When Seattleites overwhelmingly voted to adopt the democracy voucher program in 2015—a system of publicly financed vouchers for residents to donate to local candidates—they became national leaders in campaign finance reform. Nearly ten years later, they have changed local elections in ways large and small, and Seattleites will decide their future when they vote whether … Read more
How two ballot initiatives would affect Washington’s clean building efforts and how the state can maintain its lead.
Allowing more apartment buildings in city neighborhoods where transportation options and jobs are abundant, is critical for Washington to address the housing shortage and control prices and rents; to curb sprawl, water, air, and climate pollution; and maximize the state’s investments in transit.
SEATTLE, WA – Decision-makers in Bellingham tried a new concept for developing the city’s industrial Old Town district: they gave builders full flexibility over how many parking spaces to include. Because of that regulatory change, the first building proposed on an eight-block former scrapyard in Old Town will have more than twice the number of homes … Read more
SEATTLE, WA – Seattle’s draft Comprehensive Plan, released earlier this month and laying out city leadership’s vision for the next 20 years of growth, is sorely insufficient in its housing recommendations. Dan Bertolet, Housing and Cities director for the nonprofit research organization Sightline Institute, is available for interview and comment on what he sees as … Read more
Takeaways Find audio versions of Sightline articles on any of your favorite podcast platforms, including Spotify, Google, and Apple. Editor’s note: Have your say as Seattle leaders collect community input. We’ve drafted a note for you to edit to your liking, and the Seattle Office of Planning Community Development is accepting comments until May 20 … Read more
Takeaways Find audio versions of Sightline articles on any of your favorite podcast platforms, including Spotify, Google, and Apple. Washington lawmakers racked up some solid wins for housing abundance this year, passing bills to legalize co-living homes, increase parking flexibility, and revamp building codes for middle housing. These wins overcame the challenges of both a … Read more
The possibility of connecting your home or business to a clean heating and cooling network could be coming to your neighborhood soon.
Washington lawmakers have opened up a new realm of climate-friendly business opportunities for the state’s energy utilities. With the unanimous passage of
