On Sunday I read an article in the Seattle Times about a vote happening today to change the rules about restricted parking zones in Seattle neighborhoods. Restricted parking zones are the areas where non-residents are restricted to two hours of parking.
There’s a lot about the parking situation in Seattle that I didn’t know before reading this article, and there’s a lot about the plans that the City Council is moving forward with that I don’t like.
For example: the current laws require that a Seattle neighborhood opt-in to restricted parking zones. If the Council votes to make the proposed changes, the Council gains the authority to decide whether a neighborhood needs a restricted parking zone or not.
Coincidentally, residential permits cost $45 per car, every two years. I’d sure like to have a say in that.
Newsbrands do a lot of social good by informing the public about their communities. But why not close the loop? After reading this article, I have thoughts to share with the city council. The Times could have easily included information on who to contact (and how) if I wanted to get involved.
People are fundamentally lazy. If the goal is to encourage civic engagement, then make it easy.
Eat Sleep Publish is a Seattle-based blog that explores the difficulties and opportunities currently facing the publishing industry. 
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