Cascadia: Strong Communities, a Green Economy, a Healthy Environment
Sightline Institute’s nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy solutions help the region reconcile people, place, and prosperity.
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Latest Research
All Sightline Institute research is available to you to cite, use, and share, per our free use policy.
Northwest Data Centers: A Climate Test and Potential Opportunity
A Sightline report finds that—with the right policies—the region could harness data center demand for clean power to decarbonize the broader economy.
Montana’s Housing Miracle Strikes Twice
Bipartisan efforts won a string of bills for more homes, lower costs, and less red tape for Montanans—with lessons for other states.
Whatcom County Eyes a Prime Election Upgrade
Proportional representation would deliver fairer representation for voters countywide.
Republicans Skeptical, Democrats Divided on Election Reform
Understanding the partisan split on nonpartisan electoral upgrades.
Washington Housing Bills to Watch in 2025
More than two dozen bills aim to unlock great neighborhoods, greater affordability, and less red tape for Washingtonians.
Ending Subsidies for New Gas Hook-Ups Can Save Cascadians Millions
Line extension allowances are on their way out, and regulators can finish the job.
Northwest Data Centers: A Climate Test and Potential Opportunity
A Sightline report finds that—with the right policies—the region could harness data center demand for clean power to decarbonize the broader economy.
Ending Subsidies for New Gas Hook-Ups Can Save Cascadians Millions
Line extension allowances are on their way out, and regulators can finish the job.
Lessons for Washington State Leaders as Another US Oil Refinery Closes
In a state home to five oil refineries, a forthcoming, taxpayer-funded study can answer some central questions.
One of Washington’s Anti-Climate Initiatives, 2066, Eked Out a Victory. Why?
And how leaders can still help families and businesses electrify for safer, cleaner buildings in line with the state’s climate values.
Four Ways Gov.-elect Ferguson and Washington Lawmakers Can Build on the State’s Big Climate Win
After Washingtonians overwhelmingly voted to keep the Climate Commitment Act, their leaders have powerful opportunities ahead.
Correcting the Record on Initiative 2066
What the Seattle Times editorial board got wrong about the Washington ballot measure.
Whatcom County Eyes a Prime Election Upgrade
Proportional representation would deliver fairer representation for voters countywide.
Republicans Skeptical, Democrats Divided on Election Reform
Understanding the partisan split on nonpartisan electoral upgrades.
Washington’s Bills to Safeguard and Upgrade Democracy in 2025
State leaders are considering measures to allow ranked choice voting and turnout-boosting even-year elections, protect voting rights, increase language resources for elections, and more.
The History of Washington’s Wandering Election Day
Despite intending to choose a voting day that’s best for voters, timing could still be easier—and legislators can fix that.
A Magic Boost for Low-Turnout City Elections
Seattle’s 2024 special city council election showed just how easily local voter participation could skyrocket.
Reintroducing: Your Local Library, a Critical Tool for Democracy
A Q&A with author and advocate Shamichael Hallman on how public libraries can help us rebuild civic trust and connection—if we redefine our relationship with them.
Four Ways Context Matters for Wildfire News Coverage
Reporters can help people see the forest, even when the trees are on fire.
Blazing a Trail: The Vital Role of Wildfire Hazard Maps
Sophisticated and high-resolution maps such as Oregon’s are essential tools for thriving in a fiery future.
The Best Wildfire Solution We’re Not Using
Three ways to curb the sprawl that traps us on a wildfire treadmill.
Montana’s Housing Miracle Strikes Twice
Bipartisan efforts won a string of bills for more homes, lower costs, and less red tape for Montanans—with lessons for other states.
Washington Housing Bills to Watch in 2025
More than two dozen bills aim to unlock great neighborhoods, greater affordability, and less red tape for Washingtonians.
The 4 Big Reasons Why States Should Ditch Parking Mandates
Parking reform unlocks more homes and great neighborhoods, while cutting red tape and excess asphalt, sprawl, and pollution.
The Next Big Thing in Low-Cost Housing
Meet MDUs, a low-cost, fast-build, flexible solution for more homes now.
Washington Bill Would Cap Excessive Parking Mandates Around the State
More trees, senior living, daycares, and lower-cost housing for Washington cities and towns—and less pavement.
Worried about Infrastructure Costs? Then End the Apartment Ban
Allowing more homes, in all shapes and sizes, makes it easier and cheaper for communities to tackle infrastructure challenges.
Featured project
Beyond Parking Mandates | Data and insights on the growing movement for cities and towns to break free of arbitrary, excessive parking mandates.
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