Could vacant office spaces across the U.S. be the solution to a national problem? A recent study calculated that about a fifth of U.S. office space was vacant at the end of last year. What is the fate of all this empty real estate? Manuela López Restrepo Play AudioListen 5 mins
The hottest trend in U.S. cities? Changing zoning rules to allow more housing As Americans struggle to find affordable housing, cities are realizing their own rules have made it too hard and expensive to build the homes they need. Now, some cities are trying to change that. Laurel Wamsley Play AudioListen 5 mins
Safe parking lots are trending, but can the Seattle area meet the need? Safe parking programs have gained traction in recent years – there are now an estimated dozen lots available across the state, many sponsored by churches. They’re responding to an often invisible problem: people who sleep in their vehicles, with nowhere to legally park and access a restroom. But identifying the need – and ramping up services – are two different challenges. Libby Denkmann Alec Cowan Play AudioListen 27 mins
Can WA legislators fix high rents? It’s no secret that Seattle is an expensive place to live. A big part of the problem is high rent costs. In the past few years, local housing activists have pushed the idea of a rent cap. One version is getting a hearing in Olympia today on its way to potentially becoming state law. Mike Wilkerson, an urban economist and thedirector of analytics at ECOnorthwest, breaks down the different kinds of rent caps and where the proposed law would fit in. Clare McGrane Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 14 mins
Can rent stabilization help Washington residents? Rent control, rent stabilization, and anti-price gouging — oh my! Those are three commonly referenced ideas when it comes to tackling skyrocketing rents. Dyer Oxley
Micro-apartments are poised to become legal in Washington state A bill that would allow “micro-apartments” anywhere normal apartments are built has passed both chambers of the Washington Legislature. Joshua McNichols
Time, money runs low for asylum-seekers sheltering at Seattle area hotels Hundreds of asylum-seekers took refuge at Seattle area hotels during January’s cold snap. What was intended to be a weeklong stay has evolved into a monthlong stay. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez Play AudioListen 5 mins
6 protesters arrested after descending on Seattle City Hall to demand support for refugees Isolde Raftery
In dire times, Seattle area pet owners turn to local foster care program An unexpected emergency like losing a job, or a home can mean all sorts of disruption. It can also leave people unable to take care of a pet. But there's help available in the Seattle area. Casey Martin Play AudioListen 5 mins
How will Seattle grow through 2044? City leaders are about to find out Where should Seattle allow more housing to be built? The city’s official answer to that question will change – when the city updates its comprehensive plan. A draft of that plan is expected the week of March 4th. Joshua McNichols
