01.10.2024

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Today’s Forecast

🚦 Getting the Green Light

Seattle is first US city using Google AI tool to improve traffic flow

A photo of Seattle intersections showing green traffic lights, time-lapse car lights, and the mountains in the background

Seattle hopes to reduce emissions by making traffic flow more freely at intersections. | Photo via @jen_grand

Hold off that honking, humans — artificial intelligence may soon help Seattle relieve traffic congestion.

We’re the first city in the US to partner with Google on Project Green Light, an initiative that uses Google Maps and real-time data to improve intersections where the traffic light timing is off.

The pilot program began in late 2022. Since then, signal timing has been adjusted at intersections in Ballard and Greenwood. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is looking to expand its use in 2024.

🚙 How does it work?

There are more than 1,000 traffic signals in Seattle and ~75% of them are adjusted remotely from a Traffic Operations Center. SDOT uses sensors, software, and other methods to program the lights, taking into account factors like the length of crossings and time of day.

But the Google collab gives SDOT another tool for their toolbox. Project Green Light’s AI can process thousands of intersections at once and send suggestions instantaneously on how to make sure an intersection isn’t causing backups. Implementing a suggestion from Google can take as little as five minutes.

Pedestrians and a small dog cross at a Seattle intersection at South Orcas Street. — Seattle fine-tuned its traffic signals during the pandemic to account for more people walking and rolling.
|
Photo via SDOT

🌱 Green all the way around

Improving traffic flow through Project Green Light could not only save a few headaches, but is also meant to be environmentally friendly. Researchers have found that airborne pollution is 29 times higher at city intersections than on open roads — and a lot of harmful particles come from cars accelerating after stopping.

Google said its pilot program — which has been working in 12 other cities internationally — shows the potential to reduce lower gas emissions by 10%, which would align with Seattle’s stated carbon reduction goals.

SDOT announced recently it will continue to partner with Project Green Light this year and plans to implement recommendations for SODO next.

Asked

Which road do you have bad traffic light luck with?

A. Rainier Avenue South
B. Fourth Avenue downtown
C. Aurora Avenue
D. Pike Street

Give us a brake

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Angel Investing Happy Hour | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Re:public, 429 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle | Free | Gear up for a night of networking at the Seattle Angel Conference event that features existing and aspiring investors.
Nine Hats Wines Bingo | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 6-8 p.m. | Nine Hats Wines, 3861 First Ave. S., Seattle | $5-$65 | Bingo is its name-o. Grab a card by itself or pair it with a charcuterie + wine package to play along.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Toy Boat Building | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St., Seattle | Free | This fun-filled family workshop guides kids on constructing a mini sailboat and testing it out on the pond nearby.
Laughing for Leopards: Comedy Fundraiser | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Otter on the Rocks, 4210 SW Admiral Way, Seattle | $30 | National headliner Phil Kopczynski and Cozy Comedy co-owner Travis Sherer bring the yuks to raise money for the Lafayette Parent Teacher Association.

Friday, Jan. 12

White Center Food Bank Grand Opening Party | Friday, Jan. 12 | 5-7 p.m. | White Center Food Bank, 10016 16th Ave. SW, Seattle | Free | Celebrate the community’s remodeled facility addition with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, guest speakers, music, food, drinks, and more.
The Socks on my Hands Puppet Slam: “Shadows on the Snow” | Friday, Jan. 12 | 8-10 p.m. | The Erickson Theatre, 1524 Harvard Ave., Seattle | $5-$12 | Local puppeteers get saucy with short acts that are more along the lines of “Avenue Q” than Jim Henson.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Great Dane Meetup | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Dog Yard Bar, 1546 Leary Way NW, Seattle | $16 | Big pups get chill time together — mixed breeds are welcome, too.
Music Inspired by Aesop’s Fables | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle | $15-$20 | Enjoy a tuneful interpretation of classic tales from local artists.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Active

5 ways to up your workouts

Protect your feet during high-impact exercise with thoughtfully designed HOKA sneakers. | Photo via Amazon

Focused on movement this month? Increase comfort and results with beloved gym staples.

Glide through cardio workouts with HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneakers (your feet will thank you).
Use a yoga mat with alignment lines to refine your form.
These buttery-soft leggings are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Wear Bala Bangles during familiar workouts and avoid plateauing.
Say goodbye to earbuds slipping out at the gym with silicone ear tips for AirPods.

Shop health + fitness finds

News Notes

Weather

Old Man Winter seems to be especially cranky this week. Strong winds blew through Seattle on Monday and Tuesday with snow looking increasingly likely. There’s a 40-60% chance for at least one inch of snow Thursday-Saturday and a 30% chance for two inches or more. (Seattle Times)

Biz

TikTok has ramped up hiring in the Seattle area, advertising 852 roles locally. The company’s main hub of operations is in Bellevue, where its recent hiring surge has surpassed that of Amazon. A 2023 report said TikTok will be base its e-commerce efforts there. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Legacy

Longtime Seattle restaurateur Marco Casas Beaux has died at the age of 72. The Argentina-born owner was in the local dining scene for three decades, opening his Boca steakhouse in Belltown and expanding it to Capitol Hill. All three locations closed this weekend in his honor. (Capitol Hill Seattle)

Civic

The King County Council just swore in its first Latino council members: Jorge L. Barón and Teresa Mosqueda. Barón represents District 4, which covers neighborhoods like Ballard and Green Lake. Mosqueda represents District 8, which covers downtown, West Seattle, Burien, and Tukwila. (KING 5)

Sports

Way to go, Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Seattle Kraken forward recently earned his first-ever NHL All-Star honor. Bjorkstrand is the Kraken’s second-leading scorer and a key reason why the team’s currently on a hot streak.

Transit

The Sound Transit Board of Directors will discuss appointing Goran Sparrman as the agency’s interim CEO at a special meeting tomorrow. Sparrman has 30+ years of experience in the public and private sector, and would take over for CEO Julie Timm who announced her pending departure last year.

Try This

Oh snap. Submissions are now open for our SEAtoday Picture of the Year contest. To participate, submit a local photo that you took in 2023 by Wednesday, Jan. 17. Make a submission for the chance to win a $25 gift card to our online marketplace, Six & Main.

Eat

Beacon Hill is getting a bit cheesier now that Burien’s acclaimed pizzeria Stevie’s Famous has landed at the Clock-out Lounge. Stevie’s is known for its New York-style, thin crust pies loaded with creative toppings. It takes over the space formerly occupied by pretzel pop-up Shady Lane. (Eater Seattle)

Trending

🥤 Our cups runneth over

Where to find the coveted Stanley cups in Seattle

A Stanley Quencher water bottle in light pastel colors on a wood table

Stanley re-released its 40-oz Quencher Adventure series in 2021. | Photo via Stanley

No need to bottle it any more — we’re surrendering to the current viral craze that has a 111-year-old outdoor gear brand with local ties at its center.

Stanley cups are rather sturdy stainless steel cups that have caught the attention of young’ns because of the number of colors the cups come in. Kids are lining up to score limited edition versions that match their outfits. One $50 cup was reportedly re-listed online for $29,000. Wowza.

Thankfully, we’re totally ahead of the trends. The Stanley company was founded on the East Coast in 1913, but later purchased by Seattle-based Pacific Market International in 2002.

Looking for help to get you the latest cool cup? Check out Stanley’s map to plan out your hunt or check these retailers:

REI | Quencher models in turquoise + orange
Evo | Quenchers, IceFlow FlipStra, and tumblers
Ascent Outdoors | Pints + mugs in stock

The Buy

The Buy 1.10.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A unique candle to bring fresh scents, light, and joy inside your home this winter.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

Like many of you, I was bummed to see UW fall to Michigan in the national championship (guess wearing my lucky hat askew didn’t work). The program may take a step back next season with lots of players leaving, but remember the playoff field will soon be 12 teams deep instead of just four. So we’re saying there’s a chance.

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