Author: Chuck Wolfe

Charles R. (Chuck) Wolfe, M.R.P., J.D. provides a unique perspective about cities as both a long time writer about urbanism worldwide and an attorney in Seattle, where he focuses on land use and environmental law and permitting. In particular, his work involves the use of sustainable development techniques and innovative land use regulatory tools on behalf of both the private and public sectors. He is also an Affiliate Associate Professor in the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington, where he teaches land use law at the graduate level. He contributes regularly to several publications including Planetizen, CityLab/The Atlantic Cities, The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, Grist, seattlepi.com, and Crosscut.com. He blogs at myurbanist.com.

urban poets, part 1

On November 13, 2009 By Chuck WolfeIn urban views5 Comments

Two poets capture the essence of world cities at dusk.

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“On a city walk, I saw our limits, and our dreams.” Warren Clements, Melbourne, 2009

Paris

“In a city that works, we can always be children.” Luc Gaudet, Paris, 1997

mayoral urbanist, part 3 (the transitional ambassadors)

On November 12, 2009November 14, 2009 By Chuck WolfeIn politics, urban administration1 Comment

Many sources (including this blog) have chronicled Mike McGinn’s path to Seattle’s mayor-elect, with an inclusive campaign, distinctive themes and populist tenor. At a transition meeting this morning of diverse community leaders (including but not limited to labor, business, ethnic affiliations and neighborhoods), we learned that the style of the campaign will continue forward through the transition period, with “radiating spokes” in 10 days of outreach and at least three town halls the week of November 30th. Mike’s video below explains more, and highlights the three questions which those of us involved will be posing to communities of interest and sharing with Mike and his staff on November 23rd.

1. How do we build the strongest possible team to achieve the policy objectives and values set forth during Mike’s campaign (downloadable at www.mcginnformayor.com)?

2. How do we build public trust in the new administration?

3. What do you view as the incoming administration and the city’s greatest challenge – what should we do first out of the gate?

Click below for more.

Mike McGinn Transition Update #!