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Anchorage Adopts Model ADU Reforms
Alaska’s largest city just deregulated bonus homes in a big way, a step to right-sizing its housing options to locals’ changing needs.
Ranked Choice Voting Would Help Oregonians Vote for their True Favorite
HB 2004 in Oregon’s House of Representatives could bring voters more voice and more choice.
What Washington, DC, Can Learn from the Other Washington about Climate Policy
Six lessons from the Evergreen State for America's national leaders. -
Habitat for Humanity Goes All In for Multifamily Housing
But it needs relaxed parking mandates, widescale zoning reform, and public funding to make the most of the opportunity.
Poll: Washington Voters Out Ahead Of Local Leaders On Zoning Reforms
Statewide survey shows broad voter receptivity—across partisan, demographic, and geographic lines—to zoning changes to allow more homes like duplexes and small apartment buildings.
UPDATED: 50 Housing Bills to Watch in Olympia Right Now
Washington state leaders are considering dozens of bills across the critical policy pillars of supply, stability, and subsidy. -
Hey, Olympia! If You Let Them, Cities Could Double Turnout in Local Elections
The case for freeing Washington cities to run elections on Election Day.
Yes, Oregon, There Is a Way to Build Enough Homes
The state has done it before—with more apartments and even a smaller construction workforce.
With Flexibility Over Parking, Oregon Homebuilders Get to Work
Tens of thousands of homes are now more buildable, including several projects now resurrected that local parking mandates had previously killed. -
Voters Want Fewer Elections: Here’s How to Do That
California, Arizona, and Nevada have shifted to even-year elections, boosting turnout and saving money—with lessons for other states.
Washington Lot Split Bills Would Create Starter Homes, Support Community Stability
HB 1245 and SB 5364 advance affordability, financial security, wealth-building, and other benefits for Washingtonians in all kinds of communities.
Washington Bill Would Boost In-law Apartments Throughout the State
Evidence is more conclusive than ever that the reforms proposed in HB 1337 are effective. -
The Vast Potential of Pairing Transit and Homes in Washington State
SB 5466 could support hundreds of thousands of needed new homes closer to where residents work, learn, and recreate.
It’s Time to Stop Subsidizing New Gas Pipes
Regulators across Cascadia should end line extension allowances, the subsidies ratepayers finance that expand utilities’ pipeline infrastructure.
New Washington Bill Would Legalize More Homes and Businesses by Transit
Eliminating parking mandates is a simple solution to a big problem. -
Is There a Future for Gas Utilities? It Could Be Heating and Cooling Your Home (from the Ground)
"GeoNetworks" are being piloted in New York and Massachusetts. Cascadia should be next.
Seven Reasons Washington Needs Middle Housing
Because housing solutions are solutions for homelessness, jobs, equity, climate, and conservation.
Washington’s 2023 Middle Housing Bill, Explained
HB 1110 addresses the state’s acute housing shortage, opening up affordable options for families, workers, and elderly and young home seekers.
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SIGHTLINE DAILY
Today’s top sustainability headlines for the Pacific Northwest, curated by Sightline Institute.
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Speeding toward catastrophe
New York Times
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Indigenous leaders demand a seat at international water negotiations
Grist
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EPA pressures OR to clean up groundwater pollution
Oregon Public Broadcasting
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In MT, it’s youth vs. the state in a landmark climate case
New York Times
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Canada’s national housing strategy needs a reset
The Tyee
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Cruise ship invasion
Hakai Magazine
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3 reasons why CA’s drought isn’t really over, despite all the rain
Oregon Public Broadcasting
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OR could tighten climate regulations for data centers, crypto
Investigate West
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Many Antarctic glaciers are never snow-free. This year is different
Washington Post
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Largest recorded Alberta earthquake likely caused by oil and gas activity
CTV News
Our Mission
Sightline Institute’s mission is to make the Northwest a global model of sustainability— strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment.
We envision in the Pacific Northwest an economy and way of life that are environmentally sound, economically vibrant, and socially just. We believe that if northwesterners succeed at reconciling themselves with the natural heritage of this place—the greenest part of history’s richest civilization—we can set an example for the world.