Seattle News, Views, and Brews

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss how Seattle has handled a far-right Christian protest movement, a new report on how unprecedented police hiring could impact the city budget, growing concerns over a proposed change to the City Council's ethics laws, the fight over funding a "Welcoming City" ordinance, and an impending state-versus-city battle over density and growth. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

It's a patrons-first episode of your favorite coffee break political podcast! Former Councilmember Kshama Sawant is back in City Hall fighting a proposed ethics code revision that she believes could impact many of her legislative efforts with renter's rights. But the Council believes they're pursuing an overdue and necessary rules change. Plus, Governor Bob Ferguson has approved a hard-fought $78B budget that Republicans say includes the largest tax increases in state history. Host Brian Callanan of the Seattle Channel joins independent journalist Hannah Krieg of "The Burner" to cover these stories and more on a special patrons-first program. If you'd like to get content like this first, and support the podcast, become a patron on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the local races to watch now that the candidate filing deadline has passed, a new hi-tech tool for Seattle police, a debate over siting electronic kiosks in the city, a hi-tech homelessness solution, and a new legal complaint from a elected municipal court judge. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a plan to change the Seattle City Council's requirement that members recuse themselves if they have a financial interest, the passage of new automated traffic camera legislation, a connection between Mayor Bruce Harrell and organized labor, a "new" drug court plan, and a lawsuit from the Seattle Police Department's rank and file officers union... filed against the SPD. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a huge boost in hiring for the Seattle Police Department and new concerns about accountability for the SPD. Plus, we're talking about the state legislature's recently-approved $78B budget, a possible revisiting of Seattle's tree ordinance, and a legal battle over a nude beach in northeast Seattle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's concerns over how cuts to federal programs will impact the city's most vulnerable residents, what a relatively car-free Pike Place could look like, the ongoing investigation over workplace dysfunction at Seattle City Light, a new education levy with a major price tag, and a city plan to help developers with water main linkup costs. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a new legal challenge brought by the Port of Seattle against the city over the Council's recently-passed SODO housing measure, plans to reduce gun violence at late-night lounges and across the city, a pending increase for a city levy you might not be aware of, and a look at tensions within the Seattle City Council on public display. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's efforts to expand the use of speed cameras, a concern over lower projections for Seattle's Jumpstart sales tax, a sobering report on gun violence from the City Auditor's Office, and new work to expand housing options by state and city leaders. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a Seattle City Council plan to improve regulation of late-night lounges as a way to curb gun violence, a new statement about past pledges to "defund" the police, a multi-billion dollar budget gap for the state heading toward a legislative showdown, Seattle's attempt to stay in line with the state shield law for reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care, and a challenging pickleball problem in northeast Seattle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

It's been a challenging session in Olympia, especially with the threat of federal budget cuts and state revenues on the decline. Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel checks in with Rep. Chipalo Street, D-37 (Southeast Seattle) for more insights on measures he's championing, including rent stabilization, transit-oriented development, supporting dual credit programs for high school students, traffic safety, and more. Note: you can join Rep. Street, Rep. Tomiko-Santos, and Sen. Saldana at a town hall on Saturday, March 22nd at 10 a.m. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the wins and losses incurred after a bruising City Council fight over housing in SODO, a senior deputy mayor speaking out about a "toxic" workplace under Mayor Harrell, a plan to speed up light rail construction, Seattle Public School's superintendent leaving his position, and a story about earplugs you've... gotta hear. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the expansion of Seattle's CARE Department and it's non-police 9-1-1 response teams, some new challengers for city elections this fall, a democracy voucher program that's up for renewal, the City Attorney's lawsuit against the Trump administration, and a state bill on police hiring that's turned into a larger political battle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a new list of potential city programs (and cuts) the Seattle City Council is considering, a new development for Seattle's transportation levy, an unorthodox pre-emptive initiative proposal to protect the so-called "Parents' Bill of Rights," the first meeting of a Seattle committee meant to respond to federal policy changes, and a re-opening of bus stops in a Seattle neighborhood that needs good public safety news. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the pushback from Port of Seattle officials over a SODO housing proposal from Council President Sara Nelson, a plan to re-open a popular Pike Place park that's been derailed by a debate over totem poles, a look at the priorities of Seattle's new police chief, a new homeless outreach plan, and the future of the multifamily tax exemption system. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss Mayor Bruce Harrell's State of the City address, a push for transit passenger safety, a wage theft lawsuit brought by three City of Seattle employees, a look at what's next for social housing, and a revived proposal for a voluntary road-use tax. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

How are immigrants in Seattle and our state dealing with a blitz of executive orders on immigration policy? Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel connects with Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica, to get details on how challenges to birthright citizenship, the U.S. asylum system, our state's new "Family Separation Rapid Response Team," and more. If you need more information or resources for immigrants in our state, call the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) hotline at (844) 724-3737. Patrons received access to this episode first as one of the perks of supporting the show. If you'd like to become a patron of the podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the results of the special election on social housing funding and school levies, plus a split decision from the Seattle City Council on crowd control policies for police. We're touching on a raucous Comprehensive Plan public hearing on urban growth, and a plan to revamp Seattle's permitting process, too. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in Seattle-area public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a new City Council committee that's focused on how quickly-changing federal policy is affecting Seattle, a plan to incentivize downtown office buildings to convert to residential use, some positive signs for police recruiting, some new questions about Seattle's nearly-unused Stay Out of Drug Areas law, and a plan to keep Metro bus drivers safer. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the appointment of Mark Solomon as a new City Councilmember, a city, state, and national struggle over "sanctuary" status and immigration, a battle over land use in the SODO neighborhood, a new twist the Comprehensive Plan with regard to equitable development, and a potential pause on federal grants. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the competing social housing funding propositions on Seattle's February ballot, the six finalists for the vacant Council District 2 seat, the lawsuit from Washington State vs. the Trump administration's ban on birthright citizenship, a state proposal for caps on rent increases, and the "Amazon effect" on traffic congestion. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the struggle over creating new crowd control policies for the Seattle Police Department, how Seattle is preparing for a new Trump administration, how a new legislative session will impact Seattle and other cities, the 20 candidates who've filed to fill the Council's vacant District 2 seat, and City Attorney Ann Davison's re-election campaign. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss some new twists in the City's adoption of the Comprehensive Plan for urban growth, how a soon-to-be-appointed Councilmember might influence that process, confirmation proceedings for a new SPD chief, an new study on race and social justice for housing in King County, and an update on a app-based lawsuit brought against the City of Seattle.  If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the process and politics behind selecting an appointee for the soon-to-be-vacant District 2 seat on the City Council, a new plan to incentivize the building of more housing, selecting a new police chief, and more. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and Erica C. Barnett, publisher of Publicola, discuss the story behind the City's work on a new crowd control policy for the Seattle Police Department, an update on SPD's 30 x 30 project to increase recruitment of women, departures from the Council and SDOT, and more. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies - The Beltway BriefingListen for of-the-moment insider insights, framed by the rapidly changing social and...

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer, discuss a looming $10-12 billion budget deficit for the state, a growing majority for Democrats in Olympia, and the uncertain future of Initiative 2066, the natural gas measure. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies - The Beltway BriefingListen for of-the-moment insider insights, framed by the rapidly changing social and...

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and independent journalist Kevin Schofield discuss how the Seattle City Council balanced an $8.5B budget with a $250M+ deficit, why the Council rejected a capital gains tax (and why the topic may return next year), and some major changes ahead for Seattle Police. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon! Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies - The Beltway BriefingListen for of-the-moment insider insights, framed by the rapidly changing social and...

Why is King County's longest-serving executive in the modern era not running again? Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and King County Executive Dow Constantine discuss his next career moves, decisions he wishes he would have made 15 years ago when he began as the county's leader, Sound Transit, and the King County Homelessness Authority, too. Also featuring questions from show patrons! If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon.Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies - The Beltway BriefingListen for of-the-moment insider insights, framed by the rapidly changing social and...

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and Councilmember-Elect Alexis Mercedes Rinck discuss her win over incumbent Tanya Woo in the Council's citywide Position 8 race, how her progressive approach will fit with a majority moderate-to-conservative Council, her top priorities for the first 3-6 months on the job, and... the biggest facepalm moments of her Council campaign, too! If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and former Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata discuss the fallout from Donald Trump's historic presidential win, the pitfalls of the Harris campaign, the wave of Democrat support for issues and candidates in Washington, a new face for the Seattle City Council, and some patron questions, too! If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and Jon Scholes, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, discuss a new city ordinance that will waive design review for new development downtown, the DSA's take on the city's mixed economic forecast, the impact of Amazon's 5-days-in-office mandate starting in January, the future of the Overlook Park project, and an interesting question from one of our patrons, too. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and guest host Ryan Packer of The Urbanist discuss the latest economic forecast for the City of Seattle, a revised growth plan from Mayor Bruce Harrell, and some big financial challenges for two local transit agencies. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and former Seattle City Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis discuss where the City Council's budget discussions are going, a new power structure for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, the expansion of 911 alternative reponse in Seattle, and the opening of the new Overlook feature of the Seattle waterfront. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and former Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez discuss her next move in politics, her thoughts on having six new Councilmembers steer their way through a City budget process, the impact of SOAP/SODA zones, and more. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and independent journalist Kevin Schofield discuss the financial pressures and political savvy behind the Mayor's recent budget proposal, the uncertain future of the city's 2026 budget, concerns over police no longer reporting to all security alarm calls, and the transportation levy, too. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon! 

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and Erica C. Barnett, founder of Publicola, discuss the tradeoffs in Mayor Bruce Harrell's budget proposal, a new plan for lateral police hires and increased neighborhood surveillance, a new contract between Seattle and the King County Jail, and a major upheaval for King County's public defense system. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and guest host Justin Carder of the Capitol Hill Blog discuss the new alternative proposed by the City Council regarding funding for social housing, another housing program from King County (that sounds a lot like social housing), impending elementary school closures, the passage of "stay out" laws meant to curb prostitution and drug crimes, and an interesting report on drivers in Seattle, too.  If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in Seattle-area public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and guest host Hannah Krieg of the Stranger discuss a highly-charged meeting that appears to be leading to new laws to combat drug use and prostitution, a new agreement between the City of Seattle and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, another delay in putting I-137, the social housing funding measure, on the ballot, public safety in the C/ID, and a patron question, too. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a legal case finally dropped against former Councilmember Kshama Sawant, problems with a police accountability watchdog group, an investment in back-to-school safety, a major budget question for the Seattle City Council, and an answer to one of our patron's questions, too! If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

This week, it's a patrons-first podcast with an insider's look at last week's Democratic National Convention! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel speaks with guest co-host Scott Greenstone of KUOW about Scott's reporting at the DNC, the rising significance of Washington State in this year's national elections, and more. If you like this podcast and want to get this patrons-first content before anyone else, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a disagreement over mental health funding for Seattle schools, the Seattle's push for "exclusion zones" for prostitution or drug crime, a race to the finish to pass legislation for the City Council, a look at substance use disorder response in Seattle and King County, and a concern from one of our patrons, too. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

It's a patrons-first podcast on the future of Seattle Public Schools! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel talks with Seattle Council PTSA President Samantha Fogg about declining school populations (and funding), school closures planned for the fall of 2025, and school safety, too. If you like this podcast--where you can learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break--please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the arrest of Belltown Hellcat driver Miles Hudson, an ultimatum from DoorDash to the City of Seattle, a new agreement with the King County Jail, a push for low-income energy assistance, and a response to one of our show patron's questions. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the City's new plan to incarcerate misdemeanor offenders in a jail in Des Moines, an update on public safety from Interim SPD Chief Sue Rahr, the swearing-in of Chief Amy Smith of CARE (Community Assisted Response and Engagement), a troubling poll for state Democrats, and a looming challenge for restaurants over a minimum wage hike next year. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the continuing delay on passing new app-based delivery driver legislation, an update on equitable development projects, concerns about light rail expansion in West Seattle, a drop in the overall crime rate, and the story behind impending rate hikes for Seattle City Light. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the finalized version of the transportation levy headed to voters, tweaks to Housing Levy spending and the approval of an offices-to-housing measure, a new report on drug overdoses and crime, two new measures likely to qualify for your ballot, and an inside look at interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

After the Mayor's announcement about expanding CARE (Community Assisted Response and Engagement, Seattle's third public safety department), questions remain: how have CARE's 911-alternative behavioral health teams performed? Does expanding CARE mean we need fewer police officers? With host Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel, special guest Amy Smith, Acting Chief of the CARE Department, breaks down these issues and more. It's a patrons-first podcast, so if you'd like to get this content before anyone else, please support the program on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a delay in Seattle Public Schools' announcement to close 20 elementary schools, a push for improved public safety in our school system, a request to continue the work done by the street outreach company We Deliver Care, a move to put funding for social housing on the ballot, and an answer to a question from one of our patrons as well. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a bombshell announcement from former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, the legal case building against the Belltown Hellcat, mental health investments at the county and city level, and a new challenge emerging over how Seattle police recruits are tested. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the privacy questions surrounding a proposed expansion of police surveillance, a new vacant building law meant to prevent dangerous fires that's apparently overdue, the legal challenges surrounding the so-called Belltown "Hellcat" driver, an exploration of why small landlords are leaving the Seattle market, and a new program meant to stop addiction with the use of gift cards. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss Mayor Bruce Harrell's decision to remove Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz from his post, a delay for the City Council on two votes (to lower app-based delivery driver wages and proviso some equitable development initiative funding), and the interesting backstory behind a persistent issue of asylum seekers living in south King County. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's vote on police recruitment and retention, a possible conflict of interest on an upcoming vote for Councilmember Tanya Woo, a dismal week of developments for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, a public hearing on the proposed Transportation Levy, and what could turn into a battle over natural gas vs. electricity at the ballot box. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!