Bottom-Up, Top-Down, and the Messy Reality of the In-Between

Abstract

"This paper reflects my recent five-year experience as a practicing architect, educator and advocate embedded in the contentious fray of public discourse regarding housing and land use policy in Seattle. During this period I testified before city council regarding proposed housing-focused land use legislation, presented my analysis of that policy in professional and community forums, published opinion pieces in the Seattle Times, coordinated the housing advocacy efforts of AIA Seattle, conducted graduate-level design studios focused on the topic at the University of Washington, and presented the student work (often with students) in venues throughout the city. I ended this period of local advocacy in 2018, when I was appointed to the Seattle Planning Commission, although I continue to help coordinate AIA Seattle’s advocacy efforts as co-chair of its Public Policy Board."