Mosquito Fleet Act Runs Into Choppy Seas in the State Senate
Ferry advocates had been hoping that expanded authority to create passenger ferry districts could allow them to supplement state ferry service in more areas. But changes to the bill in the state Senate could significantly undermine that goal.
Sound Transit’s Bid to Unlock 75-Year Bonds Finds Second Wind
After House transportation chair Jake Fey blocked a bill giving Sound Transit's authority to issue longer-term bonds up to 75 years in length, the sponsor in the state Senate amended the provision into a different bill that remains alive, giving the effort a new lease on life.
Neighborhood Cafe and Corner Store Bill Fails for Third Straight Year
The failure of HB 1175 to make it to the state Senate floor mirrors a similar fate two years ago. Bill sponsor Mark Klicker placed the decision to let the neighborhood cafe bill die squarely on Local Government Committee Chair Jesse Salomon.
‘Existential’ Budget Cut Would Wipe Out State Urban Forestry Program
The proposed state House operating budget would zero out the Washington State Urban and Community Forestry program, which cities across the state rely on to leverage federal dollars for trees. The effects of those cuts could be wide-reaching.
Legislation Targeting Ground-Floor Storefronts Gets Overhauled in House
After concerns were raised by city officials around removing flexibility to create vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, the version approved by the House local government committee sets a 40% cap on mixed-use zones where ground-floor retail spaces can be required.
State Senate Signs Onto Billions of New Debt for Highway Upkeep
The $2 billion in new bonding in the Senate's transportation budget would help bolster the state's highway and bridge maintenance spending, which has lagged due to longstanding prioritization of new highway projects. But the debt load could create problems for future budget writers.
Op-Ed: Why HB 2442 is a Lifeline for Cash-Strapped King County
King County is staring down a fiscal cliff that threatens to dismantle the services our communities rely on most. Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa lays out the case for passing House Bill 2442 to give counties another revenue tool to address their fiscal challenges.
Washington’s Elevator Reform Bill Rises Again
The 41-7 vote in the Washington State Senate advances a proposal that would allow builders more flexibility to install smaller elevators in smaller apartment buildings, a small step toward bringing U.S. elevator costs more in line with the rest of the world.