Politics Seattle increases police hiring bonus to $50,000 Mayor Harrell and the Council argue the incentive for experienced officers — now the highest in the region — is necessary to compete for applicants. by Josh Cohen / October 8, 2024
News Jumpstart: The fight over how to spend Seattle’s big-business tax Mayor Harrell has proposed redirecting more than half the 2025 Jumpstart revenue to balance the city budget. But how has it been spent in the past? by Josh Cohen / October 3, 2024
Politics Seattle Mayor staves off deep cuts in $8.3B 2025 budget proposal Harrell balanced the $250 million deficit with more than $200 million from the Jumpstart Payroll Expense Tax, plus the elimination of 159 city jobs. by Josh Cohen / September 24, 2024
News Seattle Council pushes alternative to social-housing tax The measure would use existing affordable-housing money rather than create a new tax, but I-137 supporters say the change could “kneecap” the new developer. by Josh Cohen / September 20, 2024
Politics 7 takeaways from the Washington attorney general debate Candidates Nick Brown, a Democrat, and Pete Serrano, a Republican, disagreed about almost all topics, from juvenile crime to police accountability. by Josh Cohen / September 19, 2024
News Seattle enacts controversial drug, prostitution ‘stay out’ zones The laws establish seven banishment areas for those convicted of or charged with offenses, but opponents argue they won’t solve underlying issues. by Josh Cohen / September 17, 2024
Politics Poll: Kamala Harris leads in WA; voters feel a glimmer of optimism A new Cascade PBS/Elway poll looks at how Washingtonians will cast their ballot for president and how they’re feeling about the country’s direction. by Josh Cohen / September 13, 2024 / Updated: Sept. 13, 10:35 a.m.
Politics Councilmember Zahilay proposes $1B for middle-income public housing The plan would use bonds to fund the development of “workforce” housing in King County for people earning 50%-120% of area median income. by Josh Cohen / September 10, 2024
Politics New progressive PAC backs Alexis Rinck’s Seattle council campaign The Progressive People Power PAC says it’s fundraising to “fight fire with fire” against businesses that support conservative-leaning candidates. by Josh Cohen / September 5, 2024
News Seattle opened 1,750 subsidized, affordable apartments in 2023 The Office of Housing made some progress on development last year, but faces new challenges from high construction costs and interest rates. by Josh Cohen / August 27, 2024 / Updated: Aug. 27, 10:45 a.m.