Podcasts about Seattle City Council

Eddie Lin, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his government experience and commitment to community-driven solutions. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Eddie Lin at @linforseattle.

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!

Jamie Fackler, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his opposition to corporate influence in local politics. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Jamie Fackler at https://www.jamieforseattle.com/.  

This week… The Seattle City Council is considering putting 8-foot tall kiosks, equipped with cameras and advertising, downtown before the World Cup. Historically queer nude beach Denny Blaine Park is back in the news after SPD told some beachgoers that being nude is not legal in Seattle - newsflash, it is. And if you wanna keep your OG Seattleite card, maybe don’t change your phone number… You may not be able to get a 206 area code much longer. Stranger Queer Culture and Politics Reporter Vivian McCall and author and blogger Geraldine DeRuiter are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Today, Thursday, May 8 on Urban Forum Northwest:* Eric Evans, Treasurer, Democrats for Diversity & Inclusion (DDI) is an organization that knows diversity is not their problem-it is our promise. Treasurer Evans invites you to support their fund raising efforts that will be beneficial to promising students.*Sophia Benalfew, Executive Director, Ethiopian Community in Seattle is hosting the Housing Justice & Community Power Summit on Friday, May 16 9:30 am-11:45 am at the Ethiopian Community of Seattle 8323 Rainier Avenue South. Agnes Navarro, Executive Director, Filipino community of Seattle will be panelist. Sameth Mell is one of the organizers for the event. The summit will feature remarks by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congressman Adam Smith, State Senator Rebecca Saldana, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Seattle City Council members Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Mark Solomon and Sunaree Marshall Director, King County Housing and Community Development (HCD). There will be a panel of Government and Institutional Partners.*Retired Seattle Black Firefighters Clarence Williams who was also past president of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and now serves as president of the Northwest Retired Black Firefighters Association comments on his expectations of MLK County Superior Court Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin ruling will be on the questionable sale of the 23rd & East Pike Street property that was paid for by the retired Black Firefighters. He will be joined by Seattle's first Black Firefighter and first Black Chief of the Seattle Fire Department Claude Harris. Attorney Yohannes Sium has represented the retired and Seattle Firefighters who opposed the sale of the property and he will comment on this case.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. X@Eddie_Rye.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, May 8 on Urban Forum Northwest: * Eric Evans, Treasurer, Democrats for Diversity & Inclusion (DDI) is an organization that knows diversity is not their problem-it is our promise. Treasurer Evans invites you to support their fund raising efforts that will be beneficial to promising students. *Sophia Benalfew, Executive Director, Ethiopian Community in Seattle is hosting the Housing Justice & Community Power Summit on Friday, May 16 9:30 am-11:45 am at the Ethiopian Community of Seattle 8323 Rainier Avenue South. Agnes Navarro, Executive Director, Filipino community of Seattle will be panelist. Sameth Mell is one of the organizers for the event. The summit will feature remarks by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congressman Adam Smith, State Senator Rebecca Saldana, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Seattle City Council members Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Mark Solomon and Sunaree Marshall Director, King County Housing and Community Development (HCD). There will be a panel of Government and Institutional Partners. *Retired Seattle Black Firefighters Clarence Williams who was also past president of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and now serves as president of the Northwest Retired Black Firefighters Association comments on his expectations of MLK County Superior Court Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin ruling will be on the questionable sale of the 23rd & East Pike Street property that was paid for by the retired Black Firefighters. He will be joined by Seattle's first Black Firefighter and first Black Chief of the Seattle Fire Department Claude Harris. Attorney Yohannes Sium has represented the retired and Seattle Firefighters who opposed the sale of the property and he will comment on this case. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. X@Eddie_Rye.

Should Seattle city council members have to recuse themselves if a policy proposal would directly help or harm their self interests? That’s been the guidance here in Seattle for the last 40 years. But a new proposal from City Council member Cathy Moore could change that. The idea to change ethics rules for the council comes ahead of contentious debates related to tenant protections and eviction laws in the city. And it’s set to go before the council’s governance committee today, Thursday May 8th. Guest: Seattle Times city hall reporter David Kroman Related stories: Seattle City Council to consider changing ethics code for votes - Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Federal cuts to AmeriCorps are reaching Seattle food banks, the Seattle City Council is considering making it easier for council members to vote when they have a conflict of interest, and the city is launching a free shuttle to take people around the new and improved waterfront. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Ruby de Luna. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

The Seattle City Council is cracking down on problematic after hours establishments. WSDOT is implementing speed cameras near work zones. The Tacoma News Tribune has a dumb story about whether or not police departments in Pierce County are ‘diverse’ enough. CBS’s Gayle King played the sexism card when addressing criticism over her space ride. // LongForm: GUEST: Scott St. Clair’s son, a USAF veteran, was taken hostage in Venezuela. He says Sen. Patty Murray is ignoring his pleas for help but is confident in the Trump administration. // Quick Hit: President Trump cut off federal funds to Harvard. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says he will go down to El Salvador to get Kilmar Abrego Garcia back if he has to.

In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck and journalist Amy Sundberg, who covers public safety and local policy for The Urbanist, discuss the committee's purpose and the challenges Seattle faces. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck on Bluesky at @alexis4seattle and Amy Sundberg at @amysundberg.

Rob McKenna on the GOP's turn on judges injunctions-LIVE // Nate Connors on the implementation of speed cameras in certain work zones // Colby Hall on the feud between the Trump administration and Harvard University-LIVE // Scott MacFarlane on why President Trump is not helping return a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador-LIVE // Luke Duecy on tariff impact being felt in Seattle and Tacoma-LIVE // Heather Bosch on FEMA's denial of the state's request for disaster relief after November's Bomb Cyclone-LIVE // Matt Markovich with a legislative update-LIVE // Luke Duecy on Seattle City Council's after hours ordinance-LIVE // Gee Scott on new regulations on hookah lounges and other after-hours establishments in Seattle

This week… It’s tariff chaos. Seattle is doing its best to navigate an uncertain economy as an import/export city. The Seattle City Council has a lot on their plates, but the main course might be interpersonal beef. And for the first time in 13 years, Seattle is getting a new Trader Joe’s… You might want to take the bus instead of dealing with the parking lot. Local drag queen and film curator Chase Burns and KUOW Community Engagement Director Zaki Hamid are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss:

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!

Seattle City Council unanimously passes a resolution acknowledging the failure of its defund-the-police efforts and recommitting to police support and reform. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/seattle-city-council-approves-resolution-recognizing-failure-of-defund-the-police/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #SeattleCityCouncil #defundthepolice #publicsafety #SPD #policereform #Seattle #Washingtonstate #RobSaka #communitytrust #policeaccountability #Latest

It turns out the Anti-Musk, Tesla Takedown protests are organized, not grassroots. At long last, the Seattle City Council has officially disavowed the defund the police movement. A California-based Ponzi scheme has allegedly hit dozens of Pierce County residents. // Rescued astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had some interesting comments on Trump, Elon Musk, and Boeing. // Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) roasted a dweeb reporter. We now have the identity of the woman who tried to steal a man’s MAGA hat on the NYC subway last week.

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!

This week… The Seattle City Council approved more housing in the Stadium District. Capitol Hill Block Party is making some big changes, including making the whole event 21+. And freeway drivers had to say goodbye to Slothy, an 8-foot tall stuffed animal dangling from a tree near Bellingham. Author Jodi-Ann Burey and KEXP DJ Eva Walker are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was an officer-involved-shooting in West Seattle. The Seattle City Council signed off a new plan to build workforce housing in SODO. An outreach team from a group called ‘We Deliver Care’ will begin operating in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood. There’s a fake jewelry scam going around Arlington. // LongForm: GUEST:Deputies with the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) are sounding the alarm over a lack of staffing. Mike Mansanarez, the president of the King County Police Officers Guild, joined "The Jason Rantz Show" on KTTH on Tuesday -- breaking down the staffing numbers and speaking on law enforcement being used for a political agenda. // Quick Hit: DOGE is working to cut waste in Social Security.  

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!

Guest host Mike Lewis discusses the week’s news with Gamoran Legal Consulting’s Saul Gamoran, Seattle Channel’s Brian Callanan, and writer and editor Sarah Anne Lloyd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Have you checked your mail today? It’s that special time, every two years, when Seattleites get 100 bucks from the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. I’m talking about democracy vouchers! That money’s not for you, though. It’s for political candidates you want to support in November’s election. And it’s a big one: Not only is the Mayor up for reelection. So is the City Attorney. There are also 3 seats on the Seattle City Council in contention. Two of those are citywide positions, currently held by Council President Sara Nelson and brand new council member Alexis Mercedes Rinck. Both of them are seeking reelection. The third seat is District 2, in southeast Seattle which is held by newly appointed council member Mark Solomon. These five races are all eligible to receive campaign funding via Democracy Vouchers… GUEST: David Kroman | The Seattle Times RELATED LINKS: Democracy Voucher Program Participating Candidates Have democracy vouchers delivered on their promise to make Seattle elections fairer? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Hollingsworth was elected to the Seattle City Council in 2023 to replace Kshama Sawant in District 3. Her victory was part of a centrist wave. But Hollingsworth sometimes finds herself on the more progressive side of council legislation. Does she see herself as a swing vote? She also gets candid with us about Seattle's racial politics, and how some white progressives seem more interested in speaking for Black people rather than listening to them.Our editor is Quinn Waller.  Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comThanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

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!

Steve Bannon pleaded guilty on Tuesday to defrauding donors to a private effort to build a wall on the U.S. southern border, ending a case the conservative strategist decried as a "political persecution." Bannon, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty in state court in Manhattan to one count of scheme to defraud, a low-level felony. Spared from jail as part of a plea deal, he left court saying he "felt like a million bucks." In this conversation with Jimmy, Bannon insists the prosecution was politically motivated and his relatively light sentence proves how weak the case against him was. Plus segments on Donald Trump initiating negotiations to end the Ukraine War and an interview with former Seattle City Council member and Workers Strike Back founder Kshama Sawant. Also featuring Kurt Metzger and Stef Zamorano!

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!

Our special guest this week is new Seattle City Council appointee Mark Solomon, who has vowed to serve as a "caretaker" for the District 2 position previously held by Tammy Morales, who resigned last year because of what she called bullying and gaslighting by her newly elected council colleagues. Solomon lost to Morales in 2019 and sought the citywide council seat that ultimately went to the person Morales defeated in 2023, Tanya Woo, making him the second person voters rejected in favor of Morales to be appointed by the current council.We talked about that, as well as issues ranging from the use of blast balls for crowd control (he supports it) to whether he'll vote to decrease neighborhood density in the comprehensive plan (he's ambivalent), to the concept of crime prevention through environmental design (he teaches classes on it and thinks it can help address problem areas like 12th and Jackson). Our editor is Quinn Waller.Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comThanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

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!

Governor Bob Ferguson released a plan to support families of deported immigrants, the Seattle City Council filled its vacant seat, and Seattle Storm are saying goodbye to a franchise icon. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023, Seattle City Council waded into controversy by passing a long overdue tree protection ordinance. The law regulates whether homeowners can remove trees on their property and designates certain trees as “protected.” This is all amidst a city goal to increase tree canopy. But that “protected” label is often misleading, according to a new story out in InvestigateWest about how the city is counting its trees. Guest: Robert McClure, co-founder of InvestigateWest Relevant Links: InvestigateWest: Seattle claims to ‘protect’ hundreds of trees that were never threatened InvestigateWest: How developers helped shape Seattle’s controversial tree protection ordinance Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!

Live coverage of Joe Biden’s farewell address (featuring snarky Rantz). // LongForm: GUEST: Brian Hodges (Pacific Legal Foundation) says the city of Seattle used a permit to try to coerce a developer into paying for city infrastructure -- and a judge sided with the developer. // Quick Hit: The LA Union Fire Chief got emotional when discussing how the wildfires could have been prevented. The Seattle City Council is considering a bill to allow ‘less lethal’ weaponry to be used by cops.  

The Seattle City Council is starting its year by taking on one of any city’s most controversial policy debates: growth. The Comprehensive Plan is now in front of the council. It dictates where and how Seattle can grow over the next two decades. Past comprehensive plans have concentrated growth in areas dubbed “Urban Villages” – places along major arterials, like Columbia City, Othello, Lake City, and Ballard. They largely kept neighborhoods with single family homes unchanged. The current plan continues that legacy, but allows for more density in around 30 newly designated “neighborhood centers.” This comes as Seattle continues efforts to comply with a state law that mandates denser single family zoning. Guest: Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, who represents Seattle's 3rd District Relevant Links: KUOW: How will Seattle's next comprehensive plan shape the city? KUOW: Seattle's growth plan inches toward more housing, draft by draft Seattle Times: Fault lines emerge as Seattle council takes up housing plan Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 people have put their hats in the ring to be appointed to replace Tammy Morales on the Seattle City Council following her surprise resignation late last year.  Today's member's-only special podcast takes a closer look at the 20 aspirants and the council politics driving the decision.    The council plans to pick a replacement on January 27th. Our editor is Quinn Waller.  Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

What’s Trending: A small business in West Seattle is forced to close after the minimum wage hike leaves her expenditure too high. Will technological innovations be enough to keep small businesses alive? Washington democrats are pushing new gender extremism bills that would radically change how public schools operate. And a new real estate platform lets home buyers check their neighbor’s political affiliations. // LongForm: GUEST: Seattle City Council president Sara Nelson says the Starbucks closure by Pike Place Market is a much bigger deal than people realize, and explains why she’s running for re-election. // Quick Hit: ‘Home Improvement’ actor Zachery Ty Bryan arrested again for domestic violence

Advocacy groups prep for immigration raids, Starbucks improves parental leave benefits, and is the Seattle City Council toxic for progressives? It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tammy Morales says the Seattle City Council is sliding toward "undemocratic behavior," Wallace Falls State Park remains closed, and we look at how social media can make or break a restaurant. It's our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tammy Morales to resign from Seattle City Council, SAM workers go on strike, and a candidate emerges to challenge City Attorney Ann Davison. It's our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. The transit project "Orca Wrapped" can be found here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands still without power in the PNW, Seattle City Council passes $8.3 billion budget, and immigrant advocates prepare for second Trump term. It's our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. What are your questions about storm preparation? Email seattlenow@kuow.org or leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW. We want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at SeattleNowPod, or leave us feedback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Powerful storm to bring high winds to Seattle and snow to the passes, Seattle City Council votes against a capital gains tax, and we meet some Trump voters in King County. It's our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW. We want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at SeattleNowPod, or leave us feedback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're not going to sugarcoat it. That election was tough. But there are some points of hope that can help us make our way forward. We got together in the studio to look at victories around the country for transit and safe streets, and to discuss how we can all hang in there together and continue making positive change in our communities. *** Support The War on Cars on Patreon and receive access to ad-free versions of all our episodes, special bonus content, stickers, merch discounts, and more *** LINKS: The good news from Nashville (Nashville Scene) The good news from Seattle (The Urbanist) Alexis Mercedes Rinck wins Seattle City Council seat The good news from San Francisco (SF Standard) New York legalizes jaywalking (The New York Times) Alameda County election results Pick up merch in our official store This episode was edited by Ali Lemer. It was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Transcriptions are by Russell Gragg. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear. TheWarOnCars.org