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.
In Seattle Elections, Dark Money Follows Competition, Not Democracy Vouchers
Research finds independent spending is up in cities with and without public financing for local campaigns—and democracy vouchers are delivering on their people power promise.
The 1,083-Page Environmental Assessment That Ignores Climate Change and Tribes
The Northwest needs a better way to evaluate power line projects.
Oregon’s Zoning Reforms Are Working—But They Need Some Upgrades
Six years after a monumental rezone, Gov. Kotek’s HB 2138 will fill the gaps to more fully legalize starter homes.
How to Talk About Parking Reform—and Win
Our road-tested messaging guide to gain more great neighborhoods and the homes we need, and to kick excess asphalt to the curb.
Six Reasons Seattleites Should Be Proud of Their Democracy Vouchers
A decade in, and up for renewal in August, Seattle’s model campaign funding program has blasted past even its ambitious initial goals.
How Washington State Won Parking Reform
Lessons and strategies for parking flexibility advocates elsewhere.
The 1,083-Page Environmental Assessment That Ignores Climate Change and Tribes
The Northwest needs a better way to evaluate power line projects.
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.
In Seattle Elections, Dark Money Follows Competition, Not Democracy Vouchers
Research finds independent spending is up in cities with and without public financing for local campaigns—and democracy vouchers are delivering on their people power promise.
Six Reasons Seattleites Should Be Proud of Their Democracy Vouchers
A decade in, and up for renewal in August, Seattle’s model campaign funding program has blasted past even its ambitious initial goals.
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.
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.
Oregon’s Zoning Reforms Are Working—But They Need Some Upgrades
Six years after a monumental rezone, Gov. Kotek’s HB 2138 will fill the gaps to more fully legalize starter homes.
How to Talk About Parking Reform—and Win
Our road-tested messaging guide to gain more great neighborhoods and the homes we need, and to kick excess asphalt to the curb.
How Washington State Won Parking Reform
Lessons and strategies for parking flexibility advocates elsewhere.
Washington Takes Statewide Zoning Reform to the Next Level
Lawmakers just passed groundbreaking bills on parking, TOD, and more.
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.
Featured project
Parking Reform 101 | Research and resources from the growing movement to free communities from costly parking mandates.
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