Joshua McNichols
Growth and Development Reporter
About
As KUOW's Growth and Development reporter and co-host of KUOW's Booming podcast, Joshua's "growing pains" beat sits at the nexus of housing, transportation, urban planning, government and the economy. His favorite stories also include themes of history, technology, and climate change.
Joshua holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington. Public Radio is his second career; architecture was his first. He is proud of the many odd jobs he's held in his life, such as salmon fisher, author, bike courier, and bed-and-breakfast cook.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: he/him
Professional Affiliations: The Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Chapter
Stories
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Government
Are we on the brink of a tax revolt in Washington state?
Cities all over the region have big property tax levies on the ballot this year. There's a transportation levy in Seattle, a levy to modernize the fire department in Tacoma, and a levy to pay for public safety and libraries in Everett. Increasingly, elected officials rely on these levies to pay for core services. But some taxpayers are signaling there’s an end to their generosity. KUOW's Joshua McNichols looks at how we got here - and whether we’re at risk of a tax revolt.
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Government
When it comes to Seattle's property tax levy, renters are not immune
Seattle's $1.55 billion transportation levy would fund some important transportation projects in the city. Homeowners would pay the most. But renters pay in other ways.
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Business
Sustainable sandwich business proves unsustainable
Workers at the local sandwich chain Homegrown say the company's plan to close 10 out of 12 stores amounts to union busting. The announcement came not long after the company’s union ratified a contract promising better pay and benefits.
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Are we on the brink of a tax revolt?
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Government
Battery farms to store green energy are needed, but where should they go? King County considers
Solar panels and wind turbines don't generate power 100% of the time, So large battery energy storage systems help even out the power. Now, the King County council is deciding where and under what conditions those battery systems should be allowed.
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Robots are helping build new apartments in Seattle
The construction industry - has been having a hard time finding enough workers lately. The worker shortage can delay projects and push the cost of housing higher. That situation has led one contractor to try something new, at a project in Seattle. They’re bringing in a robot.
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In Seattle, office-to-residential building conversions win unanimous council approval
From now on, it’ll be easier for developers in Seattle to turn underused office buildings into apartments.
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A robot took his job. And he's happy about it
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Business
Downtown Seattle office values are dropping like overripe plums. That's not all bad
In the Seattle metro area, the market price for a place to attempt to concentrate on your work while colleagues talk loudly near your desk is dropping significantly. Eastside, don't get cocky - it's happening there too.
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Economy
Why McMenamins is sticking with Tacoma, despite losses at popular Elks Temple
The century-old Elks Temple in downtown Tacoma cost $30 million to turn into a hotel/restaurant/bar/concert venue. It opened right before the pandemic. Since then, it's been a consistent money-loser for the company that restored it. But the McMenamins company made its name by taking the long view. Company co-founder Mike McMenamin has no intention of changing that now.