Microsoft Donates $1M to New Partnership of UW-UBC Aiming to Solve Urban Issues Like Traffic and Homelessness Through Data

GeekWire | Nat Levy | February 23

http://www.geekwire.com/2017/microsoft-donates-1m-toward-new-uw-ubc-partnership-to-use-data-to-solve-urban-issues-like-traffic-and-homelessness/

“Microsoft is donating $1 million to a new partnership between the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia called the Cascadia Urban Analytics Cooperative, which seeks to use data to solve urban problems shared by the two regions, such as traffic and homelessness. In a blog post Thursday, Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote that the partnership represents the ‘region’s single largest university-based, industry-funded joint research project.’ The cooperative will bring together students, researchers, and public stakeholders to solve problems in areas like transportation, housing, and climate. The goal is to build on research from UW’s eScience Institute, its Data Science for Social Good summer program and UBC’s Data Science Institute.”

 

While Transit Use Declines Elsewhere, It’s Booming in Seattle

Seattle Times | Mike Lindblom | February 22

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/while-transit-use-declines-elsewhere-its-booming-in-seattle/

“Transit ridership in the increasingly crowded Seattle area grew more than 4 percent last year, even as most big metro areas across the U.S. lost passengers. The pace of growth was double that of Houston and Milwaukee, the next-highest-ranked cities, where rider counts increased just over 2 percent. In fact, 24 of the top 30 regions lost transit riders — notably Washington, D.C., where an emergency safety shutdown, smoke and stalls contributed to a 10 percent loss. The figures were compiled and announced by King County Metro Transit, using preliminary data from the Federal Transit Administration. Metro is among several Puget Sound agencies that often seek tax dollars or road space to add service, using such statistics to make the case for transit.”

 

Seattle Council Approves Big U District Upzone

Seattle Times | Daniel Beekman | February 21

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-council-to-vote-today-on-big-u-district-upzone/

“The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an upzone that will pave the way for the University District to become Seattle’s next high-rise neighborhood. In the works for years, the legislation raises maximum heights, allowing buildings to climb to 320 feet on some blocks near a light-rail station opening in 2021. Mayor Ed Murray and the council are seeking upzones for many Seattle neighborhoods, in an attempt to make developers help create more affordable housing. The U District upzone was contemplated longer and is more dramatic than those in other areas.”

 

Pike Place Market’s Expansion Adds Shops, Views and Housing

Seattle Times | Janet Tu | February 21

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/pike-place-markets-expansion-adds-shops-views-and-housing/

“The Pike Place Market’s new MarketFront expansion is nearing completion, with the covered rooftop canopy in place to house 47 stalls for farmers and artists, the plaza and deck with its sweeping water view almost ready to welcome crowds, and an underground garage with 300 parking spaces and 33 bicycle spaces about ready to go. By mid-March or soon after, those portions of the $74 million expansion of Pike Place Market are expected to open to the public. ‘It’s fantastic,’ said Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA). ‘A month from now, to start welcoming the public to experience the new spaces is very exciting.’”

 

Greater Seattle Business Association Delivers Cheers, Awards for Community Leaders

Puget Sound Business Journal | Patti Payne | February 17

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/02/17/greater-seattle-business-association-awards-lgbtq.html

“The grand ballroom of the waterfront Marriott in Seattle was packed with more than 500 guests at the 36th annual Greater Seattle Business Association’s (GSBA) Business and Humanitarian Awards dinner Thursday, Feb. 16.  The recurring theme was ‘building bridges,’ set when GSBA President and CEO Louise Chernin welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their loyalty and dedication over the years. She received the first standing ovation of the night and spoke about the importance of joining together rather than building walls. The crowd gave standing applause to everyone who took to the stage, the awardees and the speakers as well.”