Week in Review: July 4, 2025 - with Josh Cohen
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Josh Cohen discuss: 🎯 WA top target in Medicaid cuts 😬 KC Assessor Wilson arrested 🚔 Barnes confirmed as police chief 💰 Possible sales tax increase for public safety 🏗️ Rinck revives Morales’ community dev program As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Josh Cohen at .
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Claudia Balducci Details Platform for County Leadership
Hacks & Wonks
King County Executive candidate Claudia Balducci outlines her approach to the region's biggest challenges, emphasizing housing affordability, prevention-focused public safety & regional coordination. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Claudia Balducci at .
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Week in Review: June 27, 2025 - with David Kroman
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss: 👀 NYC mayoral race hints at Seattle’s? 💰 Seattle biz tax revamp? 🚔 Pursuit GPS trackers & digital billboards 📷 License plate readers proliferate in WA 🏘️ Affordable housing industry crisis As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, David Kroman at .
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Girmay Zahilay Outlines Vision for Executive Role
Hacks & Wonks
King County Executive candidate Girmay Zahilay details plans for the region's biggest challenges, including homelessness, public safety & housing affordability. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Girmay Zahilay at .
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Week in Review: June 20, 2025 - with Robert Cruickshank
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 👑 ‘No Kings’ protests ⚕️ WA immigrants' health data shared w/ feds 🏘️ Housing First works well 🚍 Saka erases advocates, makes deal w/ Curby 🤑 RealPage ban delayed 🎒 School waitlists lifted As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at .
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Week in Review: June 6, 2025 - with Erica Barnett
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 👋 Cathy Moore resigning 🗳️ Kshama Sawant running for Congress 😬 KC Assessor John Wilson won't resign despite calls 🚔 Diaz/Tompkins updates 🏳️🌈 WA State Patrol interrupts Pride flag ceremony As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at and on .
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Jeanie Chunn Outlines Vision for Seattle City Council District 2
Hacks & Wonks
Jeanie Chunn, candidate for Seattle City Council District 2, shares her stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while advocating for significant changes to the city's approach to public safety, housing, and budget priorities. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find more about Jeanie Chunn at .
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Week in Review: May 30, 2025 - with Josh Cohen
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Josh Cohen discuss: 🏳️⚧️ “Protect Our Kids” anti-trans rally & counterprotests 📉 Every Seattle elected = negative approval 🏘️ Seattle's interim missing middle housing 🤦 Essential behavioral health facilities stymied As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Josh Cohen at .
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Eddie Lin Outlines Vision for Seattle City Council District 2
Hacks & Wonks
Eddie Lin, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his government experience and commitment to community-driven solutions. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Eddie Lin at .
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Week in Review: May 23, 2025 - with David Kroman
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss: 🖋️ Ferguson acts on state budget, parental bill of rights 🧊 Troubling ICE raids 🤓 Seattle Mayor race deep dive 🔔 Sara Nelson bellwether 🗳️ Other notable primary races ⛺️ Rushed Tent City 4 move As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, David Kroman at .
info_outlineMayor Bruce Harrell has introduced a draft proposal for a $1.35 billion transportation levy to renew the expiring Move Seattle Levy. The proposed nine-year levy aims to address street repaving, bridge maintenance, and spot improvements for transit, but falls short of the transformative vision advocated for by transportation and climate activists.
UPDATE: Since this episode was recorded, Mayor Harrell increased his proposal to $1.45 billion. Read more here.
As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.
Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find Doug Trumm at @dmtrumm.
Resources
“Harrell Proposes Modest $1.35 Billion Transportation Levy Renewal” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist
Seattle Transportation Levy Proposal | Seattle Department of Transportation
“A Deep Dive on the 15 Corridor Upgrades in Seattle’s Draft Transportation Levy” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist
“Seattle Gives Up on Bike Network Expansion Goals in Draft Transportation Levy” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist
“Seattle Levy Proposal Keeps Modest Pace of Building New Sidewalks” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist
“Seattle Levy Proposal Lowers the Bar on Public Transit Investments” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist
“Seattle Voters On Board with Big Transportation Levy, New Polling Shows” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways
Disability Mobility Initiative | Disability Rights Washington