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Almost everyone thinks parking is a problem; either there is too much of it or too little; it’s too expensive or too cheap; it promotes auto-dependence or it promotes the success of retail business. And slap a tax on parking and fireworks are sure to follow. In fact, Seattle has recently started a debate about increasing its Commercial Parking Tax (CPT) by 5 percent to a total of 15 percent...

The Washington Department of Ecology has released its draft draft plan for beefing up its low-impact development requirements for controlling polluted stormwater runoff—which is considered the top environmental threat to the Puget Sound and many other Northwest lakes, rivers, and streams. This policy change is a big deal. It’s trying to solve one of the region’s top environmental and health challenges, perhaps second only to climate change and ocean acidification...

Across North America people are hopping on the food cart bandwagon, something northwesterners know a little something about—CNN Travel recently named Portland the best street food cityin the world. While carts have flourished in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver’s street food scenes have sputtered. Why? Both cities have tough laws on the books that prevent a lively street food economy, such as limiting sidewalk food to precooked items like hot dogs...

In response to the sluggish economy, Seattle Public Utilities is paring down its budgets and programs, and has identified three stormwater-related projects that could be eliminated: the “Swale on Yale,” protections for Venema Creek, and an expanded street sweeping program. While these projects require some expenditure now, they represent opportunities and investments that can pay dividends in the near future. All three projects promise to make the city cleaner and...

As a recent convert to bike commuting, I am keenly aware that I take my life into my hands each time I saddle up (See Jen Langston’s recent post on the safety of various modes of transportation—relatively, bikes don’t come out looking too safe, but, of course, car travel ain’t exactly without its risks either.) But, if all commutes can kill, at least I’ll go down with the wind in...

We’ve been talking for years about the concept of personal car sharing, which allows a car owner whose vehicle sits idle most of the time to rent it out to someone who needs to run errands on four wheels. (As we’ve described it before, think of it as plugging your car into the Zipcar network when you’re not using it.) It’s an entrepreneurial idea with lots of benefits—reducing pollution and...

On Thursday, the state Department of Ecology will tip its hand on its plan for new stormwater regulations for Washington’s cities and counties in a meeting at its headquarters. Folks concerned about saving Puget Sound say the stakes are high. Stormwater—and the millions of pounds of pollution that it carries, plus the damage it does when it blasts through salmon streams like a fire hose—is considered the prime threat to...

It’s so satisfying to be able to promote a pro-environment stance that’s also sweet for the money-crunching bottom line. Especially when the audience for that pitch is Washington’s business community. That’s what Sightline chieftain Alan Durning and I got to do in an editorial about stormwater for Seattle Business magazine that’s out now. The editorial makes the case that low-impact development is the cheapest, smartest, and most environmentally beneficial way...

Editor’s note: The following post is by Sightline communications intern Michelle Venetucci Harvey. Keep an eye out for more posts from her in coming months.  An uprising against city roosters might be just what the urban agriculture movement needs. Confused? Stay with me. When Seattle Mayor McGinn declared 2010 the “Year of Urban Agriculture” back in April, some folks worried that the result would be little more than some brown...

I broke my ankle three weeks ago. And no, it wasn’t undertaking some spectacular athletic feat. It was a simple trip and fall at home. But now that I’m on crutches, I’ve had the opportunity to see what it’s like to be disabled. I am fortunate, obviously, because my bones will heal, and soon I’ll be up and about. But along with a new found gratitude for simply being able...