — 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… 4. West Seattle Link Light Rail: Final Design Phase Approved! | Sound Transit Updates (2026) [https://stpius5.org/article/west-seattle-link-light-rail-final-design-phase-approved-sound-transit-updates] — 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… 5. King County Council Searches for Footing with a New Executive [https://www.theurbanist.org/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 [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 Weighs Relief From Predatory Homebuyer Calls — June 30, 2026

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 [https://www.kuow.org/stories/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… 2. 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 [https://www.theurbanist.org/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 [https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/west-seattle-light-rail-ready-construction] — Lauren Donovan * Sound Transit’s expansion plans balloon by up to $35 billion | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transits-expansion-plans-balloon-by-up-to-30-billion/] — Mike Lindblom * How we will continue to fight for Ballard Light Rail - Seattle City Council Blog [https://council.seattle.gov/2026/05/29/how-we-will-continue-to-fight-for-ballard-light-rail/] — Dan Strauss * Sound Transit to decide May 28 on rail cuts, delays and phased builds across region [https://komonews.com/newsletter-daily/sound-transit-weighs-scaling-back-st3-light-rail-expansion-amid-34b-shortfall-public-comment-ballard-everett-issaquah] — Komonews 3. Washington weekly drug overdose tracker June 22-26 | Washington | thecentersquare.com [https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_0f899d5e-821f-4f33-9978-5ba431dcb125.html] — The Center Square Washington weekly drug overdose tracker June 22-26 | Washington | thecentersquare.com You are the owner of this article. Edit Article Add New Article You have permission to edit this article. 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 [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 Reform Queue: Rail Money, Homelessness, and Math — June 29, 2026

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 [https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2026/06/25/sound-transit-approves-over-420-million-budget-amendments-west-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/)… 2. King County's homeless population growth slows, but lack of housing, drug use persist | Washington | thecentersquare.com [https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_d1bb0b03-20df-4520-98cc-09e0665c9409.html] — The Center Square King County's homeless population growth slows, but lack of housing, drug use persist | Washington | thecentersquare.com You are the owner of this article. Edit Article Add New Article You have permission to edit this article. Edit A homeless encampment with personal belongings and makeshift shelter is seen along a sidewalk in Seattle. Photo: Spencer Pauley / The Center Square (The Center… 3. This Week on PubliCola: June 27, 2026 [https://publicola.com/2026/06/27/this-week-on-publicola-june-27-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=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… 4. Seattle's Sound Transit Refunds Debt, Saving Approximately $23 Million | Metro [https://www.metro-magazine.com/news/seattles-sound-transit-refunds-debt-saving-approximately-23-million] — 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  [Cover… 5. Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners [https://marketbrief.edweek.org/meeting-district-needs/washington-district-seeks-math-curriculum-west-virginia-system-to-purchase-diagnostic-screeners/2026/06] — EdWeek Market Brief Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners Menu Search Sign In Schedule a Tour Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners Schedule a Tour Meeting District Needs Purchasing Alert # Washington District Seeks Math Curriculum; West Virginia System to Purchase Diagnostic Screeners By Emma… 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 Reform Agenda Hits Courts, Budgets, and a Highway — June 26, 2026

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 ... [https://westseattleblog.com/2026/06/delay-city-councilmember-leading-comprehensive-plan-phase-2-review-says-its-on-hold-till-next-year/] — 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… 2. Seattle now faces nearly $500 million budget deficit as Mayor Katie Wilson considers new taxes | 570 KVI [https://www.kvi.com/2026/06/23/seattle-now-faces-nearly-500-million-budget-deficit-as-mayor-katie-wilson-considers-new-taxes/] — 570 KVI Seattle now faces nearly $500 million budget deficit as Mayor Katie Wilson considers new taxes | 570 KVI Click to open player flyout to access more features 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… 3. New Report Outlines Clear Case for Removing SR 99 Through South Park [https://www.theurbanist.org/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… 4. The WA Overdose Tracker Week 2 Update [https://newstalk870.am/wa-overdose-tracker-week-2/] — 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. Get our free mobile app 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 [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].