Coverage of state and local economic policy, fiscal accountability, ratepayers, infrastructure, and business in the Pacific Northwest.
The Sound Transit shortfall has reached $34.5 billion over the next two decades. Specifically, the agency cannot afford to build the full light rail system that Puget Sound voters approved in 2016. Furthermore, a plan headed for a May 28 board vote would defer the Ballard extension and delay other promised projects. The Ballard project…
The I-5 homeless industrial complex spans three West Coast metros connected by a single freeway. Specifically, the Portland metro spent over $700 million on homelessness in a single year. Seattle’s Human Services Department runs a $421 million 2026 budget. Furthermore, Los Angeles County approved a $908 million homeless services spending plan for 2025-26. That is…
The latest Pierce County Bridge Replacement Needs reveal a critical situation for over 23,000 daily commuters. Local engineers are currently reviewing several aging structures that require immediate structural attention. This major shift in infrastructure priority aims to ensure the safety of our regional transit corridors. If you are a resident or a frequent traveler, staying…
The latest Gig Harbor Parking Updates reveal a surprising new plan for downtown visitors this season. Local officials are currently reviewing a proposal to introduce paid parking at 538 spots in the historic district. This major shift aims to manage the high demand for space near the scenic waterfront. If you are a resident or…
The Live Nation antitrust case ended in a sweeping defeat for the company. Furthermore, a federal jury in Manhattan found on April 15, 2026 that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated an illegal monopoly. Specifically, the jury found Live Nation overcharged American concert-goers by $1.72 per ticket across 20% of all tickets sold at major venues….
Former Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers player Joel Rufus French was sentenced May 7, 2026 to 16 years and 4 months in federal prison for orchestrating a $197 million Medicare and CHAMPVA fraud scheme. Furthermore, the operation targeted some of America’s most vulnerable people — elderly Americans with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the families…
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson agreed to a $4,000 ethics settlement after admitting he violated state ethics law by flying former adviser Mike Webb on a State Patrol aircraft. Furthermore, the same week the settlement was announced, Axios revealed a secret approval policy requiring most state agencies to clear press releases and reporter responses through the…
The Washington Supreme Court unanimously ruled on May 4, 2026 that voters cannot block the new Washington millionaire’s tax through a referendum. Specifically, the court found that Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 is shielded from referendum because Democratic lawmakers attached a “necessity clause” declaring the tax essential to state government operations. The 9.9% tax on…
The downgrade announced April 23, 2026 revised Washington State’s bond outlook from stable to negative. Washington still holds its Aaa (Triple-A) rating — for now. However, the state ranks dead last in the nation for financial reserves at just 8.4% of tax revenues. Reserves are projected to crash to 1.4% by 2028. A formal credit…
