Seattle’s Central Area neighborhood is going through a phase of rapid growth. As new developments spring up around the area, impacts are felt most strongly by smaller businesses and residents who have long called the Central Area their home. The Central Area Neighborhood Design Guidelines Coalition is working to mitigate… [ Keep reading ]
After five years of community input, analysis, and design work, the City is nearing completion of a major planning effort in the U District. As part of a larger set of policy changes and public investments, City Council is considering zoning changes that would allow greater height and density in… [ Keep reading ]
We are seeking a Senior Urban Designer to focus on land use, urban design and development issues in the Center City area of Seattle, as well as other Seattle neighborhoods. This person will provide advice and recommendations to the Planning Director and to elected officials about zoning decisions, development standards… [ Keep reading ]
With the holidays and 2017 quickly approaching, this time for some is spent on last minute gift shopping. For those who are racking their brains on what to get a family member, friend, or co-worker, here’s are some urban-planning themed suggestions (OPCD staff take note for next year, hint hint)…. [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Ed Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the City and County will each contribute up to $10 million for approximately 200 affordable housing units adjacent to the transit center and future light rail station in Northgate. “Transportation has the power to transform entire communities,” said Mayor Murray…. [ Keep reading ]
Understanding the University District Rezone
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Ubax Gardheere as Equitable Strategies manager at OPCD. In this position, Ubax will be managing our Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) and its related work programs, providing internal policy leadership and fostering community partnerships. EDI will provide support and funding for new economic development projects that lead to good jobs… [ Keep reading ]
Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) is a new program to ensure that growth brings affordability. MHA will require new development to include affordable housing on site or make a contribution to a City fund for affordable housing. To put MHA requirements into effect, zoning changes will allow additional development capacity everywhere MHA… [ Keep reading ]
