The Urbanist is set to host a pivotal panel discussion titled “Future of Seattle Housing” on April 23rd, in collaboration with Seattle YIMBY. Tickets for this highly sought-after event are selling quickly, prompting organizers to increase the seating capacity at their venue, El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP soon, as seating is limited. Attendees will have the opportunity to influence the conversation by submitting questions in advance for the panelists.
Doug Trumm, the publisher of The Urbanist, will moderate the discussion, which features a distinguished panel of housing leaders from various sectors, including private, non-profit, and public.
The panel includes:
– Patrick Cobb, an architect and founding partner of Stack, a firm renowned for its expertise in urban infill development.
– Naishin Fu, Co-Executive Director at House Our Neighbors, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding social housing initiatives.
– Michael Hubner, Long Range Planning Manager at the Seattle Office of Planning Community and Development (OPCD).
– Jesse Simpson, Director of Government Relations and Policy at the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County and a board member at The Urbanist.
The “Future of Seattle Housing” panel discussion aims to address pressing housing issues facing the city, focusing on innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to enhance the availability and affordability of housing in Seattle.
Event Details:
– What: A panel co-hosted by The Urbanist and Seattle YIMBY focused on the future of housing in Seattle.
– Where: El Centro de la Raza, 1610 S Roberto Maestas Festival St
– When: 6pm – 8pm, Wednesday, April 23rd
– Transit Stops: Includes Sound Transit’s 1 Line (Beacon Hill Station), Route 36, and 60 (not an exhaustive list)
– RSVP: RSVP here.
– Submit Your Questions in Advance: Question form.
The Urbanist is committed to keeping the panel accessible and free for all attendees. However, organizers encourage those who can, to consider making a small donation to help cover the costs associated with expanding the venue space. This support is vital for The Urbanist to continue its mission of providing accessible reporting and events for the public.
In addition to the housing panel, The Urbanist has planned a series of events throughout the month of April, offering opportunities for community engagement and activism.
Upcoming Events:
April 17th – Seattle Urbanist Social and Spring Member Drive Kickoff
– What: A social gathering for urbanists and the Complete Communities Coalition, including discussions on ways to engage in housing activism related to the Seattle Comprehensive Plan. This event will also kick off The Urbanist’s biannual member drive, which supports organizational growth.
– Where: TeKu Tavern, 552 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109
– When: 6pm – 8pm Thursday, April 17
– Transit Stops: Conveniently located near stops for the South Lake Union Streetcar, Route 4, 5, 8, 28, 62 or the E Line (not an exhaustive list).
– RSVP: RSVP here.
April 24th – Social with Eastside Urbanism
– What: A relaxed social gathering with Eastside Urbanism, an emerging community group advocating for urban issues on the Eastside.
– Where: Jack Sprat at Verde Esterra Park in Redmond.
– When: 6pm – 8pm Thursday, April 24
– Transit Stops: Includes stops on the 2 Line (Overlake Station), B Line, Route 221, 245, 542, and 545 (not an exhaustive list).
April 26th – Kirkland Walking Tour
– What: A hands-on walking tour led by Kirkland City Planner Adam Weinstein, focusing on the topic of middle housing in Kirkland’s Rose Hill neighborhood. Participants can ask questions, learn about new developments, and enjoy some physical activity paired with community engagement.
– Where: The tour begins at Danielson Grove, 10500 128th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
– When: 11am – 12:30pm Saturday, April 26
– Transit Stops: Accessible via Routes 225 and 239. Street parking is also available.
– RSVP: RSVP here.
May 10th – Downtown Redmond Link Opening Celebration
– What: Celebrate the opening of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension on May 10, with The Urbanist participating in the festival at Downtown Redmond Station, hosted by Move Redmond. The event will feature vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.
– Where: Downtown Redmond Station
– When: Noon – 4 pm Saturday, May 10
– Transit Stops: Nearby stops include the 2 Line (Downtown Redmond Station), B Line, and Routes 250, 542, and 545 (not an exhaustive list).
– Details: More information can be found on the Move Redmond event page.
Diego Batres, the Director of Development and Events at The Urbanist, believes in creating a model for good urban living in Seattle and the broader Puget Sound region. He emphasizes the importance of expanding transit options, addressing the housing crisis, and enhancing walkability in neighborhoods.
image source from:https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/04/15/tickets-seattle-housing-panel/