Cascadia: Strong Communities, a Green Economy, a Healthy Environment
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Latest Research
All Sightline Institute research is available to you to cite, use, and share, per our free use policy.
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Yes, a Land Value Tax Is Possible in Washington State
Read MoreA new report modeling a property tax building exemption in Spokane rebalances incentives toward community goals, encouraging homebuilding and discouraging in-city vacant land speculation.
June 3, 2026
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How Threats to Voting by Mail Could Affect Cascadia
Read MoreAnalysis for voters in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
May 28, 2026
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How to Close Montana Primary Elections’ ‘Drop-and-Swap’ Loophole
Read MoreSen. Steve Daines gamed the system to all but hand-pick his successor. A Missouri-style deadline extension would prevent such backroom deals.
May 26, 2026
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Washington Passes First Statewide Scissor Stair Reform
Read MoreThe measure ushers in more light-filled, infill-suited apartment homes—and sets a model for other states.
May 13, 2026
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From Peltola to Begich, Ranked Choice Voting Delivered What Alaskans Wanted
Read MoreCross-party appeal elevated Alaska’s former and current US representatives.
May 7, 2026
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Washington State’s Parking Reform Is Already Working
Read MoreCities are laying the groundwork for more homes thanks to new flexibility on parking—with other states taking note.
May 7, 2026
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Climate Is Stuck, Housing Isn’t
Read MoreWhy apartments may be the most powerful domestic climate move of the Trump years.
May 5, 2026
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Washington State Did Something Big for the Power Grid—Oregon Could Be Next
Read MoreWashington’s new transmission authority can help plan, build, and finance the power lines necessary for harnessing clean energy.
April 22, 2026
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Four Ways to Get More Power Lines—and Clean Power—for Oregonians
Read MoreOregon may be one of the hardest places to build transmission lines. Here’s how to change that.
March 26, 2026
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The Northwest Hasn’t Learned the Lessons of WPPSS (“Whoops”)
Read MoreHow overreliance on one grid study could drive a fossil fuel comeback in the Northwest.
March 24, 2026
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11% of Northwest Residents Live in Fire Country; 100% Pay the Price
Read More1.6 million people live in high hazard areas. As the region continues to build in flammable landscapes, policymakers can protect communities with smarter building choices and the truth about rising risk.
February 26, 2026
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Katie Wilson Can Be Seattle’s Climate Mayor for Renters
Read MoreNew programs for heat pumps, induction stoves, and plug-in solar would let renters reap the rewards of the clean energy revolution.
January 8, 2026
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How Threats to Voting by Mail Could Affect Cascadia
Read MoreAnalysis for voters in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
May 28, 2026
-
How to Close Montana Primary Elections’ ‘Drop-and-Swap’ Loophole
Read MoreSen. Steve Daines gamed the system to all but hand-pick his successor. A Missouri-style deadline extension would prevent such backroom deals.
May 26, 2026
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From Peltola to Begich, Ranked Choice Voting Delivered What Alaskans Wanted
Read MoreCross-party appeal elevated Alaska’s former and current US representatives.
May 7, 2026
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Five Ways Election Reform Has Revamped Alaska Politics
Read MoreOpen primaries and ranked choice voting are no longer new but are still delivering for voters and leaders alike.
April 7, 2026
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Video: Proportional Representation, Explained
Read MoreWhat it looks like when voters get a fair share of the seats at the table.
March 5, 2026
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Ranked Choice Voting, the Utah Way
Read MoreHow a conservative state piloted better elections for voters—lessons from four of the movement’s leaders.
January 21, 2026
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Yes, a Land Value Tax Is Possible in Washington State
Read MoreA new report modeling a property tax building exemption in Spokane rebalances incentives toward community goals, encouraging homebuilding and discouraging in-city vacant land speculation.
June 3, 2026
-
Washington Passes First Statewide Scissor Stair Reform
Read MoreThe measure ushers in more light-filled, infill-suited apartment homes—and sets a model for other states.
May 13, 2026
-
Washington State’s Parking Reform Is Already Working
Read MoreCities are laying the groundwork for more homes thanks to new flexibility on parking—with other states taking note.
May 7, 2026
-
Climate Is Stuck, Housing Isn’t
Read MoreWhy apartments may be the most powerful domestic climate move of the Trump years.
May 5, 2026
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Idaho’s Big Housing Breakthrough Year
Read MoreFrom ADUs to starter homes, lot splits to ‘manufactured in Idaho,’ Gem State leaders just opened up more housing options in a price-crunched state.
April 29, 2026
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Missoula’s Zoning Reform Raises the Bar for Small Cities
Read MoreThe western Montana town of 80,000 just overhauled its outdated code and legalized more homes in every neighborhood.
April 28, 2026
Video
Proportional Representation, Explained | What it looks like when voters get a fair share of the seats at the table—in under two minutes.
Watch the videoFeatured report
Fire Hazard: The Mounting Costs of Northwest Sprawl | Honest information about homes’ fire risk can forge the way for more transformative changes to build out of harm’s way.
Read the reportInvest in solutions
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