Seattle’s Transit Reset Collides With Accountability Tests — June 03, 2026

Seattle’s Transit Reset Collides With Accountability Tests — June 03, 2026

Sound Transit’s ST3 reset keeps some light-rail projects moving while Ballard falls into limbo, as Mayor Katie Wilson proposes doubling Seattle’s transit measure for bus service. City Hall also presses KCRHA for an August decision amid school and drug-policy accountability fights. Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: [https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=seattle-daily-fix] 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. Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network [https://www.theurbanist.org/wilson-proposes-doubling-seattle-transit-measure-to-expand-bus-frequencies/] — The Urbanist Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Measure to Beef Up Seattle's Frequent Network By Ryan Packer- June 02, 2026 Share The amount of funding collected by Seattle's dedicated bus funding ballot measure would double under the proposed renewal announced by Mayor Katie Wilson… 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… 4. Here are the documents SPS says mandate keeping controversial principal [https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/seattle/article315976067.html] — The Olympian # Here are the documents SPS says mandate keeping controversial principal Published: 2026-06-02T06:42:14-07:00 Source: theolympian.com (theolympian.com) Language: en ## Story Despite community uproar in April, Anitra Jones began her tenure as principal of Adams Elementary School in Ballard on May 18, after longtime Principal Doug Sohn went on leave. Jones' appointment is arguably the most… 5. Seattle council gives mayor until August 1 to decide fate of King County homelessness agency [https://mynorthwest.com/mynorthwest-politics/homelessness-agency/4244261] — MyNorthwest # Seattle council gives mayor until August 1 to decide fate of King County homelessness agency Author: Frank Lenzi Published: 2026-06-02T16:57:06-07:00 Source: mynorthwest.com (mynorthwest.com) Language: en ## Story Seattle council gives mayor until August 1 to decide fate of King County homelessness agency Close MyNorthwest News Opinion Sports Tools Connect # Seattle council gives… 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 Gaps Show Up in Schools, Safety, and Oversight — June 02, 2026

Seattle Public Schools data exposes four-grade racial and income gaps, while King County and Washington agencies face new scrutiny over fraud controls, public-records delays, police staffing, and crisis-response funding. Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: [https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=seattle-daily-fix] IN THIS EPISODE 1. Seattle Public Schools may look OK on the surface. But dig deeper | The Seattle Times [https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/seattle-public-schools-may-look-ok-on-the-surface-but-dig-deeper/] — The Seattle Times Seattle Public Schools may look OK on the surface. But dig deeper | The Seattle Times By The Seattle Times editorial board Higher-order thinking involves the ability to problem-solve and, often, to hold two seemingly contradictory ideas simultaneously. So, it’s only fitting that this principle applies to Seattle Public Schools, which is apparently pretty good at teaching advanced concepts to… 2. Laurelhurst Blog: Councilmember Pedersen Update on Seattle Police Department Staffing [http://thelaurelhurstblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/councilmember-pedersen-update-on.html] — Laurelhurst Blog Laurelhurst Blog: Councilmember Pedersen Update on Seattle Police Department Staffing skip to main | skip to sidebar A neighbor would like to share this public safety nformation that Councilmember Pedersen with District 4, which includes Laurelhurst published in his recent newsletter. PUBLIC SAFETY | # of Officers Decrease, Police Response Times Increase | | --- | In my newsletters in April… 3. King County DCHS Seeks to Put Fraud Concerns to Bed with New Protocol [https://www.theurbanist.org/king-county-dchs-seeks-to-put-fraud-concerns-to-bed-with-new-protocol/] — The Urbanist King County DCHS Seeks to Put Fraud Concerns to Bed with New Protocol 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # King County DCHS Seeks to Put Fraud Concerns to Bed with New Protocol By Amy Sundberg- June 01, 2026 Share King County's health department has implemented fraud-prevention measures, but some county councilmembers still have concerns. (Ryan Packer) The King County Office of the… 4. How fast are Washington agencies? A look at public records turnaround times | The Reflector [https://www.thereflector.com/stories/how-fast-are-washington-agencies-a-look-at-public-records-turnaround-times,403320] — The Reflector How fast are Washington agencies? A look at public records turnaround times | The Reflector Monday, June 1, 2026 Observed from Battle Ground The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Ridley Hudson | ridley@chronline.com Posted Monday, June 1, 2026 9:44 am A new ranking of how state agencies, utilities, school districts and other public… 5. Washington's Crisis Response at a Crossroads Amid Federal Funding Threats - Behavioral Healthcare Network [https://www.bhnet.org/59044/washingtons-crisis-response-at-a-crossroads-amid-federal-funding-threats/] — Behavioral Healthcare Network Washington's Crisis Response at a Crossroads Amid Federal Funding Threats - Behavioral Healthcare Network Close Menu Share EVERETT, SEATTLE, SPOKANE, YAKIMA, Wash. – June 01, 2026 – A new statewide campaign launched today aims to spotlight a widely praised solution to the growing behavioral health crisis, just as federal policy changes threaten to dismantle its financial foundation. 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].

Ballard Rail Gap Tests Seattle’s Reform Agenda — June 01, 2026

Sound Transit left Ballard light rail without construction funding, while Seattle wrestles with whether zoning reform, MHA fees, school accountability, and Aurora street closures can turn policy promises into actual homes, safety, and service. IN THIS EPISODE 1. 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/] — Seattle City Council Blog How we will continue to fight for Ballard Light Rail - Seattle City Council Blog Last night, the Sound Transit Board voted to approve a proposal that put the future funding of Ballard Light Rail into question. Despite being projected to serve the most daily riders of any Sound Transit project, funding to complete construction of the project has not been identified. I pushed every lever I had to… 2. Step Back — Seattle just rezoned the whole city — but what actually has to happen before that turns into more homes people can live in, and where can the process still get jammed up by permits, fees, financing, or neighborhood-specific rules? BACKGROUND SOURCES * 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 * 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 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 * 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 * OPCD Further Trims Corridor Upzones in Newly Unveiled Seattle Zoning Maps » The Urbanist [https://www.theurbanist.org/opcd-further-trims-corridor-upzones-in-newly-unveiled-seattle-zoning-maps/] — Theurbanist * 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 3. Op-Ed: The Case Against Slashing Seattle’s Housing Affordability Fees [https://www.theurbanist.org/op-ed-the-case-against-slashing-seattles-housing-affordability-fees/] — The Urbanist # Op-Ed: The Case Against Slashing Seattle’s Housing Affordability Fees Published: 2026-05-30T14:00:43+00:00 Source: theurbanist.org (theurbanist.org) Language: en ## Story Op-Ed: The Case Against Slashing Seattle’s Housing Affordability Fees 📰 Support nonprofit journalism Donate # Op-Ed: The Case Against Slashing Seattle’s Housing Affordability Fees By Ryan Donohue (Guest Contributor)- May… 4. West Seattle Blog… | ‘Whatever it takes,’ promises Seattle Public Schools superintendent as South Park community airs concerns [https://westseattleblog.com/2026/05/whatever-it-takes-promises-seattle-public-schools-superintendent-as-south-park-community-airs-concerns/] — West Seattle Blog # West Seattle Blog… | ‘Whatever it takes,’ promises Seattle Public Schools superintendent as South Park community airs concerns Published: 2026-05-29T19:01:00+00:00 Source: westseattleblog.com (westseattleblog.com) Language: en ## Story West Seattle Blog… | ‘Whatever it takes,’ promises Seattle Public Schools superintendent as South Park community airs concerns - VIDEO, PHOTOS: Forest Lawn’s… 5. 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/] — The Seattle Times # Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times Author: Catalina Gaitán Published: 2026-05-29T10:00:00-07:00 Source: seattletimes.com (seattletimes.com) Language: en ## Story Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times By Seattle Times breaking news reporter After some North Seattle neighbors blocked… 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 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].