David Welton
@davidwelton.bsky.social
Computers, startups, bikes, Italy (lived in Padova for about 15 years), Bend YIMBY
Reposted by David Welton
I have a modest proposal:
Since Berkshire also owns the BNSF railway, howsabout they cede ownership of the rails in lieu of payment to these western states if the public is going to keep picking up their tab.
Deal?
Since Berkshire also owns the BNSF railway, howsabout they cede ownership of the rails in lieu of payment to these western states if the public is going to keep picking up their tab.
Deal?
It’s increasingly clear Berkshire’s strategy to keep PacifiCorp solvent in face of wildfire lawsuits is to have its lobbyists pressure state lawmakers into providing liability limits (at ratepayer expense) rather than dipping into Berkshire’s extraordinary profits
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
S&P downgrades PacifiCorp to lowest investment-grade rating - Portland Business Journal
PacifiCorp last week described a cascade of financial and operational challenges it could face if its credit were to fall below investment grade. It's now a step closer to that happening.
www.bizjournals.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I have a modest proposal:
Since Berkshire also owns the BNSF railway, howsabout they cede ownership of the rails in lieu of payment to these western states if the public is going to keep picking up their tab.
Deal?
Since Berkshire also owns the BNSF railway, howsabout they cede ownership of the rails in lieu of payment to these western states if the public is going to keep picking up their tab.
Deal?
Reposted by David Welton
These tariffs are a war on flavor. They want us to eat dollar store domestic pasta and season our food with salt and pepper. All of those 1950s memes were meant to be taken literally.
“Small retailers, specialty retailers are suffering." Grocery stores catering to New York's immigrant communities anchor neighborhoods. President Trump's tariffs are hitting some of them hardest. nyti.ms/43qCCSW
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Specialty Grocery Stores for Some Immigrant Communities Especially Hard
For immigrant communities from countries with especially high duties, food costs have risen sharply courtesy of President Trump.
nyti.ms
November 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM
These tariffs are a war on flavor. They want us to eat dollar store domestic pasta and season our food with salt and pepper. All of those 1950s memes were meant to be taken literally.
Reposted by David Welton
Lowering speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph has already been implemented in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma, and has been associated with a significant drop in high-end speeding. Bothell's council endorsed making the change citywide.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Bothell Advances Citywide 20 MPH Residential Speed Limit » The Urbanist
# Lowering speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph has already been implemented in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma, and has been associated with a significant drop in high-end speeding...
www.theurbanist.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Lowering speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph has already been implemented in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma, and has been associated with a significant drop in high-end speeding. Bothell's council endorsed making the change citywide.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Lower rents are the result of electing people who tenaciously work to provide a solid supply of new homes
When we build enough supply of homes so that landlords must compete, renters win.
"The more properties there are, it drives all of us to lower rents and offer concessions" says the property manager pictured here.
bendbulletin.com/2025/11/11/b...
"The more properties there are, it drives all of us to lower rents and offer concessions" says the property manager pictured here.
bendbulletin.com/2025/11/11/b...
Bend's surge of apartment construction flattens rent hikes - The Bulletin
When Ian Gray looked for an apartment to rent in Bend earlier this year, he had something not available only a few years ago: a choice. Gray, who moved to Bend for a job as the city’s first-ever urban...
bendbulletin.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Lower rents are the result of electing people who tenaciously work to provide a solid supply of new homes
People swear up and down that the notion of "supply and demand" is somehow not relevant to Bend, Oregon...
Eppur si muove
Eppur si muove
Well look at that... plenty of new homes gives renters more choice, stopping rent hikes 🤔
bendbulletin.com/2025/11/11/b...
bendbulletin.com/2025/11/11/b...
Bend's surge of apartment construction flattens rent hikes - The Bulletin
When Ian Gray looked for an apartment to rent in Bend earlier this year, he had something not available only a few years ago: a choice. Gray, who moved to Bend for a job as the city’s first-ever urban...
bendbulletin.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:11 PM
People swear up and down that the notion of "supply and demand" is somehow not relevant to Bend, Oregon...
Eppur si muove
Eppur si muove
Reposted by David Welton
Trump has no plan to make homeownership more accessible for hardworking Americans — other than creating a 50-year mortgage:
November 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Trump has no plan to make homeownership more accessible for hardworking Americans — other than creating a 50-year mortgage:
Reposted by David Welton
I wrote about what I see as the real lesson of Mamdani's victory: not that Democrats needs to move left (or right, for that matter), but that they should try to build real-world relationships with normal voters. publiccomment.blog/p/mamdani-th...
Mamdani the Party Builder
Partyism in action
publiccomment.blog
November 10, 2025 at 10:31 PM
I wrote about what I see as the real lesson of Mamdani's victory: not that Democrats needs to move left (or right, for that matter), but that they should try to build real-world relationships with normal voters. publiccomment.blog/p/mamdani-th...
Reposted by David Welton
The answer is not to throw your hands up and abandon the Democratic Party.
The answer is to make the Democratic Party into what we want it to be.
👇
The answer is to make the Democratic Party into what we want it to be.
👇
5000 people have signed up to run for office with @runforsomething.net in the last week. Between the election wins & the shutdown fury, we’re taking that momentum in to 2026.
November 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
The answer is not to throw your hands up and abandon the Democratic Party.
The answer is to make the Democratic Party into what we want it to be.
👇
The answer is to make the Democratic Party into what we want it to be.
👇
Reposted by David Welton
This point absolutely correct and I will add that Mamdani demonstrates that an insurgency, even one with real moral clarity and anger at the status quo, can still be cheerful and inviting.
November 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
This point absolutely correct and I will add that Mamdani demonstrates that an insurgency, even one with real moral clarity and anger at the status quo, can still be cheerful and inviting.
Reposted by David Welton
In my old town the GOP had run basically without serious challenge for decades. A bunch of us "millennials" joined the local Dem party and basically asked to help.
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
“Rather than taking over the Democratic Party the same way the right took over the Republican Party, we should take the easier route and just start up a new party ourselves!”
I’m about to fill my pockets with stones and walk into the sea.
I’m about to fill my pockets with stones and walk into the sea.
November 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
In my old town the GOP had run basically without serious challenge for decades. A bunch of us "millennials" joined the local Dem party and basically asked to help.
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
We were running it in a year. Within 4 years we had a majority of town seats flipped Dem. A FAR more progressive Dem than old party
Reposted by David Welton
I am not a crazy ideologue. I just think that the richest society in human history has a moral responsibility to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, treat the sick, and house the homeless. If doing that requires forcing comfortably-housed people to accept neighborhood change, I'm ok with that.
Probably the key part of this piece. It comes down to the following: "What does prioritizing millionaire homeowners’ aversion to change over the needs of the poor and unhoused do to our souls?"
November 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
I am not a crazy ideologue. I just think that the richest society in human history has a moral responsibility to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, treat the sick, and house the homeless. If doing that requires forcing comfortably-housed people to accept neighborhood change, I'm ok with that.
Reposted by David Welton
Latest news roundup from Bend YIMBY. Including our November 11th meetup to talk Neighborhood Commercial
bendyimby.substack.com/p/bend-yimby...
bendyimby.substack.com/p/bend-yimby...
Bend YIMBY News - 11/10/2025
Bend / Oregon
bendyimby.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Latest news roundup from Bend YIMBY. Including our November 11th meetup to talk Neighborhood Commercial
bendyimby.substack.com/p/bend-yimby...
bendyimby.substack.com/p/bend-yimby...
Reposted by David Welton
I wrote about state-level ADU reform and the differences between @strongtowns.org and YIMBYism. www.maxdubler.com/blog/2025/11...
On The Tension Between YIMBYism and Strong Towns — Max Dubler
Special thanks to those who gave their thoughtful feedback on this piece. The past couple of months have seen quite a bit of Discourse about the differences between Strong Towns and YIMB...
www.maxdubler.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
I wrote about state-level ADU reform and the differences between @strongtowns.org and YIMBYism. www.maxdubler.com/blog/2025/11...
Reposted by David Welton
Cycling is healthy, fun, and one of the simplest and cheapest ways to fight the climate crisis.
More bike lanes mean safer streets, cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods, and even local economic growth.
Honestly, what more could we ask for?
More bike lanes mean safer streets, cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods, and even local economic growth.
Honestly, what more could we ask for?
The newly christened mayor may have only won a narrow mandate last night, but an ongoing cycling boom gives him maneuverability to build bike lanes.
AGENDA 2026: Mayor Mamdani Must Sustain The City's Bike Boom - Streetsblog New York City
The newly christened mayor may have only won a narrow mandate last night, but an ongoing cycling boom gives him maneuverability to build bike lanes.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Cycling is healthy, fun, and one of the simplest and cheapest ways to fight the climate crisis.
More bike lanes mean safer streets, cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods, and even local economic growth.
Honestly, what more could we ask for?
More bike lanes mean safer streets, cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods, and even local economic growth.
Honestly, what more could we ask for?
Reposted by David Welton
"The most effective way to resist the authoritarian takeover of our democracy is to make it clear to companies partnering with authoritarians that there will always be consequences for such business relationships." - @barely.live #BoycottTmobile #teslatakedown ✊
www.commondreams.org/opinion/boyc...
www.commondreams.org/opinion/boyc...
Defending Democracy Starts With Your Phone Plan: Why I Cut Ties With T-Mobile | Common Dreams
The most effective way to resist the authoritarian takeover of our democracy is to make it clear to companies partnering with authoritarians that there will always be consequences for such business r...
www.commondreams.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:40 PM
"The most effective way to resist the authoritarian takeover of our democracy is to make it clear to companies partnering with authoritarians that there will always be consequences for such business relationships." - @barely.live #BoycottTmobile #teslatakedown ✊
www.commondreams.org/opinion/boyc...
www.commondreams.org/opinion/boyc...
Went for a bike ride today and was in just shorts/jersey. Pretty incredible for November in Oregon!
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Went for a bike ride today and was in just shorts/jersey. Pretty incredible for November in Oregon!
NIMBY in chief
Trump on Newsom: "He did something even worse than that. He's now taking a big section of Palisades or some area and he's gonna build low income income where they used to have luxury housing."
November 11, 2025 at 12:31 AM
NIMBY in chief
Reposted by David Welton
Right, the answer isn't to abandon the party to these weasels.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
Hey, a lot of people are talking about changing affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
Let me tell you why you shouldn’t do that in Colorado.
One of the main ways to get a primary challenge candidate on a ballot is to caucus for your party. You need to be registered as a Dem to caucus.
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Right, the answer isn't to abandon the party to these weasels.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
The answer is to flood the party with people who will take it over and transform it.
Reposted by David Welton
Pretty much all affordability discourse could benefit from just posting this chart.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Pretty much all affordability discourse could benefit from just posting this chart.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
Reposted by David Welton
A Bend-LaPine Schools plan moved a step closer toward utilizing some of its undeveloped land for much-needed housing in one of the state's most expensive housing markets.
Bend City Council clears path for housing project to help school employees
The district’s multiyear project took a step forward. The aim is to build more than 30 homes near some of its schools in Bend. The goal is to retain district workers in one of the state’s most expensive housing markets.
www.opb.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
A Bend-LaPine Schools plan moved a step closer toward utilizing some of its undeveloped land for much-needed housing in one of the state's most expensive housing markets.
Reposted by David Welton
Parking was one of the more controversial aspects to Portland's Residential Infill Project.
This newly built triplex at SE 16th & Morrison is a good example of how eliminating parking requirements allowed a mature tree to be saved. www.redfin.com/OR/Portland/...
This newly built triplex at SE 16th & Morrison is a good example of how eliminating parking requirements allowed a mature tree to be saved. www.redfin.com/OR/Portland/...
November 10, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Parking was one of the more controversial aspects to Portland's Residential Infill Project.
This newly built triplex at SE 16th & Morrison is a good example of how eliminating parking requirements allowed a mature tree to be saved. www.redfin.com/OR/Portland/...
This newly built triplex at SE 16th & Morrison is a good example of how eliminating parking requirements allowed a mature tree to be saved. www.redfin.com/OR/Portland/...
Reposted by David Welton
I understand the impulse to say "how can you celebrate one small piece of good news when [all the bad news]" or even "how can you celebrate the mere temporary absence of bad news on this topic"
but I am, and I will.
but I am, and I will.
New: The Supreme Court DENIES Kim Davis' request to overturn Obergefell, the marriage equality decision. No noted dissents. www.supremecourt.gov/orders/court...
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I understand the impulse to say "how can you celebrate one small piece of good news when [all the bad news]" or even "how can you celebrate the mere temporary absence of bad news on this topic"
but I am, and I will.
but I am, and I will.
Reposted by David Welton
Spokane has been killing it with housing reforms:
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Spokane has been killing it with housing reforms:
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
eliminating parking minimums near transit
increasing height maximums
Reducing lot minimums
THE RESULTS? The proof is in the puddin':
Reposted by David Welton
If we designed roads for cars in the same way we design bike paths, we'd never have to worry about speeding again. Problem solved.
November 10, 2025 at 1:59 PM
If we designed roads for cars in the same way we design bike paths, we'd never have to worry about speeding again. Problem solved.
And she's doing the hard work of running to push them in the right direction. We all have to get more involved in whatever ways we can
This deal to reopen the government is fucking disgraceful.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
November 10, 2025 at 1:59 PM
And she's doing the hard work of running to push them in the right direction. We all have to get more involved in whatever ways we can