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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed the centerpiece of a City Council plan to get RVs off city streets this week, and the council may now lack the votes to override her.

Why it matters: The veto leaves Seattle without new restrictions on RV parking as city leaders remain divided over how to address more than a decade of neighborhood complaints and public safety concerns about vehicle encampments.

Driving the news: Wilson on Monday vetoed the permit system at the heart of a suite of legislation intended to address longstanding concerns about RV encampments.

In a letter explaining her veto, Wilson said the permit system would be costly, difficult to enforce and could worsen homelessness.

Instead, she is calling for expanded outreach, more safe parking and a review of existing enforcement.

The latest: Councilmember Rob Saka, who previously supported the permit legislation, joined Wilson at a Tuesday press conference and said he's willing to give her alternative a chance.

"Our residents deserve results, not just another process," Saka said.

His potential reversal could leave the council one vote short of the six needed to override Wilson's veto.

The other side: Councilmember Dan Strauss, who sponsored the legislation, said his proposal already included a working group to address implementation concerns, and he accused Wilson of duplicating that effort.

"Right now, we need leadership, not wishy-washy work groups," he said at a press conference called to address the veto.

Strauss also accused Wilson of breaking a promise not to veto the legislation.

Catch up quick: The council voted 6-3 last month to approve Council Bill 121283, which would have limited RVs without permits to two hours of street parking, prohibited overnight parking and allowed towing without the advance notice previously required.

Under the legislation, eligible RV residents could have obtained free permits to park longer in designated industrial areas if they owned their vehicles and were included in a one-time city count of RV residents.

The three members who opposed the bill — Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Dionne Foster and Eddie Lin — warned that people missed by the count could be excluded from the permit program, potentially leaving them without a legal place to park, a concern echoed by Wilson.

Wilson signed the other four related bills, which include provisions to expand safe parking and services for people living in vehicles.

What's next: Strauss said he'll seek an override vote, though it's unclear now whether he has the six votes needed.

Seattle's RV parking restrictions hit roadblock

A key councilmember may withdraw support for RV parking rules, putting an override of the mayor's veto in doubt.

Illustration of Seattle City Hall with lines emanating from it. 

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed the centerpiece of a City Council plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get RVs off city streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/22/seattle-homelessness-rv-parking-permit-program-ban" data-vars-content-id="23db7099-dacf-4130-a943-cde8f61f0c57" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s RV parking restrictions hit roadblock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/22/seattle-homelessness-rv-parking-permit-program-ban" target="_self">get RVs off city streets</a> this week, and the council may now lack the votes to override her.Why it matters: The veto leaves Seattle without new restrictions on RV parking as city leaders remain divided over how to address more than a decade of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood complaints" data-vars-click-url="https://mynorthwest.com/local/seattle-neighbors-argue-connection-between-rvs-and-crime/230776" data-vars-content-id="23db7099-dacf-4130-a943-cde8f61f0c57" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s RV parking restrictions hit roadblock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mynorthwest.com/local/seattle-neighbors-argue-connection-between-rvs-and-crime/230776" target="_blank">neighborhood complaints</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public safety concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/program-to-help-homeless-living-in-cars-off-to-slow-steady-start/" data-vars-content-id="23db7099-dacf-4130-a943-cde8f61f0c57" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s RV parking restrictions hit roadblock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/program-to-help-homeless-living-in-cars-off-to-slow-steady-start/" target="_blank">public safety concerns</a> about vehicle encampments.

News

Seattle voters continued to show strong support for Proposition 1, a measure to double the city's sales tax for transit service, in election results released Wednesday. 

Driving the news: Proposition 1 had 72.6% approval as of Wednesday night, per King County Elections.

The Seattle Times declared the measure passed on election night, while Mayor Katie Wilson sent out a news release thanking voters for their support. 

Why it matters: The measure preserves roughly 180,000 annual city-funded bus trips that officials warned could go away if the tax wasn't approved.

By the numbers: The transit sales tax doubles from 0.15% to 0.3% for up to 10 years, generating an estimated $138 million annually.

The cost to a median two-person Seattle household is about $58 a year, up from $29 under the current tax.

The city estimates the new tax will fund about 275,000 annual bus trips, roughly 95,000 more than the existing program.

Zoom in: Additional bus service will be focused on neighborhoods most dependent on transit, including east-west connections, nights and weekends, and areas where housing and jobs are growing, per the city.

It also supports streetcars, safety improvements and light rail connections, while expanding free ORCA passes from 10,000 to 22,000.

The other side: Opponents had argued the sales tax would further burden households struggling with high living costs and questioned whether Metro's ridership and operating costs justify the additional funding.

The big picture: Seattle voters approved the previous transit measure with 80% support in 2020.

What's next: The new tax is set to take effect April 1, replacing the existing measure, which expires in March.

Editor's note: This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Seattle voters favor transit tax hike in early returns

The measure is expected to generate $138 million annually, preserving bus routes and expanding transit access.

Purple and yellow King County Metro bus on a city street with the Space Needle in the background. 

Voting for buses. Photo: Genna Martin/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Seattle voters continued to show strong support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proposition 1" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/28/seattle-proposition-1-2026-election-bus-transit-tax-cost" data-vars-content-id="27b0ef24-e9f7-4c24-ac95-c92a3c3deb4a" data-vars-headline="Seattle voters favor transit tax hike in early returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/28/seattle-proposition-1-2026-election-bus-transit-tax-cost" target="_self">Proposition 1</a>, a measure to double the city&#x27;s sales tax for transit service, in election results released Wednesday. Driving the news: Proposition 1 had 72.6% approval as of Wednesday night, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per King County Elections" data-vars-click-url="https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/elections/results/2026/november-general" data-vars-content-id="27b0ef24-e9f7-4c24-ac95-c92a3c3deb4a" data-vars-headline="Seattle voters favor transit tax hike in early returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/elections/results/2026/november-general" target="_blank">per King County Elections</a>.

Election

Baby cows, colorful dancing and a free vegetarian meal are coming to Seattle Center this weekend for Diwali, India's Festival of Lights.

Why it matters: The celebration offers a window into the traditions of the region's substantial Indian community, while inviting everyone to join the festivities.

Celebrating Diwali in the heart of the city is more than a party, festival producer Latha Sambamurti of Northwest SHARE told Axios.

It's about "the light of unity, the warmth of our traditions, the power of togetherness," she said.

Driving the news: The free, all-ages Diwali: Lights of India festival returns Saturday from noon to 6pm at the Seattle Center Armory.

The celebration is part of Seattle Center Festál, a series of 25 free cultural festivals that collectively draw about 400,000 visits annually.

Zoom in: The day is built for wandering, watching and joining in.

🐮 New this year: Calves from Goloka Farm will be available for cuddling on the Armory balcony, where visitors can learn about the sacred role of cows in Indian culture.

Triptych of three calves standing in a grassy field.

Meet the calves: Govinda, Bhishma and Hare Krishna. Photos: Courtesy of Northwest SHARE

💃🏽 Performances will showcase classical Indian dance, traditional percussion, violin and choral music.

🫓 Visitors can also watch roti-making demonstrations, admire a flower mandala, participate in art workshops and enjoy a free vegetarian meal.

The big picture: Diwali, which falls on Sunday this year, is a five-day celebration rooted in Hindu traditions and also observed by Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

The holiday symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, with families traditionally lighting oil lamps called diyas, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts and gathering for meals.

The bottom line: Free food, colorful art and a baby cow to cuddle? Hard to beat.

And if you can't make it, light a candle and join in from home. As Sambamurti put it, "Let a billion lights remind us that darkness never has the final word."

Celebrate Diwali in Seattle by cuddling baby cows 

The all-ages celebration features calf cuddling, roti-making demonstrations and colorful Indian dance.

Three  Indian dancers in vibrant red and green lift colorful scarves on a dark stage.

Dancing into Diwali. Photo: Courtesy of Saddleburn Media

Baby cows, colorful dancing and a free vegetarian meal are coming to Seattle Center this weekend for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Diwali" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/11/09/diwali-celebrate-seattle-washington" data-vars-content-id="7de8932a-0259-4b52-bb6a-90db8dc2fa89" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Diwali in Seattle by cuddling baby cows " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/11/09/diwali-celebrate-seattle-washington" target="_self">Diwali</a>, India&#x27;s Festival of Lights.Why it matters: The celebration offers a window into the traditions of the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="substantial Indian community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/10/census-data-reveals-seattle-s-diverse-ancestry-mix" data-vars-content-id="7de8932a-0259-4b52-bb6a-90db8dc2fa89" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Diwali in Seattle by cuddling baby cows " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/10/census-data-reveals-seattle-s-diverse-ancestry-mix" target="_self">substantial Indian community</a>, while inviting everyone to join the festivities.

Things to Do

Seattle drivers are finally getting some relief from soaring gas prices. 

Why it matters: After months of pain at the pump, prices are heading down, though they're still well above last year's levels.

By the numbers: Regular gas prices in Seattle ranged from $4.56 to $5.89 on Tuesday, per the GasBuddy app.

Statewide, average gas prices have fallen 31 cents a gallon in the past month to $5.18, per AAA.

That's still nearly 90 cents more than a year ago and $1.03 above the national average.

Washington has among the highest gas prices in the country.

The bottom line: It's not a bargain, but we'll take it.

Seattle gas prices are dropping 

Washington's average gas price is $1.03 above the national average, even after a month of declines.

Illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a car, as if it were a piggy bank.

Seattle drivers are finally getting some relief from soaring gas prices. Why it matters: After months of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pain at the pump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/09/15/seattle-gas-prices-6-dollar-washington" data-vars-content-id="9716f2e0-65e0-47ee-b08d-553432e7dcc4" data-vars-headline="Seattle gas prices are dropping " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/09/15/seattle-gas-prices-6-dollar-washington" target="_self">pain at the pump</a>, prices are heading down, though they&#x27;re still well above last year&#x27;s levels.

A bullet train whisking passengers from Seattle to Portland or Vancouver, B.C., in about an hour may be a distant dream, but Washington transportation officials want your help shaping it.

Why it matters: The proposed high-speed rail system could transform travel along the increasingly congested Interstate 5 corridor, offering an alternative to driving or flying between the Pacific Northwest's largest metro areas.

The Cascadia region is projected to add 3.4 million residents by 2050, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation, putting more pressure on its transportation network.

Driving the news: WSDOT wants the public's input on its Cascadia High-Speed Rail proposal by Nov. 13.

The survey asks about transportation needs and priorities as the agency studies potential routes, train speeds, stops and connections to existing transit.

It also seeks feedback on the separate I-5 Master Plan, which examines future highway improvements.

What they're saying: "We want to know who's going to use it and how," WSDOT spokesperson Steve Peer told Axios. "It's very important to get public input because it really guides us on moving forward."

How it works: The proposed trains would travel at 200 mph or more on new, dedicated tracks, with fewer stops than conventional passenger rail and stations linked to regional transit.

The project would complement, not replace, Amtrak Cascades.

WSDOT leads planning in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, Metro and British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

The $55.7 million planning effort, largely federally funded, is expected to produce a service development plan by 2028.

Catch up quick: The idea isn't new. Washington was studying it as far back as 1992.

The effort gained new momentum in 2016, when leaders in Washington and British Columbia championed the idea of a more connected economic megaregion, drawing support from businesses like Microsoft.

Reality check: There's still no preferred route, confirmed station locations, construction funding or opening date.

WSDOT's 2028 plan won't select a final route or station sites.

The Cascadia High-Speed Rail advocacy coalition estimates that planning, route analysis and environmental reviews alone could take up to a decade for the 300-plus-mile corridor, with construction still to follow.

The bottom line: Don't expect to board a bullet train anytime soon. Project advocates say big dreams take time, and point to Seattle's waterfront transformation and light rail expansions as projects that took decades to become reality.

Cascadia High-Speed Rail advocacy coalition

Seattle's high-speed rail dream needs your input

Officials want public input on a 300-plus-mile rail corridor linking Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.

Blurry white high-speed train speeds through a modern station, with metal paneled walls, parallel ceiling lines, and a yellow tactile strip along the platform.

Full speed ahead? Image: Courtesy of WSDOT

A bullet train <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whisking passengers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/30/cascadia-high-speed-rail-update" data-vars-content-id="9c0989ce-02c2-4b76-9b83-70a5f8d935c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s high-speed rail dream needs your input" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/30/cascadia-high-speed-rail-update" target="_self">whisking passengers</a> from Seattle to Portland or Vancouver, B.C., in about an hour may be a distant dream, but Washington transportation officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="want your help" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljI01q5dTbg&amp;t=2s" data-vars-content-id="9c0989ce-02c2-4b76-9b83-70a5f8d935c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s high-speed rail dream needs your input" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljI01q5dTbg&amp;t=2s" target="_blank">want your help</a> shaping it.Why it matters: The proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-speed rail system" data-vars-click-url="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-studies/cascadia-high-speed-rail" data-vars-content-id="9c0989ce-02c2-4b76-9b83-70a5f8d935c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s high-speed rail dream needs your input" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-studies/cascadia-high-speed-rail" target="_blank">high-speed rail system</a> could transform travel along the increasingly congested Interstate 5 corridor, offering an alternative to driving or flying between the Pacific Northwest&#x27;s largest metro areas.

Christine Clarridge

Featured stories

Seattle's high-speed rail dream needs your input

Celebrate Diwali in Seattle by cuddling baby cows

Seattle voters favor transit tax hike in early returns

Seattle's RV parking restrictions hit roadblock

Seattle gas prices are dropping