Seattle City Council candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her policy priorities and vision for the city. 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 Alexis Mercedes Rinck at @A…

Seattle City Council candidate Saunatina Sanchez joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her policy priorities and vision for the city. 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 Saunatina Sanchez at @Saunatina…

After the Mayor's announcement about expanding CARE (Community Assisted Response and Engagement, Seattle's third public safety department), questions remain: how have CARE's 911-alternative behavioral health teams performed? Does expanding CARE mean we need fewer police officers? With host Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel, special guest Amy Smith,…

Patrick DePoe, a former elected member of the Makah Tribal Council, current Director of Tribal Relations for the Department of Natural Resources and candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands, outlined his vision for managing the state's natural resources while emphasizing his unique professional and lived experience. As always, a full text transcr…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Senior Advisor at The Urbanist and Executive Director of The Economic Opportunity Institute, Rian Watt! They discuss: Washington State Democrats Pass Ceasefire Resolution Everett Herald Layoffs Spark Concerns Over Local News Coverage Seattle Social Housing Initiative Moves Forward Seattle Public Schools …

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a delay in Seattle Public Schools' announcement to close 20 elementary schools, a push for improved public safety in our school system, a request to continue the work done by t…

Dave Upthegrove, a former legislator and current King County Councilmember and candidate for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands, recently discussed his bid for the position, highlighting his priorities and outlining his vision for the future of the state's natural resources management. As always, a full text transcript of the show is ava…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle Times City Hall reporter, David Kroman! They discuss: Former Seattle Police Chief Comes Out, Uses as Defense Against Sexual Misconduct Allegations Seattle Police Department Recruitment Test Controversy Seattle Police Officer's Invalid Driver's License Scandal Auburn Police Officer on Trial for Mu…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a bombshell announcement from former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, the legal case building against the Belltown Hellcat, mental health investments at the county and city level, and a …

Chris Reykdal, current Superintendent of Public Instruction, joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss his re-election campaign. 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 Chris Reykdal at @chrisreykdal.…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by reporter covering social justice issues for NPR member station KNKX, Lilly Ana Fowler! They discuss: Gun Violence Impacting Schools Burien Police Chief Resigns & City Manager Calls Police On Homeless People Almost Every Day Governor Inslee on Emergency Abortions PayUp Minimum Wage Legislation Repeal COVI…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the privacy questions surrounding a proposed expansion of police surveillance, a new vacant building law meant to prevent dangerous fires that's apparently overdue, the legal c…

Reid Saaris, an educator and former non-profit leader, joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss his campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction. 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 more information …

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of Sierra Club Seattle, long time communications and political strategist, Robert Cruickshank! They discuss: Seattle Public Schools Consider Closing Multiple Schools Amid Budget Deficit Seattle's Wealth Disparity: Median Home Price Surpasses $1 Million, City Boasts 54,000 Millionaires City Council …

King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion discusses progress and challenges in her first 18 months - highlighting efforts to rebuild law enforcement relationships, reduce juvenile crime, and address violent crime through collaboration and early intervention. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle political reporter, editor of PubliCola, and co-host of the Seattle Nice podcast, Erica Barnett! They discuss: Gubernatorial Candidate Mullet Files Ethics Complaint Against Ferguson Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz Demoted After Discrimination Allegations Sue Rahr Announced as Interim Police Chie…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss Mayor Bruce Harrell's decision to remove Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz from his post, a delay for the City Council on two votes (to lower app-based delivery driver wages and…

State Senator Patty Kuderer joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her run for Insurance Commissioner - pledging to be a strong consumer advocate, push for universal healthcare, and get tough on insurance companies. She touts her legislative record and experience as an attorney representing policyholders. As always, a full text transcript of the show is av…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Founder and Editor of The Needling, Lex Vaughn! They discuss: PayUp Legislation Repeal Sparks Controversy and Recusal Issues in Seattle City Council Another Discrimination Lawsuit Against SPD Police Recruitment and Standards Snohomish County Achieves 10% Reduction in…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's vote on police recruitment and retention, a possible conflict of interest on an upcoming vote for Councilmember Tanya Woo, a dismal week of developme…

On this topical show, Crystal welcomes Edmund Witter, Senior Managing Attorney at the King County Bar Association's Housing Justice Project, for a conversation about how the eviction crisis is exacerbating an already dire situation as Washington state grapples with record homelessness. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at o…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of People Power Washington, Shannon Cheng! They discuss: Three Bob Fergusons File for Governor During Filing Week in Republican Stunt Boeing Faces Criminal Prosecution for 737 MAX Crashes Gig Worker Pay Protections Face Repeal Amid Political Tensions and Mayoral Speculation Comprehensive Plan Coali…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's approval of the police officer's union contract, a growing budget deficit, a pushback on the Mayor's Comprehensive Plan proposal from some unlikely p…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the unauthorized encampment of asylum seekers in a Seattle park, a new, larger Transportation Levy proposal, an investigation into harassment and sexual discrimination within t…

Mayor 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. U…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a moment of anger on the City Council (and the legislation behind it), a new public safety "framework" proposed by Mayor Harrell, the progress of a measure that would change wa…

Senator Manka Dhingra joins Hacks & Wonks for an in-depth interview to discuss her campaign for Attorney General and plans to address WA’s most pressing issues. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchf…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of Sierra Club Seattle, long time communications and political strategist, Robert Cruickshank! They discuss: Republican Divisions Threaten Party's Chances in Governor's Race Corporate-Backed Super PAC Boosts Conservative Democrat's Campaign Seattle Councilmember Seeks to Roll Back Gig Worker Protec…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the unusual committee-level rejection of some affordable housing legislation, a new plan to prevent fires in vacant buildings, the unveiling of a citywide Transportation Plan, …

Nick Brown joins Hacks & Wonks for an in-depth interview to discuss his campaign for Attorney General and plans to address WA’s most pressing issues. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii and find Nick…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by staff writer at The Stranger covering policing, incarceration and courts, Ashley Nerbovig! They discuss: GOP Candidate Dave Reichert's Anti-LGBTQ Views Boeing Faces Scrutiny Over Safety Issues and Alleged Cover-Up Tacoma to Implement ShotSpotter Despite Concerns Local Guaranteed Basic Income Pilots Show …

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the historically-early budget process beginning for the Seattle City Council, a new piece of equitable development legislation, a squabble over police hiring (and testing), a r…

On this topical show, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower! The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources t…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Staff Reporter for Real Change and creator of the Gossip Guy newsletter, Guy Oron! They discuss: Washington's Ban on High-Capacity Magazines Ruled Unconstitutional Three New GOP Initiatives Boeing Whistleblower Raises Safety Concerns Seattle City Councilmembers Call for Improvements to Comprehensive Plan…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman, city hall reporter for the Seattle Times, discuss a new budget forecast for the City of Seattle, a new twist in negotiating a contract for the Seattle Police Officer's Guild, a report on how SPD officers …

On this topical show, Crystal Fincher and Executive Director of The Urbanist, Rian Watt, dig into how housing policy shapes the future vision for our communities, why the recent legislative session didn’t live up to its “Year of Housing 2.0” billing, and how the Seattle Comprehensive plan falls short and can be improved. As always, a full text tran…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle political reporter, editor of PubliCola, and co-host of the Seattle Nice podcast, Erica Barnett! They discuss: Seattle Police Contract Raises Budget Concerns, Accountability Questions Thurston Sheriff's Hiring of Officer Involved in Manny Ellis' Killing Illuminates Broader Accountability Issues B…

Amy Smith, Acting Chief of Seattle's CARE Department (Community Assisted Response and Engagement, home to the city's 911 Center and its 911 alternative response teams) joins the podcast to discuss Seattle's changing approach to public safety. Host Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel discusses the work of the CARE teams, the challenges facing 911 call…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Assistant Managing Editor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Social Justice Columnist for The Seattle Times, Naomi Ishisaka! They discuss: New Candidates Running for Seattle City Council Everyday Gun Violence Seattle Dual-Dispatch Pilot is Underutilized Ferguson’s Police Centric Plan Deaths at Tacoma IC…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's interaction with the King County Homelessness Authority, proposed changes for thousands of app-based workers in Seattle, the charges brought against …

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the launch of public comments on Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, another expansion of the Seattle Preschool Program, new land use legislation from Councilmember Tammy Morales, pr…

King County is taking a comprehensive, community-focused approach that early data suggests is helping steer young people away from cycles of violence. In an interview with the Hacks & Wonks podcast, Eleuthera Lisch, director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, discussed the promising impacts of the county's community viol…

Hacks & Wonks Week in Review: Presidential Primary, Legislative Retirements, Police Recruitment in Seattle, Seattle Public Schools Board, and Burien Gets Sued Presidential Primary Takeaways In this week's presidential primary, Trump and Biden secured enough delegates to clinch their parties' nominations. While Trump's impact worries moderate Republ…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a push for Seattle Police Department pay raises, a public safety tour led by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a lawsuit from the King County Sheriff regarding Burien's new camping …

In a recent interview on the "Hacks & Wonks" podcast, Tacoma City Councilmember Olgy Diaz provided an insider's guide on how to prepare and run for elected office. Drawing from over a decade of experience in political campaigns and advocacy, Diaz offered detailed advice for prospective candidates. Diaz stressed knowing your "why" for running as a m…

Week in Review: Conservative Initiatives, Comprehensive Plan, and Ax Murderer Controversy Conservative Initiatives Pass Democratic Legislature In a surprising move, the Democratic-majority in the Washington state legislature passed three conservative ballot initiatives into law, bypassing the need for a public vote. The initiatives ban a state inco…

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss Mayor Harrell's new Comprehensive Plan proposal, King County's fentanyl crisis plan, a victory for state Republicans as three voter initiatives get passed into law, challenges …

In an interview with the Hacks & Wonks podcast, King County Executive Dow Constantine outlined the county's approach to addressing the region's homelessness crisis - a crisis he says fundamentally stems from a lack of affordable housing. "The reason people don't have housing is because they can't afford housing," Constantine said. "It's a tremendou…

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Editor of The Stranger and noted poet, Rich Smith! Crystal and Rich discuss the significance of the Stranger endorsing “Uncommitted Delegates” in the March 12th Presidential Primary. They then celebrate the legislature’s passage of the Strippers’ Bill of Rights and mourn the deaths of rent stabilization …

Extra! Extra! We've added a podcast this week to talk about a protest that led to six arrests at the Seattle City Council meeting. Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the larger context of this protest and what it may mean for the Council in the weeks ahead. Plus, Brian and David are taking a look at Mayo…