The Urbanist’s mission is to tell stories that inform and influence the public and their leaders — and win them to our vision of people-centered cities in the Puget Sound region. We seek to influence urban policy in the Puget Sound region to deliver abundant housing, safe streets, ubiquitous rapid transit, and a strong, just, decarbonized economy. | The Urbanist
# Partnering with Republicans on housing supply may have helped doom tenant legislation. Last Wednesday marked a major deadline for bills in the Washington State Legislature, and rent stabilization didn't make the cut. State Democratic leaders had talked about the need for a three-legged stool of housing supply, subsidy, and stability at the start of session.| The Urbanist » Advocacy journalism for better cities.
# The Washington State Legislature adjourned on March 10th with some significant wins and some very concerning whiffs. Republicans stayed true to their do nothing brand, whining about not being included but gumming up the works every time they were. Unfortunately, despite their strong majorities, Democrats left too much undone and let Republicans, with aid from| The Urbanist » Advocacy journalism for better cities.
Sen. Annette Cleveland on Wednesday voted against a rent stabilization bill that proposed to limit rent increases in Washington to 15 percent or lower depending on the choices of local governments. He| The Columbian
# If you've taken introductory economics, you've likely heard some bad things about rent control. Most economists (e.g., 81%) don't like it. Generally, economists argue rent control restricts housing supply and is counterproductive to affordability in the long-term. But could that consensus be eroding? Seattle rents doggedly continue skyrocketing, and politically rent control is making a| The Urbanist » Advocacy journalism for better cities.
