Researching the region’s most pressing sustainability challenges
We provide citizens and decision-makers with the policy analysis and practical tools they need to advance an economy and way of life that are environmentally sound, economically vibrant, and socially just.
Our Work
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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.
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.
Video: Housing Solutions Are Climate Solutions
In 90 seconds, how zoning for more home choices in our cities helps affordability and cuts climate pollution.
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.
Video: Zoning for All Kinds of Affordable Homes
Cities need all kinds of affordability, both subsidized housing and naturally affordable, modest-sized, market-rate homes.
Recipes for Successful Abundant Housing Communications
In this panel discussion, three expert communicators share how they’ve crafted compelling narratives, engaged coalitions, and garnered press attention for housing affordability and climate policy.
How to Tear Down the Invisible Walls in Your City’s Zoning Code
10 tips for zoning reformers from a town that legalized housing.
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Cut through the noise and get the news you can use. Sightline editors—real people—hand-pick headlines from 150+ outlets to keep you on top of the stories shaping our region’s communities, economy, and environment. Reader favorite; formerly known as Sightline Daily.
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Issue insights from Sightline experts
Hear directly from our team of experts. They take you on a deeper dive into Sightline’s solutions, translating their latest analysis and sharing behind-the-scenes context for the research—as well as what to watch for next. Delivered about monthly.
Housing + Cities
Parking, zoning, sprawl, pollution, property rights, commutes, rents, and home prices—they all intersect where a legacy of exclusionary rules and regulations restrict homebuilding and fuel our housing shortage. Hear from Dan Bertolet, Catie Gould, Michael Andersen, and others exploring solutions for low-carbon, affordable, accessible cities and towns.
Climate + Energy
From electrification to decarbonization, carbon pricing to grid upgrades, Emily Moore and team decode the policy solutions to power a greener, more equitable, and robust economy for the region’s future.
Democracy + Elections
Protecting voter choice and voice with clear-eyed, independent analysis and models of success—Alan Durning, Jay Lee, Shannon Grimes, Al Vanderklipp, and others send you the latest elections solutions and opportunities, from Alaska to Oregon and inland to Montana and Idaho.