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Seattleites divided on digital kiosks in public spaces
Seattleites divided on digital kiosks in public spaces

Axios

time03-07-2025

  • Business
  • Axios

Seattleites divided on digital kiosks in public spaces

Many locals are wary of Seattle's plans to install 30 digital wayfinding kiosks downtown, according to an informal survey of Axios Seattle readers. Why it matters: An ordinance signed Tuesday by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will allow the Downtown Seattle Association to install the touchscreen kiosks throughout the central business district. Each kiosk measures more than 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide, and will display slides that are mostly advertisements when not in active use. Zoom in: Axios Seattle recently asked readers to share their thoughts about the incoming kiosks, and some questioned if the benefits will justify increased advertising and privatization of public space. Of the 51 people who responded, two-thirds had negative reactions, with 49% strongly disapproving of the kiosks' installation and about 18% saying they somewhat disapprove. What they're saying: Advertising was the most common concern mentioned, followed by the kiosks' appearance and size. "It's crowded in Seattle already — now we will have to dodge bulky, unwanted advertising too?" wrote reader Joni Bosh, who described the kiosks as "billboards at face level." Even some who like the idea of the kiosks as a way to relay public information worried they'll quickly become defaced and vandalized, turning them into eyesores. Others raised concerns about privacy, given that the kiosks will include cameras as part of a user-operated selfie booth feature. The city ordinance says the kiosks won't retain those images, nor take other types of photos or video. The other side: Some readers said the devices — which are already in use in about two dozen other U.S. cities — are useful tools that Seattle should embrace. Reader Peter Kulseth described them as "another awesome way to demonstrate the tech-focused and futuristic feel that Seattle embodies so well." A few people described privacy concerns as overblown, noting that the kiosks will be placed on public streets where there is little expectation of privacy. What's next: The Downtown Seattle Association expects to have all 30 kiosks installed by next summer, when Seattle is slated to host six matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Help Seattle win our contest for best public art
Help Seattle win our contest for best public art

Axios

time13-03-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Axios

Help Seattle win our contest for best public art

We knew you could do it, Seattle. The latest: Both Seattle art pieces we submitted in our Axios Local public art contest made it through the first round of voting, advancing to the Elite Eight. Catch up quick: In honor of March Madness, each Axios Local city in the Mountain West region — Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Diego and soon Boulder — submitted two of their best and weirdest pieces of public art. We at Axios Seattle leaned into the "weird," submitting the Fremont Troll and Georgetown's Hat n' Boots as our entries. Each artwork was seeded No. 1 through 16. And much like the NCAA tournament, there were some major upsets after the first round of voting and some Cinderella stories are brewing. What's next: We need your help to ensure Seattle is represented in the Final Four! (You know our troll under a bridge is better than that whale on a roundabout in Salt Lake City.) Vote here to help Seattle advance in the tournament!

Thin Mints are Seattle's top Girl Scout cookie, our poll finds
Thin Mints are Seattle's top Girl Scout cookie, our poll finds

Axios

time07-03-2025

  • General
  • Axios

Thin Mints are Seattle's top Girl Scout cookie, our poll finds

Axios Seattle readers are closely divided about which Girl Scout cookie is the best — but after three days of voting, Thin Mints edged out Samoas in our very scientific poll. Why it matters: Arguing over food is a glorious pastime (even if in reality we'd gladly shove all nine types of Girl Scout cookies in our mouths, no questions asked). By the numbers: Thin Mints and Samoas were trading blows all week. Each cookie pulled into the lead at different times, often separated by only a vote or two. In the end, 244 of the 883 people who took our poll named Thin Mints as their favorite cookie. Samoas, meanwhile, captured 242 votes. State of play: Monday is the last day to order Girl Scout cookies online through a local seller, according to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. You'll still find in-person sales at locations throughout the region through March 16.

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