Nate Sanford

Bellingham, Seattle, Spokane

Reporter for @CascadePBSNews and @knkxfm. Covering politics in WA, often with an emphasis on issues facing young adults. Formerly @TheInlander

Articles

‘Tone-deaf’: Proposed Seattle earplug law draws mixed reactions

3 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Nate Sanford

Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss is worried about Seattle’s ears. Earlier this spring, he drafted a “hearing protection ordinance” that would require music venues to provide hearing protection for free or less than $1, or risk fines. “This bill is about making sure that people have the opportunity to both enjoy Seattle’s vibrant music scene and protect their hearing health no matter where they go,” Strauss said when presenting the idea to his colleagues in March.
'Tone deaf': Proposed Seattle earplug law draws mixed reactions

3 weeks ago | knkx.org | Nate Sanford

Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss is worried about Seattle’s ears. Earlier this spring, he drafted a “hearing protection ordinance” that would require music venues to provide hearing protection for free or less than $1, or risk fines. “This bill is about making sure that people have the opportunity to both enjoy Seattle’s vibrant music scene and protect their hearing health no matter where they go,” Strauss said when presenting the idea to his colleagues in March.
'Tone deaf' Proposed Seattle earplug law draws mixed reactions

3 weeks ago | cascadepbs.org | Nate Sanford

Reactions in the music community have been mixed. Many agree that hearing loss needs to be taken seriously, but some have questioned if a new regulation is the best approach. Additionally, many Seattle music venues already sell or provide earplugs to concertgoers. “It doesn’t really make sense,” said Steven Severin, the owner of several Seattle music venues, including Neumos on Capitol Hill.
REI Co-op members reject company board picks after union campaign

1 month ago | knkx.org | Nate Sanford

In a show of discontent, REI Co-op members voted to reject the slate of candidates put forward by the company in this year’s Board of Directors elections. The election results represent a victory for the REI Union, which urged members to vote against the uncontested slate of board candidates.
REI Co-op members reject company board picks after union campaign

1 month ago | cascadepbs.org | Nate Sanford

The outdoor retailer drew criticism for blocking union-backed candidates from the ballot and for its initial support of a Trump appointee. Exterior views of the REI Co-Op flagship store in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Tue., Jan. 28, 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS) (M. Scott Brauer) In a show of discontent, REI Co-op members voted to reject the slate of candidates put forward by the company in this year’s Board of Directors elections.
'Vastly more walkable': Seattle's Pike Place Market tests car ban

1 month ago | cascadepbs.org | Nate Sanford

A visitor to the Market can now begin their journey at the new Waterfront Park, entering its first summer after a lengthy redevelopment and the 2019 demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Walkers can cross Elliott Way through the new Overlook Walk Skybridge and enter the Market through Victor Steinbrueck Park, which reopened in March after a lengthy closure tied to a dispute over totem poles.
Seattle democracy voucher renewal set for August ballot

1 month ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Nate Sanford

Seattle voters will be asked in August if they want to continue paying for the city’s democracy voucher program — a first-of-its-kind public campaign-financing system that gives voters money to donate to political candidates. Seattle voters created the program in 2015, along with a 10-year property tax levy to fund it. The voucher program aims to make election financing more diverse and equitable by giving voters four $25 coupons they can give to city of Seattle candidates during elections.
Seattle democracy voucher renewal set for August ballot

1 month ago | knkx.org | Nate Sanford

Seattle voters will be asked in August if they want to continue paying for the city’s democracy voucher program — a first-of-its-kind public campaign-financing system that gives voters money to donate to political candidates. Seattle voters created the program in 2015, along with a 10-year property tax levy to fund it. The voucher program aims to make election financing more diverse and equitable by giving voters four $25 coupons they can give to city of Seattle candidates during elections.
Seattle democracy voucher renewal set for August ballot

1 month ago | cascadepbs.org | Nate Sanford

Seattle City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018. (Jovelle Tamayo for Cascade PBS) Seattle voters will be asked in August if they want to continue paying for the city’s democracy voucher program — a first-of-its-kind public campaign-financing system that gives voters money to donate to political candidates. Seattle voters created the program in 2015, along with a 10-year property tax levy to fund it.
Washington state Legislature greenlights parking rollback to spur housing growth

1 month ago | opb.org | Nate Sanford

The entrance of Vancouvercenter Garage at the corner of Columbia Street and West 6th Street in Vancouver, Wash., on April 20, 2025. Washington’s Legislature passed Senate Bill 5184, limiting parking requirements for new developments to boost housing supply and affordability.