Spokane
Spokane’s mayor-elect on homelessness, public safety and a changing city
Spokane will soon have a new mayor. In January, longtime Democratic state legislator and former Washington Department of Commerce chief Lisa Brown will step into the job. She was ahead of incumbent Nadine Woodward in last week’s election by a margin of 51.7% to 47.7% as of Monday. Brown spent 20 years in the Legislature, […]
Lisa Brown on track to be Spokane’s next mayor
Update: Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward conceded late Monday in the race against Lisa Brown. As of Monday, Woodward had 47.7% of the vote, compared to Brown’s 51.7%. Longtime Democratic politician Lisa Brown will likely be the new mayor of Spokane, following a heated contest between her and incumbent Nadine Woodward. The race to lead Washington’s […]
How housing and homelessness ballot initiatives are faring so far in this year’s election
This story was updated at 5 p.m. Friday to reflect the latest results. In local elections around Washington, measures to protect renters are so far receiving mixed support, while initiatives to impose new restrictions on homeless encampments and raise millions of dollars for affordable housing are receiving strong backing from voters. County auditors continue to […]
In parts of Washington, backyard cottages and in-law suites are on the rise
After Laura Craig’s father unexpectedly died in 2020, she and her family began looking at new housing options for her mother. Craig, who lives in Snohomish County, wanted to build an apartment above her family’s garage, but the county at the time did not allow for “accessory dwelling units” of that kind. The regulations were […]
How housing and homelessness are shaping local elections across Washington
An expensive mayoral race in Spokane where candidates are fighting over vastly different approaches to solving homelessness. A proposed Seattle levy that could pay for more affordable housing across the city. Ballot initiatives in Tacoma and Bellingham that could protect tenants from steep rent increases and evictions. Housing shortfalls and homelessness hang heavy over this […]
Spokane removed parking minimums for housing near transit. Is the state next?
To help increase housing production at a time when it is desperately needed, some state lawmakers want to cut off-street parking requirements for new homes. They may end up following Spokane’s lead. The City Council there last week passed a temporary measure to remove minimum parking requirements for all housing built within a half mile […]
Ready for its close-up, Washington sees moviemaking rebound
With the pandemic ending and state aid in hand, Washington is enjoying a resurgence of interest from makers of movies and television shows. Spokane, Whidbey Island, Seattle and Lynnwood are among communities that provided backdrops for productions that employed nearly 1,700 people and generated $11.5 million in local spending between July 2020 and June 30, […]