Now that 2019 is finally here, we’ve been thinking about what’s next for our city. Let’s look ahead at a few of the key issues that Seattle will take on in 2019.

You thought traffic was bad now?
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shutting down January 11, three weeks before the replacement Alaskan Way Tunnel opens. In March, the convention center expansion will reroute buses out of the downtown transit tunnel and onto surface streets. But light rail expansion that would’ve helped ease the pain will take a couple of years to get up to speed.

The resulting five-year traffic jam is being called the “Seattle Squeeze,” — and we’re all going to feel the pinch. But there’s an upside: The Squeeze could get more of us out of our cars and commuting in ways that make Seattle more sustainable in the long-haul. And some of us are even hoping that the Squeeze can help us break the Freeze. 😂

Experts encourage commuters to try public transit, as well as biking, walking, and carpooling. Businesses are being asked to shift work hours outside of peak travel hours and to encourage more remote work. Tech tools may help, and options like dockless bikes and electric scooters may become more viable as commuters clamor for alternatives. But, it’s definitely going to get messy. So, what’s your plan?

Big contests on the city council
Seven of Seattle’s nine city council seats are up for grabs in 2019, so this local election cycle is likely to bring big changes in our city’s leadership. At least two current councilmembers — Rob Johnson, who represents Northeast Seattle, and Sally Bagshaw, whose district spans from downtown to Magnolia — won’t seek reelection. You’ll be hearing plenty about controversial issues in 2019, including homelessness, the “head tax,” and housing and zoning policy. Seattle Met has a great wrap-up of the very early developments.

Speaking of zoning…
The city is moving forward on a plan to upzone parts of 27 neighborhoods, which would allow for more density and development, specifically more affordable housing. Pressures over housing costs and inventory are bubbling over – and this plan would drastically change the shape of the city.

How will neighborhoods, advocates, developers and other stakeholders work together (or not work together) to figure out the future of housing in the city? Expect plenty of debate over gentrification, neighborhood character, and density as the plan moves toward a vote in March.

Other big changes coming up in development include the Waterfront Seattle Program, which aims to create more accessibility and public spaces from Pioneer Square to Belltown after the viaduct comes down.

Also on our minds? The future of our ecosystem as we grapple with effects of climate change, dwindling populations of orcas and salmon, and sea lion shootings. And, we’re keeping an eye on locals who are testing the waters for a 2020 presidential run, including Gov. Jay Inslee and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

So, what other big stories in Seattle should we be keeping an eye on this year? Hit reply to this email to let us know, and we’ll put it on our list.

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU 🙌

We can’t wait to do big things with you this year, Seattle.

– The Evergrey