🚽 Did you check for rats in there?

One Last Political News Roundup Before the Holidays

The year is starting to wrap up, and everyone’s checking out for the rest of December, but there’s still news happening. Here are some stories we’re following:

• A Housing Win: Eight-unit apartment buildings are going to be allowed on every residential lot in Seattle - and even more if certain “green” features are implemented by developers. More legislation is set to be voted on next year, with a city council and mayor who are friendly to density and urbanism. [PubliCola]
• Gov. Ferguson Wants $2 Billion for Road Maintenance: On Friday, Bob Ferguson proposed paying for long-overdue maintenance on roads and bridges (we reported yesterday that he sought $1 billion for ferries) by issuing bonds. Pushing the budget further into debt will likely be a challenge to get through the legislature. [The Urbanist]
• Giant Billboards: City Cast Seattle Contributor Ryan Packer is reporting that the Harrell Administration is trying to push through an ordinance that would allow giant billboards and corporate signs on skyscrapers. Sounds vaguely dystopian. Ryan also includes info on where one can comment on this proposal until January 9.

Rick Steves Did Something Nice for His Unhoused Neighbors 👏

Edmonds local and all-around nice guy Rick Steves has purchased the Jean Kim Foundation’s hygiene center in Lynnwood. The facility was set to close after the property was sold to a developer, but Steves’ purchase means the center can stay open! The center has provided over 51,000 showers to people since it opened in April 2020. While we don’t want millionaires to be solving our problems, at least this one is doing something good with their money! [Bluesky]

Taking A Rideshare From the Airport? Follow This One Rule 🚗

SEA is reminding passengers jumping into rideshares this year to ask one simple question: What’s my name? In other words, make sure you’ve verified that the driver is actually legitimate and drives for the company you have booked with. This campaign comes in the wake of a couple alleging that a driver picked them up, drove the wrong way, and demanded that they pay via Venmo. Our advice: book a taxi! [King5]

Should We Get Rid of Cars on the Fremont Bridge? 🌉

The Fremont Bridge sees about 17K cars cross every day, 3K people walk across it every day, and it’s breaking records for bike trips. So maybe it should become a pedestrian and bike-only bridge? That would certainly screw up my drive to pre-school every morning, but in the long run, maybe it’s good for the city? Let us know what you think! [Seattle Transit Blog]

Find a Running Group This Winter 🏃

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to do some more exercise, check out this running club guide. [Seattle Met]