Seattle

Want Landlords to Lease to Families With Housing Vouchers? Try Asking in New Ways

COMMENTARY | The pandemic has brought new attention to the challenge of finding landlords who will accept Housing Choice Vouchers. A recent experiment offers lessons about what might help landlords say yes.

The Rise of Tiny House Villages in the Fight Against Homelessness

More cities are turning to the small-sized structures as an alternative to group shelters. But critics have likened them to "sheds" that fall well short of permanent affordable housing.

At-home Businesses Are Growing. Women and People of Color Benefit the Most

The pandemic has fueled the passage of new ordinances in cities and states allowing entrepreneurs to set up businesses from home — a boon for women and people of color who face systemic barriers.

Salmon to Swim Free as Infrastructure Money Flows

The Biden infrastructure law includes $1B to remove fish barriers in several states.

Route Fifty Presents: The Top State and Local Races to Watch on Election Night

Here's a roundup of the hottest governors' and mayors' contests around the U.S.

Coastal States Seek to Limit Seawall Construction

Hard structures can hurt marine life and accelerate erosion elsewhere.

The Case for Luxury Housing

COMMENTARY| New market-rate development helps relieve pressure on local housing prices.

Grocery Groups Sue Over Mandated Hazard Pay for Workers

Two industry trade groups sued the city of Seattle over a new law requiring a $4-per-hour hazard pay raise.

Justice Department Dubs New York, Seattle, and Portland as ‘Anarchist Jurisdictions’

The three cities were flagged for “permitting anarchy, violence and destruction” as part of the Trump administration’s bid to cut funding to cities where recent protests over racial injustice and police brutality have occurred.

Seattle Police Chief Announces Retirement As City Council Cuts Department Budget

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | A federal review finds racist practices at an Alabama public housing authority … Oregon legislature cuts state budget in one-day session … California vows to replace archaic technology that led to Covid undercounts.

Seattle Region Local Governments Will Continue Remote Work Until 2021

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Rental mopeds pulled out of NYC after fatal crashes … Tennessee governor disagrees with White House aide on closing bars … Police in New Jersey break up 700-person house party.

Seattle Mayor Says Police Will Return to 'CHOP' Protest Zone

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Correctional officers complain about discrimination in guarding of Derek Chauvin ... A city council member is arrested in Los Angeles corruption case ... San Francisco's mayor wants to move ahead with reopening.

Seattle Mayor, Washington Governor Blast President Trump’s Warning to ‘Take Back’ City

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Orange County loosens mask requirement ... Libertarians in Alaska sue over presidential election ... FEMA denies Texas' request for a disaster declaration for a 2019 tornado and other storms.

In an Attempt to Help Struggling Restaurants, Cities Regulate Food Delivery Apps

Several cities have set caps on the commission a food delivery app can take from a restaurant in recent weeks, a measure officials say will relieve some of the burden on struggling local businesses.

Health Officials Recommended Canceling Events with 10-50 People. Then 33,000 Fans Attended a Major League Soccer Game.

As COVID-19 fears grew, public officials and sports execs contemplated health risks—and debated a PR message—but let 33,000 fans into a Seattle Sounders soccer match, emails show.

‘Everyone’s Losing Money’: Coronavirus Strains Small Businesses in Seattle

The situation offers a window into the pressures the disease outbreak could create for local economies. Government officials are scrambling to come up with relief programs.

In a First, Seattle City Council Moves to Ban Winter Evictions

If the measure is signed by Mayor Jenny Durkan, the city would prohibit evictions of low- and moderate-income renters during the coldest months.

Containing the Coronavirus

In King County, Washington, the public health department is relying on temporary staff hired for measles and hepatitis A outbreaks to help investigate a confirmed case of coronavirus.

Seattle Passes Campaign Finance Restriction Targeting Corporate Donations

The bill approved by the city council would prevent any company with 5% of its stocks held by foreign individuals or companies from donating to local elections.

Amazon Is Spending an Unprecedented Amount on City Council Races

In Seattle, Amazon has spent over a million dollars trying to get pro-business candidates elected to the city council.