Seattle’s new Do Not Solicit registry targets unwanted home-buying pitches
Seattle has approved a registry to curb covered unsolicited home-sale pitches, but the program will not take effect until June 1, 2027.
Washington
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Washington’s lawsuit bill reached a new record. What the $614 million tab means for state finances
Washington paid more than $537 million in lawsuit and tort-claim payouts during fiscal year 2026, while legal-defense costs added about $76 million. The record is putting new pressure on the state’s self-insurance system and future budgets.
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Washington’s statewide drought emergency keeps pressure on farms, rivers and water planning
Washington remains under a statewide drought emergency after a warm winter left snowpack at 0% of normal for the calendar date. The sharpest immediate allocation risks are in the Yakima Basin, while household impacts depend on local utilities.
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Bellevue traffic restrictions include Bellevue Way, Lake Hills closure
Sewer-tie-in work will bring lane closures to southbound Bellevue Way on Aug. 8, while Lake Hills Boulevard remains closed through mid-August for culvert replacement.
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Wahkiakum schools in Cathlamet receive seven-year, $30 million facilities grant
Wahkiakum School District received a seven-year, $30 million grant for electrical updates, a grade-school roof and a new HVAC system, with electrical work planned for summer 2026.
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Mukilteo seeks developers for 1.19-acre waterfront site near ferry terminal
Mukilteo has opened the first phase of a two-step process to find a development team for a 1.19-acre waterfront property near the ferry terminal and historic lighthouse.
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Washington advances flood-elevation review for Sumas homes after 2025 storm damage
Washington Commerce has completed the next environmental-review step for a Sumas home-elevation activity tied to long-term flood recovery and future damage reduction.
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Friday Harbor council considers tighter commercial rules for transient accommodations
Proposed Friday Harbor zoning changes would tighten parking, building and conversion rules for transient accommodations while a separate First Street project seeks six transient-housing units.
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Bellingham approves seven-year tax reprieve for downtown startups
Bellingham City Council approved a seven-year tax reprieve for qualifying downtown startups and expanded business tax credits in urban villages.
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Hoquiam moves toward North Shore Levee construction after federal funding restored
A court order restored $150 million for stalled Washington projects, including $85 million for the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project. Hoquiam has awarded an initial Levee Street phase, with the full project expected to go out for bid after a grant agreement is signed.
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Federal Way Reports 21% Crime Drop in First Half of 2026
Federal Way reported a 21% decline in overall crime during the first half of 2026, with vehicle theft, burglary and shots-fired incidents all down.
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Seattle court posts final Delta-9 THC testing order
Seattle Municipal Court issued a final order on Delta-9 THC testing in criminal cases, but its public summary does not state the ruling’s operative result.
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Snohomish County opens planning and public input for Centennial Trail South extension
Snohomish County Parks & Recreation began planning Centennial Trail South on July 21, with a public survey open through Aug. 29, 2026.
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SR 167/I-5 interchange project advances as Fife road construction continues
Fife and WSDOT are continuing transportation work tied to the SR 167 completion project and Port of Tacoma Road Phase 2A construction.
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Spokane Valley approves lease for proposed two-sheet ice facility
The Spokane Valley City Council approved a ground lease for a proposed two-sheet NHL-sized ice facility on city-owned property in a 6-1 vote.
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Everett Utility-Tax Increase Draws Concern From Neighboring Cities
Everett has increased its utility tax and is proposing another rate hike, prompting concern from nearby cities about bills and municipal finances.
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Longview advances Columbia Heights Road safety project as design reaches 75 percent
The City of Longview says design is 75 percent complete for planned safety, drainage, sidewalk and lighting improvements on Columbia Heights Road between Fishers Lane and Cascade Drive.
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Kenmore Council puts climate, housing and human-services levy on November ballot
Kenmore’s City Council adopted an ordinance sending Proposition 1 to voters in November, while the city outlines housing proposals and a July application deadline.
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Vancouver Seeks Vendors for Public EV Charging Pilot
Vancouver is seeking vendors for equipment and operating systems for a planned public EV-charging pilot, with proposals due Aug. 5.
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Kitsap Fast Ferry plans 35% weekday service cut on Bremerton-Seattle route this fall
Kitsap Transit plans to reduce weekday Kitsap Fast Ferry service between Bremerton and Seattle from 20 round trips to 13 beginning in September 2026.
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Port of Grapeview receives up to $25,000 for dock, parking and facility upgrades
Mason County approved up to $25,000 for Port of Grapeview maintenance and infrastructure work. The Port will contribute $10,000, creating a $35,000 project budget.
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Island County advances zoning changes aimed at workforce housing in Freeland
Island County has advanced proposed zoning changes for workforce housing in Freeland’s Non-Municipal Urban Growth Area, with septic capacity still required for development.