This is why we can’t have nice things. Weaponizing environmental law to prevent a grocery store in an already existing building is the epitome of NIMBYism & demonstrates the flaws in our legal system.
Weaponizing environmental concerns to prevent people from living in our urban environments isn’t new. It’s deployed by people with resources to restrict access to high opportunity areas. It’s nimbyism. In order to reach our housing goals, our land use processes must stop enabling this behavior.
Happy Birthday to the Parking Reform & Modernization Act! 🎂
@jessdbateman.bsky.social
www.sightline.org/2026/05/07/w...
I think a lot about the @jerusalem.bsky.social article from 2024 describing the schism in environmentalism between "crisis greens" and "cautious greens."
That struggle continues, and the consequences of rulings like this will be more sprawl, more pollution, and cities that are less affordable.
Spokane Councilmember Klitzke is leading the charge for state legislation that would authorize the equivalent of a land value tax:
“A property tax that exempts buildings and shifts the burden onto land would give us a new and powerful tool to fill in our gaps while keeping Spokane affordable.”
I am a liberal and a Democrat and I 100% favor the legalization of much more housing construction in all neighborhoods. To limit urban sprawl and VMT, you have to allow urban housing infill in job-rich places. Don't take it from me, take it from Bill McKibben.
moreneighborswnc.org/uncategorize...
If you want to call in, you've gotta sign up for the morning session, starting at 8:30am. The 3pm session is reserved for in-person comment.
www.seattle.gov/council/meet...
Monday's Most Read # 3 - Yes, a Land Value Tax Is Possible in Washington State link.theoverheadwire.com/e4h96 Sightline Institute @sightline.org
As City Hall continues to roll out the biggest remaking in Seattle's history, one musician challenges the underlying science. It is the story of our time.
BREAKING: The Washington Court of Appeals has found in favor of the two groups challenging the environmental review of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, finding that both King County Superior Court and the city's Hearing Examiner erred in dismissing the appeal at earlier stages.
Some Spokane politicians want to replace the existing property tax system with one that shifts tax burden from homes, apartments and many commercial properties and place it instead onto parking lots ...
It's time for progressives to say yes to clean energy and affordable housing. Bill McKibben explains why tackling the climate and housing crises means supporting the right kinds of development.
A new report modeling a property tax building exemption in Spokane rebalances incentives toward community goals, encouraging homebuilding and discouraging in-city vacant land speculation.
BREAKING: The Washington Court of Appeals has found in favor of the two groups challenging the environmental review of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, finding that both King County Superior Court and the city's Hearing Examiner erred in dismissing the appeal at earlier stages.
Jesse Piedfort
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Seattle's powerful hearing examiner just thwarted a needed grocery store because the city compared the potential environmental impact of a new Winco to the building's previous use as a store—rather than its current "use" as a vacant building. Perverse logic.
www.seattletimes.com/business/rea...
