Seattle’s Reform Queue: Rail Money, Homelessness, and Math — June 29, 2026

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].

Seattle’s Reform Tests: Homes, Harm Reduction, Transit, Streets — June 25, 2026

Seattle City Council weighs a $6 million Montlake land buy for 50 permanently affordable homes, while King County backs off a harm-reduction cut and World Cup crowds stress-test transit, Pike Place pedestrianization, and Little Saigon enforcement. IN THIS EPISODE 1. ‘Montlake Homes’ — City making plans for $6M acquisition of 520 surplus property for new ‘affordable homeownership’ project [https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2026/06/montlake-homes-city-making-plans-for-6m-acquisition-of-520-surplus-property-for-new-affordable-homeownership-project/] — Capitol Hill Seattle # ‘Montlake Homes’ — City making plans for $6M acquisition of 520 surplus property for new ‘affordable homeownership’ project Published: 2026-06-24T16:45:07+00:00 Source: capitolhillseattle.com (capitolhillseattle.com) Language: en ## Story The Seattle City Council’s housing committee will consider a bill Wednesday allowing the city to acquire surplus land from the SR 520 expansion and… 2. County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2026/06/24/county-adopts/] — PubliCola # County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists - PubliCola Author: ericacbarnett Published: 2026-06-24T14:19:28+00:00 Source: publicola.com (publicola.com) Language: en ## Story County's Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists -… 3. Little Saigon remains troubled a week after Mayor Wilson's open-air drug crackdown begins [https://komonews.com/news/local/little-saigon-remains-troubled-a-week-after-mayor-wilsons-open-air-drug-crackdown-begins-addiction-meth-fentanyl-homeless-health-crisis-shelter-police-arrest-misdeamor-diversion-seattle] — KOMO News # Little Saigon remains troubled a week after Mayor Wilson's open-air drug crackdown begins Published: 2026-06-23T16:42:32-07:00 Source: komonews.com (komonews.com) Language: en ## Story Nearly a week after Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said the city will no longer tolerate open-air drug use and sales in the Little Saigon neighborhood, conditions at the notorious corner of 12th Avenue South and… 4. Two match days, 1.1 million boardings, and a new single-day record for Water Taxi ridership – Metro Matters [https://kingcountymetro.blog/2026/06/23/two-match-days-1-1-million-boardings-and-a-new-single-day-record-for-water-taxi-ridership/] — King County Metro Two match days, 1.1 million boardings, and a new single-day record for Water Taxi ridership – Metro Matters Mix two match days, add some baseball and include a healthy dose of sunny weather. The result: record ridership as the region continues to choose transit over driving. King County Metro and Sound Transit have released preliminary ridership estimates of 1.1 million boardings systemwide for… 5. Sales Were Up at Pike Place After Pedestrian Pilot. Is That...Bad? [https://www.theurbanist.org/sales-were-up-at-pike-place-after-pedestrian-pilot-is-that-bad/] — The Urbanist Seattle is buzzing these days thanks to increased activity from the FIFA Men's World Cup, with pedestrian-oriented places across downtown and the broader city seeing major influxes of crowds. With new vehicle-deterring barriers now in place along Pike Place Market on match days, weekends and for major events, the Market has been a major magnet for locals and out-of-towners alike. The pedestrian… 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 Transit Gets a World Cup Stress Test — June 24, 2026

Sound Transit Link hit 280,000 boardings during Seattle’s U.S.-Australia World Cup match, while Metro’s Golden Gardens Direct turns transit-measure dollars into a beach bus. The stakes: whether event surges and small fixes build the case for bigger fall transit funding. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-light-rail-and-scootershare-smash-ridership-records-buoyed-by-friday-world-cup-match/] — The Urbanist Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match By Douglas Trumm- June 23, 2026 Share World Cup soccer fans cheering on the United States team helped push Sound Transit to a new ridership record on Friday. (Peter… 2. [PDF] HB 1110 - Seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/implementinghb1110.pdf] — Seattle.gov 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).… 3. Construction Permit Performance - SDCI | seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/about-us/construction-permit-performance] — Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections # Construction Permit Performance The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is responsible for issuing timely construction permits to help keep our buildings safe. Timely permits keep construction projects on time and on budget and help build Seattle’s housing supply. We’ve heard from the community that permits take too long. In response, we have new goals to speed up… 4. Step Back — Seattle keeps talking about rebuilding SPD’s ranks, but what does “police staffing” actually mean in practice — budgeted slots, sworn headcount, or officers actually available for patrol — and which number best predicts whether 911 response times improve? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Mayor Harrell’s 2026 Proposed Budget for SPD - SPD Blotter [https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2025/09/23/mayor-harrells-2026-proposed-budget-for-spd/] — Daniel Griffin * Police Chief Says No Plan to Slow Hiring Amid Budget Crunch; City Attorney Says "SOAP Orders Don't Work" at Aurora Ave. Safety Event - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2026/06/12/police-chief-says-no-plan-to-slow-hiring-amid-budget-crunch-city-attorney-says-soap-orders-dont-work-at-aurora-ave-safety-event/] — ericacbarnett * 'Not even treading water': Washington state continues to lag in police hiring [https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-state-police-hiring-bellevue-seattle-police-department-association-of-sheriffs-police-chiefs-statewide-population-bpd-spd-per-capita-dc-50-states] — Komonews * Seattle Civilian Responder Team Chafes Under Police Guild Contract Restrictions [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-civilian-responder-team-chafes-under-police-guild-contract-restrictions/] — Theurbanist * Seattle police ‘territorialism’ blocks crisis responders, leader says | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-police-territorialism-blocks-crisis-responders-leader-says/] — David Kroman * Public Safety Committee 6/9/2026 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kGezT1vKrQ] — Seattle Channel 5. Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens [https://www.theurbanist.org/metro-launches-summer-bus-from-ballard-to-golden-gardens/] — The Urbanist Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens By Doug Trumm- June 23, 2026 Share Councilmember Dan Strauss celebrated the impending launch of Golden Gardens Direct, a summer-only bus route pilot program, running from 15th Avenue NW and Market Street to the beach. (Doug Trumm) On… 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 Rules Meet the Implementation Test — June 23, 2026

Seattle HB 1110 implementation moves from state mandate to City Hall details, where parking, tree rules, fees, and permits can decide whether missing-middle zoning produces real homes. SPD staffing metrics add an accountability check on public-safety capacity. IN THIS EPISODE 1. [PDF] House Bill Report HB 1110 [https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1110%20HBR%20APP%2023.pdf] HOUSE BILL REPORT HB 1110 As Reported by House Committee On: Housing Appropriations Title: An act relating to creating more homes for Washington by increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing. Brief Description: Increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing. Sponsors: Representatives Bateman, Barkis,… 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 — If the state already told Seattle to allow more homes in formerly single-family zones under HB 1110, where can City Hall still quietly make or break the outcome — through things like size limits, parking, fees, tree rules, or permit timelines? BACKGROUND SOURCES * City's Growth Plan Update Maintains Seattle's Suburban Character, Including Mandatory Parking - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2025/09/22/citys-growth-plan-update-maintains-seattles-suburban-character-including-mandatory-parking/] — ericacbarnett * 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 * What HB 1110 Actually Requires Washington Planners to Understand About Their Zoning [https://www.urbanform.us/post/what-hb-1110-actually-requires-washington-planners-to-understand-about-their-zoning] — Urbanform * Court of Appeals Ruling Pushes Out Next Phase of Seattle's Growth Plan 'Significantly' [https://www.theurbanist.org/court-of-appeals-ruling-pushes-out-next-phase-of-seattles-growth-plan-significantly/] — 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 * Permanent State Zoning Compliance Legislation [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPCD/SeattlePlan/OneSeattlePlanPermanentStateZoningComplianceSummaryAmendedSept2025.pdf] — Seattle 4. [PDF] Seattle Police Department (SPD) 2025 Q1 Sworn Staffing ... - AWS [https://westseattleblog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2025/05/staffbriefing.pdf] — West Seattle Blog Seattle Police Department (SPD) 2025 Q1 Sworn Staffing, Overtime and Performance Metrics Report GREG DOSS, ANALYST PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MAY 27, 2025 1. SPD Staffing Slides 3- 7 2 Sworn Staffing SPD Staffing Plan – Actuals through March 2025 and projections through Dec 2025 2025 Jan-Mar Actuals v. Original Staffing Plan • Q1 Hires Planned: 31 Q1 Actual Hires Achieved: 43 • Q1 Separations… 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].