Dan Bertolet
Dan Bertolet (pronounced “BER-də-lay”) is Senior Director of Sightline Institute’s Housing and Cities program. He is passionate about creating cities that welcome people of all incomes and tread lightly on the planet.
Prior to Sightline, Dan spent 11 years in urban planning, focused on sustainable community development. He holds a master's degree in urban design and planning from the University of Washington and a PhD in electrical engineering. As (marginally successful) strategies to avoid thinking incessantly about cities, Dan spends time trying to keep track of his two college-age kids, noodling on stringed instruments, fixing beater commuter bikes, treasure hunting in thrift stores, and sneaking off all too infrequently to play in the woods. He lives in Seattle.
Find his latest research here, email him at dan@sightline.org , and follow him on Twitter or Bluesky.
Prior to Sightline, Dan spent 11 years in urban planning, focused on sustainable community development. He holds a master's degree in urban design and planning from the University of Washington and a PhD in electrical engineering. As (marginally successful) strategies to avoid thinking incessantly about cities, Dan spends time trying to keep track of his two college-age kids, noodling on stringed instruments, fixing beater commuter bikes, treasure hunting in thrift stores, and sneaking off all too infrequently to play in the woods. He lives in Seattle.
Find his latest research here, email him at dan@sightline.org , and follow him on Twitter or Bluesky.
Dan Bertolet
Dan Bertolet
Washington State Leads on Elevator Reform
SB 5156 opens the door to lower-cost, smaller elevators in new apartment and condo buildings—and more accessibility for residents.
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Washington Just Passed First-in-the-US Flexibility for Ground-Floor Retail
It’s part of a new law to legalize more apartment homes in commercial zones.
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Washington Takes Statewide Zoning Reform to the Next Level
Lawmakers just passed groundbreaking bills on parking, TOD, and more.
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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.
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The Next Big Thing in Low-Cost Housing
Meet MDUs, a low-cost, fast-build, flexible solution for more homes now.
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To Fix Inclusionary Zoning, Fund It
Lessons from places that are solving the biggest problem in abundant housing politics and policy.
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Five Flaws That Would Destine WA’s TOD Bills to Backfire
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.
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Seattle Deserves a Better Comp Plan
The city can make three critical fixes to its 20-year growth plan: Let middle housing be bigger, allow apartment buildings in more places, and legalize car-free homes everywhere.
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Washington’s 2024 Short-Session Housing Wins
Three innovative bills carry forward the momentum of 2023 and complement its measures to legalize less expensive housing.
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Updated: Housing Bills to Watch in Washington in 2024
Numerous measures moving through Olympia would support more homes, in all shapes and sizes, throughout the Evergreen State.
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Washington Bill Would Legalize Low-cost “Co-living” Homes
Co-living is an affordable, flexible, community-forward type of housing that serves diverse needs for people in all stages of life.
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How the Washington Legislature Burst the Housing Abundance Dam
Making 2023 the year of reform.
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