Category Archives: Uncategorized

A better way to pay for lower-priced housing for the poor?

Posted on February 16, 2014 by .

Author’s note: I’ve been struggling about where to put this post. I think it is too speculative to put on the Smart Growth Seattle website, but I do think it’s time to start thinking through how Seattle shares the financial … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Latest Micro Housing Debate: How Many Sinks Are Enough?

Posted on May 7, 2013 by .

If you went into the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church last night seeking fellowship or edification there was little to be had. Instead it was the scene of the latest set-piece battle in the wider war between NIMBY … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Urbanism Without Effort? Let It Be!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by .

Anyone who knows Chuck Wolfe, author of Urbanism Without Effort, knows he has an agile mind an encyclopedic knowledge of local land use law and lore. But you’ll also know that he is not one who seeks attention by taking … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Is There an Apodment Moratorium in the Works?

Posted on March 6, 2013 by .

The rumors are flying: The Seattle City Council is preparing to consider legislation that would shut down, or at least hinder, more development of apodments,* the small affordable apartment dwellings that have been popping up in town. The arguments against … Continue reading →

Posted in 4. I don't understand, Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Seattle’s Silent Epidemic: The Ferris Firefighter Fantasy

Posted on March 2, 2013 by .

Hal Ferris, a local developer, has achieved some notoriety of late with his report on incentive zoning, completed at the behest of Mayoral candidate and current City Councilmember Tim Burgess. But maybe Ferris should be known as the inventor of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Bismarck to Burgess: Do Affordable Units Mean Fairness, Equity, and Public Benefit?

Posted on February 24, 2013 by .

The basis of social policy is to ensure the welfare and health of a population, specifically the population of a political unit like a country, state, or city. Housing and shelter are commonly accepted as important elements of basic welfare … Continue reading →

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‘Tis All in Pieces: The Confusing Cost-Price-Ideology Housing Debate

Posted on December 23, 2012 by .

‘Tis all in pieces, all coherence gone, All just supply, and all relation; Prince, subject, father, son, are things forgot, For every man alone thinks he hath got To be a phoenix, and that then can be None of that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

“We aren’t just NIMBYs”

Posted on December 14, 2012 by .

The story posted last night on the Seattle times was headlined “South Lake Union neighborhood advocates oppose taller, fatter buildings.” And South Lake Union NIMBYs are actually calling themselves NIMBYs and saying “it isn’t just the views, but yes the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Risky Business: Sharing the Wealth Means Sharing the Risks

Posted on December 11, 2012 by .

Proposals for incentive and inclusionary zoning in South Lake Union seems like Seattle City government playing politics with the balance sheets of private businesses. Upzones create private value, the argument goes, so the City should share some of that value … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Hemingway, South Lake Union, and Views

Posted on December 7, 2012 by .

I’ve decided to read the entirety of The First 49 Stories by Ernest Hemingway. In order to make it interesting (and keep me reading), I’ve decided to post each night to Facebook the story I have read and a quote … Continue reading →

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