Articles by Amy Rolph

Amy Rolph is a freelance journalist based in Seattle. She has worked as a writer and editor for several national and regional publications as well as public radio.

Seattle nonprofit wants to help all students love math, using school programs and in-person exhibits

Seattle approves first-of-its-kind law that protects app-based workers from deactivation
Seattle voters: Here’s what to know about approval voting vs. ranked choice — and the techies involved
These volunteers are building cell towers to bring the internet to everyone – and they need help

Latest from Amy Rolph

Seattle nonprofit wants to help all students love math, using school programs and in-person exhibits

by Amy Rolph on November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 at 11:26 am

Imagine you’re at a museum entrance, a few years from now. Straight ahead are six doorways — six different ways to explore the museum. Music. Art. Technology. History. Science. Sports.… Read More

Coding saves lives, and Fred Hutch Cancer Center wants the next generation to take note

by Amy Rolph on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 at 10:33 am

Plenty of high school students plan to make careers out of coding when they graduate from college. And plenty of other students are probably planning careers as cancer-research scientists. But… Read More

Seattle approves first-of-its-kind law that protects app-based workers from deactivation

by Amy Rolph & Taylor Soper on August 8, 2023August 9, 2023 at 8:28 am

Seattle lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday that aims to provide more job security to app-based workers who deliver food, shop for groceries, or perform many other on-demand jobs. The bill, CB… Read More

Proposed wealth tax in Washington state is another attempt at tax code reform

by Amy Rolph on February 10, 2023February 10, 2023 at 1:40 pm

Democrats in the Washington state legislature are trying again to make the state’s wealthiest residents pay up with a bill that would tax wealth surpassing $250 million. The proposal, sponsored… Read More

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Washington Supreme Court case for controversial capital gains tax begins this week

by Amy Rolph on January 23, 2023January 24, 2023 at 10:36 am

The Washington state Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether a statewide tax on capital gains in excess of $250,000 is lawful. The capital gains tax, approved by… Read More

Seattle voters: Here’s what to know about approval voting vs. ranked choice — and the techies involved

by Amy Rolph on October 27, 2022October 27, 2022 at 8:46 am

Seattle voters are tasked with answering a big question on November’s ballot: Do you want to change the way you vote in primary elections? Voters will be asked two questions:… Read More

These volunteers are building cell towers to bring the internet to everyone – and they need help

by Amy Rolph on September 14, 2022September 14, 2022 at 11:09 am

Internet access became essential after COVID-19 hit. With video-chat apps largely replacing face-to-face interactions, and in-person services and businesses retreating behind the safety of screens, everyday life became unfathomably difficult… Read More

Tech leaders in Washington state bullish about federal semiconductor bill

by Amy Rolph on August 17, 2022October 4, 2022 at 10:02 am

There’s nothing quick, easy, or cheap about microchips. The tiny computers that power our smartphones, cars, washing machines and televisions work are derived from semiconductor technology, which can take as… Read More

Most NDAs are now outlawed in Washington state. Will whistleblowers speak up?

by Amy Rolph on July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 at 7:03 am

Earlier this year, Washington state followed in California’s footsteps and outlawed most non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements, which had become standard fare at many tech companies. It was a huge victory… Read More

Developers build new data-tracking system to help curb homelessness in Seattle area

by Amy Rolph on May 31, 2022May 31, 2022 at 10:05 am

With help from Seattle-area tech and philanthropic partners, a team of data scientists with King County has been developing a homeless response system dashboard that parses data from multiple sources,… Read More

How Bellevue’s tech hub is similar to Silicon Valley — and what they can learn from each other

by Amy Rolph on April 30, 2022April 30, 2022 at 8:38 am

Comparing Silicon Valley and Seattle has become something of a regional pastime in the Pacific Northwest. But the comparison might be more accurate if directed a few miles east, across… Read More

New salary disclosure law in Washington state could spell big changes for tech companies

by Amy Rolph on April 15, 2022April 15, 2022 at 3:39 pm

It’s a question that’s made countless job seekers break out in a cold sweat. Tell me, what are your salary requirements? The question, often asked by hiring managers and recruiters,… Read More

How Seattle’s new waterfront could boost a battered downtown and impact tech companies

by Amy Rolph on April 14, 2022April 15, 2022 at 6:26 am

You might say the Seattle waterfront project has faced a few setbacks. There was the multi-year fight about how to solve the problem of the crumbling Alaskan Way viaduct. The… Read More

With remote work here to stay and more apartments occupied, can downtown Seattle reinvent itself?

by Amy Rolph on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 at 7:21 am

Seattle’s downtown has changed a lot since its early days, with sawmills making way for skyscrapers. But one thing hasn’t changed much. Even though people have always lived downtown, the… Read More

‘Silenced No More’ bill targeting NDAs used by tech companies passes in Washington state

by Amy Rolph on March 7, 2022April 15, 2022 at 8:15 am

Landmark legislation that will drastically curtail tech companies’ ability to stop employees from talking about mistreatment is headed to the governor’s desk in Washington state. Last week, Washington legislators approved… Read More

With help from Zillow, this nonprofit wants to change the game for high-risk renters

by Amy Rolph on February 28, 2022February 28, 2022 at 10:24 am

It’s no secret that there’s a housing crisis in the Seattle area. Bidding wars abound. Rents are up nearly 30% over last year. And only New York and Los Angeles… Read More

Remote work may end soon. But will crime still keep tech employees out of downtown Seattle?

by Amy Rolph on February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 at 10:31 am

As the Omicron variant recedes, tech companies are eyeing a return to the office. But for those with offices in downtown Seattle, there’s a new question looming front and center:… Read More

‘Things could get worse’: Amazon’s salary bump reignites housing concerns in Seattle region

by Amy Rolph on February 10, 2022February 10, 2022 at 10:06 am

The headline was like a punch in the gut to many dreaming of owning or renting a home in the Seattle area. “Bellevue home sells for nearly $1 million over… Read More

Like more than one candidate on a ballot? New initiative led by techies aims to allow multiple votes

by Amy Rolph on January 28, 2022January 28, 2022 at 9:38 am

When Seattle voters mark their ballots for primary elections now, they can select only one candidate for each race. But an initiative filed earlier this week aims to change that.… Read More

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