'Tree equity' on the chopping block in Washington state Full shade can lower pavement temperatures 15 degrees, a potentially life-saving benefit during extreme heat. But efforts to bring more shade to cities, especially their less-leafy, lower-income neighborhoods, could wither like ferns in a heat wave. John Ryan
Housing, trees, and parking: In Seattle, you can pick two We can’t have all three. Not in equal measure. Right now, trees are slowly losing. But with sufficient incentives in place, that could change. Joshua McNichols
The Sun Belt's shine has dulled. Here's what it means for Seattle home prices Seattle had about 10% more homes than buyers in April, according to Redfin. That’s just enough to call it a buyer’s market. But the slowdown is mild compared to Sun Belt cities like Miami, Austin, and Phoenix. Joshua McNichols
Some low-income renters in King County evicted without attorneys, despite state law As eviction case filings in King County reach record high levels, some low-income tenants have been going without legal representation despite a 2021 law that gives them the right to counsel. Ann Dornfeld
Eastside light rail expands this Saturday. Business owners are preparing A new light rail station opens up in Downtown Redmond this Saturday. This station, along with another at Marymoor Park, brings the number of Eastside stations to 10. Joshua McNichols
Black homeownership program offers hope, but can it help people afford Seattle houses? Today in Seattle's Central District neighborhood, the number of Black homeowners has reached a historic low. And across Seattle, less than half as many Black households own homes as white families. Joshua McNichols
King County sees 'crush' of evictions as renters struggle to rebound from pandemic, inflation The King County Sheriff’s Office received 702 eviction orders in March after Seattle’s winter moratorium lifted on the first of the month. That's more than twice the 317 orders the agency received the previous March. Ann Dornfeld
Bill to allow more housing near bus stops and rail stations progresses in Olympia It may be easier for Washington State residents to find an affordable home within walking distance of good transit in the future. A “transit-oriented development” bill has made it halfway through the legislature, on its long path to becoming law. Joshua McNichols
Builders say tariffs will drive Seattle-area home costs higher Builders expect higher prices to trickle down to builders within a few weeks, and to home buyers and renters after that, when fewer homes drive competition for those home Joshua McNichols
Seattle City Council, Port of Seattle clash over workforce housing proposal in SODO The latest chapter in a contentious political fight between the Seattle City Council and the Port of Seattle over rezoning a portion of the SODO neighborhood is shaping up. Noel Gasca
