Economy

What does UW's disappearing research money mean for Seattle's innovation economy?

Universities have won legal battles that have protected some federal funding, especially for existing research. But when it comes to money for new scientific experiments, the amount of money the University of Washington receives has fallen off a cliff.

'Amazon can never be us.' How Seattle's independent bookstores have met the digital age

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day is on April 25, kicking off 10 days dedicated to filling your shelves with books from local booksellers, like Estelita's Library and the 33 participating stores in the Seattle area alone.

The K-shaped economy: Why diners are dying but yachts are booming

Businesses that cater to middle-class customers are closing thanks to what economists call the “K-shaped economy,” where high- and low-income groups grow while the middle hollows out.

Could light rail across Lake Washington make Seattle the next Copenhagen?

It’s taken 10 years and almost $4 billion. But light rail across Lake Washington should finally open on Saturday. For riders, that means shorter commutes and faster trips to the airport, sporting events, and parks. But economists say the impact could go much further. They point to a surprising example: a bridge in Scandinavia that helped transform two struggling cities into an economic powerhouse.

From coder to shuttle driver: Where Seattle's laid off tech workforce is now