This Is What a Street Looks like 39 Years after Legalizing Fourplexes
‘Middle housing’ means gradual evolution, not overnight transformation. Just walk down my street.
Region: Oregon
Northwest Doctors Weigh in on Fracked Gas
A new report by Northwest health professional finds that fracked gas development in the region is a danger to the health of local communities. Jointly published by the Oregon and Washington chapters of Physicians for Social Responsibility, the 150-page analysis details the medical research that bears on key factors like air pollution, water contamination, noise, … Read more
Listen In: ‘Upzones Podcast’ on How We Define the Cascadian Region
Sightline Researcher Tarika Powell recently participated on a panel called “Defining Cascadia.” The lively panel discussion was recorded for the Seattle-centered “Upzones Podcast“ in front of a live audience, and was posted to the podcast’s feed this week. “Defining Cascadia” brought together some of the region’s top subject matter experts to discuss: how we define the … Read more
Oregon Just Passed a Voting Rights Act. Here’s Why It’s a Big Deal.
The Oregon Voting Rights Act, HB 3310, passed Wednesday, June 12, with overwhelming bipartisan support, including a unanimous vote in the state Senate. Oregon decision-makers are united in their desire to ensure people of color have a fair shot at getting representation on school boards. As Sightline’s previous research shows, many Oregon school districts have … Read more
Lower Columbia River Critical Front on the Thin Green Line
In all the Pacific Northwest, the Lower Columbia River is the most vulnerable to the threat of fossil fuel expansion. In one 50-mile stretch along the region’s biggest hydrological artery, there are no fewer than seven active proposals to bring, refine or handle coal, oil, gas, or other fuels before shipping them to markets elsewhere. … Read more
A Duplex, a Triplex and a Fourplex Can Cut a Block’s Carbon Impact 20%
To understand why housing policy is climate policy, consider two city blocks with 18 homes each. On one of those blocks, suppose something happens that’s currently legal almost everywhere: Three relatively old, disintegrating homes are torn down and replaced by three 3,400-square-foot homes. Let’s call this the McMansion Block. But on the other block, suppose … Read more
What to Take Away from the Latest ‘Climate Kids’ Hearing
A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit heard oral argument on June 4 in Juliana v. United States, the potentially groundbreaking climate lawsuit by 21 youth plaintiffs that was filed against the federal government close to four years ago. It has been a long, convoluted journey since then: In just the last year, the case … Read more
Despite Inslee’s Opposition, Gas Industry Still Plans Big Expansion in the PNW
When Washington Governor Jay Inslee reversed course last month to oppose two big gas infrastructure projects, it may have marked the turning of the tide against an industry that has enjoyed seemingly unfettered growth in the Northwest. And it isn’t a moment too soon. Even as climate scientists’ warnings become more urgent and our understanding … Read more
Oregon Just Joined the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
On June 5, Oregon’s legislature voted to become the 16th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The initiative is an agreement among states to give their electoral college votes to the winner of the national popular vote. With Oregon’s adoption, the compact now has 196 electoral votes behind it and it needs … Read more
Exclusive Zoning Puts Up Invisible Walls Around Our Cities
How upzoning for homes of all shapes and sizes takes them down.