5 ways WA lawmakers can steer our ferries back on course

By  Josh Farley Seattle Times Opinion columnist ABOARD THE M/V TACOMA — As a watertight steel door glides open, the heat of the motor room gives way to cool, marine air. I’ve stepped into M/V Tacoma’s shaft alley, an inner cavity cradling the ferry’s whirring propeller shaft. Not far beyond, the vessel’s steel hull cuts

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As Burien touts ‘nation’s highest minimum wage,’ some say it’s misleading

Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks Seattle Times staff reporter Organizers behind Burien’s minimum wage ballot initiative say the city has been using public funds to mislead residents and drum up opposition to the measure, which will come before voters in a February special election. If approved, Measure 1 would replace the City Council-approved minimum compensation ordinance that took effect this month.

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The new report on homelessness shows a catastrophe for WA

By  Danny Westneat  Seattle Times columnist In some ways, the report to Congress last week that homelessness is surging wasn’t news in Seattle or the state. People living under bridges has long been part of the fabric here. Plus the local count showing the largest number of homeless people ever in King County was already released

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U.S. homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people

By  MICHAEL CASEY The Associated Press The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and

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Priced out of Seattle rental market, more opt for backyard cottages

By  Jessica Fu Seattle Times business reporter Affordability crisis This story is part of a Seattle Times focus on the affordability crisis in the Northwest. We explore the high cost of living and wealth disparities that shape our region; examine policies that impact prices for everything from housing to health care; and offer tips for

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5 predictions for the Seattle-area real estate market in 2025

Condos and apartments fill the view around Rainier Avenue South, just north of Interstate 90. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times) By  Heidi Groover Seattle Times business reporter For many in the Seattle-area real estate market, 2024 was a year of staying put. Elevated mortgage rates and high home prices kept would-be home shoppers

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City Manager’s Report 12/06/2024

City Manager Weekly Report December 6, 2024 Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Public Meeting On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the City hosted a public meeting during which City consultants delivered a PowerPoint presentation on how the public can provide comments to the Port of Seattle regarding the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Assessment. The

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More paving, fewer trees. So much for a green ‘One Seattle’

The city of Seattle’s proposed 20-year blueprint for growth contains major changes for residential neighborhoods, paving the way for developers to build across lots with little room for shade-providing trees, writes the editorial board. Pictured is the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times) The city of Seattle’s proposed 20-year blueprint

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