Seattle’s ST3 Reckoning Hits Ballard, South King and the Tunnel — May 27, 2026

ST3 Cuts and Middle-Housing Mandates Test Seattle’s Reform Agenda — May 29, 2026

Sound Transit is weighing ST3 light rail cuts as Seattle’s HB 1110 middle-housing deadline exposes the next reform test: voter-approved transit and state-mandated zoning both now hinge on execution, costs, and permitting reality. IN THIS EPISODE 1. KUOW - ST3 cannot be delivered on time, so Sound Transit is considering light rail cuts [https://www.kuow.org/stories/st3-cannot-be-delivered-on-time-so-sound-transit-is-considering-light-rail-cuts] — KUOW # ST3 cannot be delivered on time, so Sound Transit is considering light rail cuts  ![caption: A Sound Transit light rail car in Seattle.… 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. [PDF] HB 1110 - Seattle.gov [https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/implementinghb1110.pdf] — City of Seattle 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. Seven Takeaways On The Recommended Plan For Seattle 2035 » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-2035] — The Urbanist   # Seven Takeaways On The Recommended Plan For Seattle 2035 ![ Seven Takeaways On The Recommended… 5. The Future Takes Transportation: Efficient and Equitable Project Delivery at Sound Transit - Transportation Choices Coalition [https://transportationchoices.org/the-future-takes-transportation-efficient-and-equitable-project-delivery-at-sound-transit] — Transportation Choices [](https://transportationchoices.org/) # The Future Takes Transportation: Efficient and Equitable Project Delivery at Sound Transit by [Transportation Choices](https://transportationchoices.org/author/transpochoices/ "Posts by Transportation Choices") | Sep 5, 2023 | [Sound Transit… 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 Fights: Zoning Appeals, ST3 Cuts and SPS Deficit — May 28, 2026

Seattle City Council moves to curb zoning appeals while Sound Transit prepares an ST3 triage plan and Seattle Public Schools warns closures may still be needed to avoid losing financial control. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-council-looks-to-curb-appeals-that-hindered-zoning-changes/] — The Urbanist # Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes Published: 2026-05-27T13:00:30+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Lin Moves to Curb Legal Appeals Hindering Seattle Zoning Changes By Ryan Packer- May 27, 2026 Share The Washington… 2. Sound Transit Updates ST3 Plan Amid Financial Constraints – Seattle Transit Blog [https://seattletransitblog.com/2026/05/06/sound-transit-updates-st3-plan-amid-financial-constraints] — Seattle Transit Blog  # Sound Transit Updates ST3 Plan Amid Financial Constraints On Thursday, Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers will share a resolution to update the Sound Transit 3 system plan. This update will help align the agency’s future Link extensions with the available funding. Due to record-breaking inflation and more… 3. 'Everything has to be on the table': Seattle Public Schools superintendent says closures still possible to fix $87M deficit - MyNorthwest.com [https://mynorthwest.com/gee-and-ursula/seattle-public-schools-4/4242057] — MyNorthwest # 'Everything has to be on the table': Seattle Public Schools superintendent says closures still possible to fix $87M deficit - MyNorthwest.com Author: Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show Published: 2026-05-26T17:00:02-07:00 Source: mynorthwest.com (mynorthwest.com) Language: en ## Story 'Everything has to be on the table': Seattle Public Schools superintendent says closures still possible to fix… 4. Step Back — If Olympia has already ordered cities to allow more middle housing, how can Seattle zoning changes still get tied up in local appeals — and what tradeoff is the city making if it narrows those appeal rights? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Seattle Just Rezoned Entire City — That Was the Easy Part » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-just-rezoned-the-entire-city/] — 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 * Seattle Growth Plan Appeal Tests Laws Removing Roadblocks to Housing [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-growth-plan-appeal-tests-law-removing-roadblocks-to-housing/] — Theurbanist * Environmental advocates want more scrutiny of Seattle's development plan | KNKX Public Radio [https://www.knkx.org/law/2026-03-05/environmental-advocates-city-of-seattle-development-plan-orca-court-of-appeals] — KNKX Public Radio * Seattle Poised to Remove SEPA Review Hurdle for Most Housing Projects » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-poised-to-remove-sepa-review-hurdle-for-most-housing-projects/] — 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 5. Mourn the Likely Deferral of Ballard Link Extension [https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1tpfa43/mourn_the_likely_deferral_of_ballard_link/] — r/Seattle (65 pts, 35 comments) Some folks are hosting a satirical funeral procession for Ballard Light Rail on Thursday, 12 pm. Procession starts at 5th and Yesler and goes to Union Station. Wear black, bring epitaphs, and spend time mourning the hopes and dreams of public transit advocates for a comprehensive light rail system that reaches all parts of the city. **What Can I Do to Save Ballard Rail?** The Sound Transit… 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 ST3 Reckoning Hits Ballard, South King and the Tunnel — May 27, 2026

Sound Transit ST3 faces fresh pressure as Dan Strauss pushes a Ballard starter line and South King advocates demand promised stations, sharpening the fight over which projects survive the budget crunch. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Dan Strauss pushes plan to prevent Ballard light rail delays [https://www.myballard.com/2026/05/26/dan-strauss-proposes-amendments-to-keep-ballard-light-rail-project-moving/] — My Ballard # Dan Strauss pushes plan to prevent Ballard light rail delays Author: Meghan Walker Published: 2026-05-26T08:26:40-07:00 Source: myballard.com (myballard.com) Language: en ## Story Dan Strauss pushes plan to prevent Ballard light rail delays Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss is calling for changes to Sound Transit’s current plans for the Ballard Link Extension ahead of a board vote… 2. ST3 Truncations – Seattle Transit Blog [https://seattletransitblog.com/2026/03/19/sound-transit-truncations] — Seattle Transit Blog  # ST3 Truncations  Sound Transit finally addressed their severe budget shortfalls at the [March 18 Board… 3. Op-Ed: South King County Deserves the Light Rail Stations It Was Promised [https://www.theurbanist.org/op-ed-south-king-county-deserves-the-light-rail-stations-it-was-promised/] — The Urbanist # Op-Ed: South King County Deserves the Light Rail Stations It Was Promised Published: 2026-05-26T17:00:22+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Op-Ed: South King County Deserves the Light Rail Stations It Was Promised 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Op-Ed: South King County Deserves the Light Rail Stations It Was Promised By Rhonda Lewis- May 26,… 4. Belmont Tiny House Village breaks ground with plans for 32 new Capitol Hill homes by July | CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News [https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2026/05/belmont-tiny-house-village-breaks-ground-with-plans-for-32-new-capitol-hill-homes-by-july/] — CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News # Belmont Tiny House Village breaks ground with plans for 32 new Capitol Hill homes by July | CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News Author: Justin Carder Published: 2026-05-26T16:21:02+00:00 Source: capitolhillseattle.com (capitolhillseattle.com) Language: en ## Story Belmont Tiny House Village breaks ground with plans for 32 new Capitol Hill homes by July | CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News Thanks to a… 5. Seattle Advances Data Center Moratorium, Amid Public Backlash [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-advances-data-center-moratorium-amid-public-backlash/] — The Urbanist # Seattle Advances Data Center Moratorium, Amid Public Backlash Published: 2026-05-26T13:00:46+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Seattle Advances Data Center Moratorium, Amid Public Backlash 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Seattle Advances Data Center Moratorium, Amid Public Backlash By Amy Sundberg- May 26, 2026 Share Seattle has its own… 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].

ST3 Tunnel Fight Reopens as Seattle Tests Its Reform Nerve — May 26, 2026

Sound Transit ST3 is back in the hot seat as Dan Strauss revives the downtown tunnel fight, while Seattle weighs a costly Center bond, blocks a car-free Ave pilot, and faces hard limits on SPD staffing. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update [https://www.theurbanist.org/dan-strauss-restarts-downtown-tunnel-debate-on-eve-of-st3-plan-update/] — The Urbanist # Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update Published: 2026-05-25T19:15:51+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update By Ryan Packer- May 25, 2026 Share An… 2. Step Back — When Seattle leaders revive the downtown light-rail tunnel debate this late in ST3 planning, who actually has the power to change the alignment or scope — and what would that realistically do to cost, schedule, and other promised projects? BACKGROUND SOURCES * West Seattle light rail costs soar again | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/west-seattle-light-rail-costs-soar-again/] — Mike Lindblom * Will Seattle light rail keep its promise for your neighborhood? [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/amid-light-rail-money-crunch-what-now-for-west-seattle-ballard-everett/] — Seattletimes * Sound Transit should drop tunnel from ST3 to save money, says board member [https://komonews.com/news/local/sound-transit-light-rail-expansion-board-vice-chair-king-county-councilmember-claudia-balducci-expansion-costs-west-seattle-ballard-issaquah-everett-tacoma-inflation] — Komonews * Eliminating Second Seattle Rail Tunnel Could Save $4.5B, But With Major Impacts, Delays » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/eliminating-second-seattle-rail-tunnel-could-save-4-5b-but-with-major-impacts-delays/] — Theurbanist * Dan Strauss Restarts Downtown Tunnel Debate on Eve of ST3 Plan Update [https://www.theurbanist.org/dan-strauss-restarts-downtown-tunnel-debate-on-eve-of-st3-plan-update/] — Theurbanist * Tacoma pushes back as Sound Transit weighs ending light rail line at Fife, not Dome [https://komonews.com/news/local/tacoma-city-council-pushes-back-as-sound-transit-weighs-ending-light-rail-link-line-at-fife-not-tacoma-dome-link-extension-south-sound] — Komonews * Mayor Harrell Proposes Actions to Address Increased Sound Transit Expansion Costs, Deliver Seattle Transit Expansion - Office of the Mayor [https://harrell.seattle.gov/2025/09/02/mayor-harrell-proposes-actions-to-address-increased-sound-transit-expansion-costs-deliver-seattle-transit-expansion/] — Ben Dalgetty 3. Costs to taxpayers unknown as Seattle Center renovation plans ramp up - Mangaloremirror.com [https://www.mangaloremirror.com/costs-to-taxpayers-unknown-as-seattle-center-renovation-plans-ramp-up/] — The Center Square Costs to taxpayers unknown as Seattle Center renovation plans ramp up - Mangaloremirror.com (The Center Square – Seattle property owners won’t be the only ones funding a renovation plan for the Seattle Center. Private dollars will also be sought out to match or exceed any public contribution to the aging campus, said the city councilman sponsoring the renovation plan. Ron Saka, chairman of the… 4. SDOT Delays Response, Denies Permit Just One Week Before Event Due to Biz Opposition [https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1tnhopr/sdot_delays_response_denies_permit_just_one_week/] — r/Seattle (244 pts, 125 comments) \[Reposting without link to sign petition because that post got deleted by auto mod--see comment below\] An update from the Car-free ave pilot organizers regarding the denied permit, due to business opposition. Action network to tell the city/mayor have SDOT to grant the permit for the remaining two summer Saturdays planned for early September. \[Text from second image below:\] **An… 5. 'There are potential hurdles': Seattle council president says SPD staffing goals face constraints amid Aurora concerns - MyNorthwest.com [https://mynorthwest.com/gee-and-ursula/seattle-president-spd/4241131] — MyNorthwest # 'There are potential hurdles': Seattle council president says SPD staffing goals face constraints amid Aurora concerns - MyNorthwest.com Author: Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show Published: 2026-05-25T05:00:35-07:00 Source: mynorthwest.com (mynorthwest.com) Language: en ## Story 'There are potential hurdles': Seattle council president says SPD staffing goals face constraints amid Aurora… 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].

Vacant Storefronts, Social Housing, and Aurora Violence Test Seattle Reform — May 25, 2026

Seattle vacancy taxes are moving from West Coast experiment to local reform test as downtown storefronts sit empty, social housing buys its first building, and Aurora gun violence forces new questions about safety, staffing, and accountability. IN THIS EPISODE 1. West Coast Cities Turn to Vacancy Taxes to Grapple with Housing Crisis [https://www.theurbanist.org/west-coast-cities-turn-to-vacancy-taxes-to-grapple-with-housing-crisis/] — The Urbanist West Coast Cities Turn to Vacancy Taxes to Grapple with Housing Crisis 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # West Coast Cities Turn to Vacancy Taxes to Grapple with Housing Crisis By Collin Thrower- May 23, 2026 Share Aerial view of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, one of the pioneering cities in implementing vacancy taxes. Their data has a lot to tell policymakers. (Quintin… * > “Make permitting and regulatory compliance affordable and you'll have more open businesses. I'm a leftist and this is just common sense. How many empty storefronts do we have that could be a new small business? > That and commercial real estate values need to take the dive they've…” — r/SeattleWA (46 upvotes) [https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/1tmu712/west_coast_cities_turn_to_vacancy_taxes_to/onpnpbg/] Our take: We think this is the right tension: a vacancy tax may help, but if permitting, compliance, and buildout costs make every storefront a six-figure gamble, the city is taxing the symptom while protecting the disease. And yes, office values probably need to reprice for the remote-work era. * > “I’m prettttty conservative but honestly vacancy taxes seem like a good thing? > Just charge less rent bro! > Ok office space may be hard. But for fucks sake at least rent the ground floor commercial real estate out for cheap. Let some pop-up kitchens in or some artists or literally…” — r/SeattleWA (11 upvotes) [https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/1tmu712/west_coast_cities_turn_to_vacancy_taxes_to/onq9qr0/] Our take: The blunt version lands because ground-floor dead space is a public problem, not just a private spreadsheet problem. We would separate hard-to-convert office towers from retail bays, but “fill it or get taxed” is a pretty defensible civic bargain. * > “Seattle commercial owners don't even offer tenant improvements. It's ridiculous. A small business has to build out things like plumbing while paying full rent. There has to be some incentive to filling those spaces. Empty business space ruins neighborhoods. There are tons of…” — r/SeattleWA (30 upvotes) [https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/1tmu712/west_coast_cities_turn_to_vacancy_taxes_to/onpyf57/] Our take: This is exactly the small-business angle that gets lost: vacant space is not automatically usable space. If tenant improvements, plumbing, permits, and full rent start on day one, a vacancy policy has to push landlords and City Hall at the same time. 2. Step Back — Seattle now has a Social Housing Developer buying its first building — so what actually makes “social housing” different from the affordable housing programs Seattle already has, and what would count as evidence that this model is working? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Home - Seattle Social Housing Developer [https://seattlesocialhousing.org/] — Seattlesocialhousing * Seattle Social Housing Developer Acquires First Building near Pike Place Market [https://www.theurbanist.org/seattle-social-housing-developer-acquires-first-building-near-pike-place-market/] — Theurbanist * Seattle downtown apartment building tests new affordable housing model [https://www.tri-cityherald.com/living/article315867464.html] — Tri Cityherald * Tax For Social Housing Brought In Twice the Original Estimate, Mirroring Early JumpStart Results - PubliCola [https://publicola.com/2026/02/11/tax-for-social-housing-brought-in-twice-the-original-estimate-mirroring-early-jumpstart-results/] — ericacbarnett * Seattle social housing developer’s tax haul may be over double estimate | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/seattle-social-housing-developers-first-tax-haul-over-double-estimate/] — David Kroman * Audit finds WA homelessness agency ‘cannot account’ for $13M | FOX 13 Seattle [https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/seattle-audit-county-homelessness-agency-13m] — Connor Sarles 3. Seattle Times opinion piece on Vision Zero is dangerously misleading – Seattle Bike Blog [https://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2026/05/22/seattle-times-opinion-piece-on-vision-zero-is-dangerously-misleading/] — Seattle Bike Blog Seattle Times opinion piece on Vision Zero is dangerously misleading – Seattle Bike Blog ## Seattle Times opinion piece on Vision Zero is dangerously misleading Posted From the Seattle Times. Seattle Library card holders can access the story here. “Spending on safety isn’t making Seattle streets less hazardous” This unequivocal headline in the Seattle Times is completely false. The op-ed it… 4. Is the light rail safe in Seattle? [https://www.citizendailypost.com/faq/is-the-light-rail-safe-in-seattle/] — Citizen Daily Post Is the light rail safe in Seattle? # Is the light rail safe in Seattle? Contents - Expert Answer - Detailed Explanation - Related Questions ## Expert Answer Seattle-area trains on Sound Transit's 1 Line were involved in collisions 92 times in 2015-2021, about once per month, based on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data. There were 21 injuries and deaths, placing Sound Transit 15th of… 5. Mayor responds to North Seattle neighbors fed up with gun violence [https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/mayor-responds-north-seattle-neighbors-041730879.html] — Yahoo News # Mayor responds to North Seattle neighbors fed up with gun violence Published: 2026-05-22T04:17:30+00:00 Source: yahoo.com (yahoo.com) Language: en ## Story Mayor responds to North Seattle neighbors fed up with gun violence Advertisement Advertisement ## Top Stories: The Brief North Seattle residents are demanding immediate city action—including a crime task force, camera restorations,… 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].