May 2026

Sound Transit officials on Thursday unveiled a sweeping cost-reduction plan that proposes deferring several planned parking garage projects across the region to address a massive $34.5 billion capital funding gap.

The proposal, described as the agency's clearest strategy yet to stabilize its expansion program, seeks to prioritize core light rail extensions over auto-access facilities.

By shelving parking investments, the agency hopes to keep major projects—including the West Seattle, Ballard, and Tacoma Dome Link extensions—moving forward despite rising costs.

Prioritizing Rail Over Parking

Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced three significant milestones today in her ongoing effort to rapidly increase the city's emergency housing capacity, signaling a major step forward for "The Wilson Plan". The expansion includes a newly secured lease for a major tiny home village, a multi-million dollar private investment, and key legislative progress aimed at streamlining the city's response to the homelessness crisis.

The centerpiece of today’s announcement is a 90-unit Tiny House Village slated for South Park. The City has executed a lease for the property, which will provide residents with essential wraparound services. Thanks to previous administrative reforms intended to accelerate shelter development, officials expect the site to be operational and bringing people indoors within the next few months. A community meeting for South Park neighbors is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

On the evening of May 17, 2026, the historic Kenyon Hall will echo with the sounds of a century-old tradition reimagined for a new generation. Denny Sealth Performing Arts is set to host its first annual Rent Party Fundraiser, a jazz-fueled event designed to support the rapid expansion of the school's music programs.

The concept of a "Rent Party" dates back to the early 20th century, serving as a cornerstone in the growth of jazz culture. Originally, these were community gatherings where neighbors pooled their resources—donating food, drinks, and musical talent—to help a friend cover their housing costs. While the Chief Sealth community isn't raising money for literal rent, they are inviting the public to help build a "thriving home" for student musicians.

The City of Seattle has reached what officials are calling a "defining milestone" in its long journey toward police reform. According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) 2025 Annual Report out as of April 20, the formal lifting of the Federal Consent Decree in September 2025 has concluded 13 years of federal oversight, marking a transition to full local authority over the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

A Shift in Responsibility

For over a decade, a Federal Monitor oversaw SPD’s compliance with constitutional policing standards. Now, that responsibility rests squarely with the OIG. In her opening letter, Inspector General for Public Safety Lisa A. Judge characterized 2025 as a pivotal year that "signals the beginning of a new chapter for Seattle public safety".

Information from Seattle Police Blotter

#2026-121475/Southwest Precinct/Second Watch/F1

At 1817 hours (6:17pm Monday May 4), two suspects forced entry into a business in the 3600 block West Marginal Way Southwest and stole items from inside.

After the suspects fled, an employee approached the entry point and began taking photos.

The suspects pulled up in a vehicle, exited, and took the victim’s phone after pushing him to the ground.

The suspects returned to their vehicle but pointed a firearm at the victim as they were leaving. The victim returned to his nearby vehicle, retrieved his personal firearm, and fired at the suspects as they were pointing their weapon.

The suspects promptly fled the scene in a vehicle.

Officers responded and located the victim. The scene was processed and evidence was collected to include the victim weapon and video evidence. An area check for the suspects was negative.

Regional elected leaders used a Transportation Choices Coalition (TCC) forum Monday night to deliver a unified message amid Sound Transit’s deepening financial crisis: the West Seattle and Ballard Link extensions will move forward despite a projected multibillion‑dollar shortfall.

The event, held in Seattle and attended by roughly 200 community members, brought together Sound Transit Board members and local officials to address growing public concern over the agency’s nearly $35 billion funding gap and the escalating costs of its two largest Seattle projects.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss, and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda each reiterated that the voter‑approved ST3 expansion remains a priority — and that abandoning the West Seattle or Ballard lines is not under consideration.

By Tim Clinton

Sports Editor

The sports calendar for early May features a high volume of professional athletics, highlighted by home matches for the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign at Lumen Field and the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.

The Sounders host San Diego and San Jose, while the Storm take on Golden State at home before heading on a road trip to Connecticut and Toronto. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners spend this period on the road with critical series against the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros.

Other professional local action includes the Tacoma Rainiers playing a series in El Paso before returning to Cheney Stadium to face Sugar Land, as well as matches for the Seawolves, Rhodies, and Junction.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Nucor Steel Seattle, is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Westside Awards. These annual honors recognize the visionary businesses, non-profits, and individuals who define the unique character and spirit of the West Seattle community.

"The Westside Awards are our chance to say thank you out loud," said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. "Every honoree this year represents something powerful: the idea that local business and community spirit are not separate things. They are the same".

This year's distinguished honorees include: