Our re-imagined Seattle streets are good for economy, environment, the future of tech hubs: why some experts are optimistic, despite pandemic and looming taxes, and more from this week’s Seattle in the Spotlight.

Our Re-imagined Seattle Streets Are Good for Economy, Environment

Seattle Times | Sohier Hall | September 17

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/our-re-imagined-seattle-streets-are-good-for-economy-environment/

“In May, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced that 20 miles of residential streets initially closed to provide for social distancing will now remain permanently closed to through traffic to allow for continued pedestrian and bicycle use. In a study of seven street improvement projects in four cities, the National Institute for Transportation and Communities at Portland State University found that upgraded active transportation infrastructure actually contributes to greater revenue for businesses. This isn’t a new concept. In 1962, as more cars moved into Copenhagen’s City center, the city dedicated Strøget as a pedestrian corridor that remains one of the longest in Europe — and one of the highest grossing and most prosperous streets in the world with its shops, restaurants and constant flow of patrons.”

The Future of Tech Hubs: Why Some Experts Are Optimistic, Despite Pandemic and Looming Taxes

GeekWire | Monica Nickelsburg | September 11

https://www.geekwire.com/2020/future-tech-hubs-experts-optimistic-despite-pandemic-looming-taxes/

“Downtown Seattle and San Francisco have taken on the eerie quality of ghost towns as office buildings stand empty and wildfire smoke casts an orange glow over the once-bustling urban cores. But polling and real estate data don’t back up fears that the pandemic will permanently alter the face of these world-class tech hubs. Redfin and Zillow — both headquartered in Seattle — are not seeing a major shift in urbanites searching for homes outside their metro regions. In fact, some numbers suggest more concentration in urban areas of the cities.”

Washington Ranked as State with Best Safety Net for Workers During COVID-19

Seattle Times | Gene Balk | September 11

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/washington-ranked-as-state-with-best-safety-net-for-workers-during-covid-19/

“Washington’s total score of 76.41 out of a possible 100 handily beat No. 2 New Jersey and No. 3 California…Oxfam graded states for 27 policies which fall into three umbrella categories: Worker protections, which account for 45% of the total score, unemployment support (35%), and health care (20%). All data is based on policies and laws in effect between Feb. 15, 2020 and July 1, 2020. The report covers all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.”