Joshua McNichols
Growth and Development Reporter
About
As KUOW's Growth and Development reporter and co-host of KUOW's Booming podcast, Joshua's "growing pains" beat sits at the nexus of housing, transportation, urban planning, government and the economy. His favorite stories also include themes of history, technology, and climate change.
Joshua holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington. Public Radio is his second career; architecture was his first. He is proud of the many odd jobs he's held in his life, such as salmon fisher, author, bike courier, and bed-and-breakfast cook.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: he/him
Professional Affiliations: The Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Chapter
Stories
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Mayor Harrell declares victory for Seattle's new housing levy
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other leaders are declaring victory for the city's affordable housing levy after initial ballot counts show it leading with voter approval.
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How one Redmond ZIP code built its way to housing abundance
Out of all the ZIP codes in Washington state, downtown Redmond’s has built the most new apartments, according to a new study. In the whole nation, Redmond comes in 10th place for new housing, behind ZIP codes in D.C., New York, and Texas.
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Could a streetcar be the key to reviving downtown Seattle's arts and entertainment scene?
Downtown Seattle has the Seattle Art Museum, the Paramount, the symphony, and some other theaters and galleries. But it hasn’t been the center of Seattle’s arts scene for a long time. Now, with downtown struggling economically, Mayor Bruce Harrell has been talking about a new arts and entertainment district downtown. He says he wants to put a streetcar right down the middle of it. The city has even branded the proposed streetcar line as the “Culture Connector.” So, you can’t talk about the streetcar now without thinking about the arts. This raises a question: What do streetcars have to do with art? More than you’d think.
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Audit alleges nepotism, other ethical problems at Seattle's building department
A new city audit accuses Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections of ethical lapses. 30 percent of department employees interviewed by the auditor said they have concerns.
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Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough 'affordable housing'
Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough affordable housing for the people moving into this region. That’s the aim of a new state law giving cities specific goals around how many homes they'll accommodate, and who should be able to afford them.
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Arts & Life
Seattle's Grand Illusion Cinema, indie film buff favorite, faces uncertain future following $2.3 million sale
The tiny Grand Illusion Cinema — or at least, the building it occupies in the University District — has sold to a developer for just over $2 million dollars. The theater’s manager said it will probably be torn down in a few years. We went to a recent screening to see why the place has become so important to film fans and filmmakers.
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Business
Ginormous South Tacoma warehouse project gets green light despite social justice, environmental concerns
A major warehouse project big enough to cover 43 football fields can go forward in South Tacoma, following a decision by Tacoma's hearing examiner. That’s despite concerns by environmentalists and social justice advocates.
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Government
Can AI reduce traffic deaths? These Seattle engineers are putting it to the test
Generally, traffic engineers know what will make intersections more safe. For example, letting pedestrians enter the crosswalk before cars get the green light. But given limited funds, how do traffic engineers decide which projects are most pressing? New AI tools could help.
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Law & Courts
Newly signed drug law gets mixed reviews among Seattleites
By Oct. 20, it will be illegal in Seattle for people to use drugs like heroin and meth in public. The new ordinance comes at a time of hot public debate over the criminalization of drug use, and is drawing mixed reactions among Seattleites.
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Arts & Life
'Acknowledgement that this is their home': Seattle's Alaskan Way gets honorary Lushootseed name
Seattle’s waterfront is undergoing a massive transformation following the rerouting of interstate 99 from a now-demolished viaduct into a waterfront tunnel. That’s opened up space for a smaller surface road and a long and skinny 20 acre waterfront park.