29 minJul 23, 2026

Will Seattle Say Yes to Taxes for Transit? Plus, SIFF Walkout, and Public Toilets Dethroned

Show Notes

Seattle's City Council unanimously passed the Seattle Transit Measure this week, sending a sales tax increase to November's ballot that would mean more frequent buses and 22,000 free transit passes for low-income households. Host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Ryan Packer and Chase Hutchinson to discuss what actually changed through two dozen proposed amendments, and what happens if voters say no. Then Chase explains where SIFF Cinema Workers Union negotiations stand after last week's walkout during a sold-out 70mm Odyssey screening. And finally, Ryan breaks down why two of Pioneer Square's public Throne bathrooms are being relocated.

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

Learn more about the sponsors of this 23rd episode:

Seattle Theatre Group

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931.

For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle.

Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle

Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Recent EpisodesSee all

Is Seattle’s Coffee Scene Missing Anything? Plus, a New Indie Rock Podcast and the Valley of the Gnomes

33 minSep 29, 2026

2004 was the year indie rock exploded on the music scene — at least, that’s according to a new podcast that launched last week. Host Jane C. Hu and Creative Producer Liam Billingham talk with Melissa Locker, executive producer of “2004: The Year Indie Rock Broke” and founder of Nevermind Media, about what was happening musically in the early aughts, and what that looked like in the Pacific Northwest. Then, to celebrate National Coffee Day, contributor Hannah Krieg joins Jane and Liam to chat about Seattle's coffee history , what the city is doing well, and what's missing in the coffee scene. And finally, Seattle Times employees picketing , Sound Transit’s new Pinehurst station opening tomorrow, and a little bit of whimsy in the form of the Valley of the Gnomes and “Are you my doppelganger?” flyers . Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram , or email us at [email protected] . You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise .

Our Global Fashion Influence, What Bees Teach Us About Social Isolation, and the Original Gayborhood

36 minSep 28, 2026

The Washington Department of Corrections has used solitary confinement for decades, often in violation of UN rules. Could a neuroscience researcher studying bumblebees change that? Host Jane C. Hu talks with journalist Carolyn Bick about UW neuroscience researcher Micaela Romero's findings and what they reveal about solitary confinement’s psychological impact . Then, Seattle journalist Jonathan Zwickel and CHUM News co-founder Meron Menghistab dig into Pioneer Square's varied and queer history and its recent resurgence as a fashion destination. To round things out, Jane talks with New Affection designer Siobhan Teahan and writer Andrew Matson about Seattle's globally influential style . Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram , or email us at [email protected] . You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise .

Mayor Wilson’s Budget Explained, Seattle’s Neon Sign Past and Present, and Boeing’s Grunge Influence

32 minSep 25, 2026

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by two first-timers to City Cast Seattle, Amy Sundberg, reporter at The Urbanist, and Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, business reporter at The Seattle Times. First, Amy, Megan, and Jane break down what’s in Katie Wilson’s budget for 2027 , including questions about the lack of revenue options and the increase in the police budget. Then, Megan talks about the history and craft of Seattle’s neon signs, why they could go away , and why Seattle is a neon sign town. After Megan and Amy head back to their newsrooms, Jane is joined by UW Professor and Imperialist Realism author Daniel Bessner , who is writing about the connections between grunge music and Boeing in his series Empire of Grunge . Daniel and Jane connect the history of Boeing to what’s happening in Seattle right now. That’s all for this week! Unless you’re a City Cast Neighbor, in which case you can hear Liam, Jane, and Ashley talk about adult hobbies and why Seattle is a good place to learn to do new things! Like… Gaelic football? New Ashley fact just dropped. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 25th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram , or email us at [email protected] . You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise .

U District's Movie Theater Revival, Elvis at the Space Needle, and a Popsicle Party

30 minSep 24, 2026

Host Jane C. Hu talks with Shane Wahlund and Michael Anderson, co-hosts of Collide-O-Scope , about how Seattle’s image on film has shifted over time and what they’ve learned from years of sorting through vintage video, found footage, and decades of film. The duo discuss their show “ Once Upon a Time in Seattle ,” from decades of car chases to Elvis sightings, and a surprisingly gritty Pike Place Market. Then, contributor Chase Hutchinson and creative producer Sam J. Leeds join to celebrate some genuinely good news: the Grand Illusion Cinema is coming back to the U District ! Plus, Jane, Sam, and Chase share recommendations for weekend plans.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram , or email us at [email protected] . You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise .