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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Can buildings learn?
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Seattle's surprising place for housing bargains: Downtown
If you’re looking to buy a home in Seattle, there’s a surprising neighborhood where homes are $100,000 cheaper than the city average: downtown Seattle.
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Business
Downtown Seattle's 'zombie' office buildings could get second life as apartments under new rules
Downtown Seattle has a lot of empty offices. Vacancy rates are almost 30%, according to a recent report. So the Mayor and the City Council want to make it easier and cheaper to turn those buildings into apartments. The question is how much they're willing to give up in order to encourage them.
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The risky business of airplanes
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Economy
How downtown Seattle's forsaken real estate could bring good fortune
Some real estate experts say downtown Seattle has hit rock-bottom, or will soon. And there’s nowhere to go but up.
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The tricky business of charging Washington's coming hybrid electric ferries
Washington State Ferries dodged a bullet in preparing for the energy needs of its coming hybrid electric fleet.
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Government
A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries
The state put five new ferries out to bid this week. That means shipyards may compete for the right to build them. A look through the plans reveals similarities to the old ferries, new details, and big changes under the hood.
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Business
Celebrating Tulsa's 'Black Wall Street' by rebuilding Seattle's Central District
Here's something you may not know about the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, K. Wyking Garrett told a crowd of Black business owners this week. Three years after it was destroyed, people there built it back, stronger than before. And it could happen in Seattle’s Central District, too, he says.
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Technology
Microsoft uses AI to improve battery tech
Microsoft is using its artificial intelligence models to help develop the next generation of batteries.
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A power move: Northwest companies charge toward battery tech revolution
Electricity demand in Washington state is about to grow dramatically, as we shift away from fossil fuels. That means we’re going to need better batteries – and a lot more of them. Companies in Washington State are racing to become leaders in this growing industry.