-
Alaskans Keep Their Model Election System
The open primaries and ranked choice voting that have delivered more representation for independents and moderate Republicans survived a repeal effort.
Portland Election Delivers City’s Most Representative Council Ever
Proportional ranked choice voting lived up to the promises of the voter-approved charter reform.
Parking Mandates Are Keeping Kids Out of Daycare
But cities can ditch these arbitrary rules and help families out of the daycare desert. -
In Race after Race, People Keep Electing Pro-Housing Politicians
Contrary to some misconceptions, most voters seem to understand that housing is good.
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. -
Montana: So Close to Better Elections
Primaries featuring more choice for voters and candidates almost became the law in Big Sky Country.
Almost One in Three Idahoans Wanted Open Primaries and Instant Runoff Elections
In the reddest patch of Cascadia, a sizable minority of voters wished for a system to thwart spoilers, promote cooperation, and allow participation beyond partisan labels.
Oregon Elections Will Continue to Suffer Spoiler Candidates
The state’s voters rejected Measure 117 to implement ranked choice voting in the state, though notably not in places where voters use ranked choice voting locally. -
Portland Voters Are Shifting into a Higher Gear
More choices mean more legwork but should lead to a more effective and representative government.
Idaho Has a Spoiler Problem
Closed primaries exclude voters, encourage divisive behavior, and can subvert the will of Idahoans.
To Fix Inclusionary Zoning, Fund It
Lessons from places that are solving the biggest problem in abundant housing politics and policy. -
What’s Different in Alaska Since Election Laws Changed
How Alaskans have responded to nonpartisan open primaries and ranked choice voting.
The Contradiction of a Split Vote on Washington’s Anti-Climate Ballot Initiatives
Initiatives 2066 and 2117 are closely linked, but polls and endorsements diverge.
Montana’s Plurality Problem
Political gamesmanship and the spoiler effect prevent majority winners in some of the Treasure State’s most impactful elections. -
Despite Candidate Dropouts, Alaska Elections Are Becoming More Competitive
A dozen candidates removed themselves from 2024’s general election, but voters still have plenty to choose from.
Ranked Choice Voting Already Passed Its First Test in Oregon
Benton County and Corvallis transitioned smoothly to the revised method.
Correcting the Record on Initiative 2066
What the Seattle Times editorial board got wrong about the Washington ballot measure.
Stay up to date on Cascadia’s most important sustainability issues.
SubscribeYour donations are vital to sustaining our research and operations. Give today!
DonateSIGHTLINE DAILY
Today’s top sustainability headlines for Cascadia, curated by Sightline Institute.
-
Alaskans keep their model election system
Sightline Institute
-
Portland election delivers city’s most representative council ever
Sightline Institute
-
Tacoma moves forward with zoning changes to address housing shortage
Northwest Public Broadcasting
-
Here’s why townhouses are quickly becoming the new American Dream
Washington Post
-
OR to launch ambitious climate program (again)
Oregon Public Broadcasting
-
Why are oil well sales collapsing in CA? Clean up costs
Capital & Main
-
Carbon offsets could help low-income Americans with energy efficiency
Fast Company
-
Environmental groups seek to stop timber sale of old-growth forests in OR
Oregon Public Broadcasting
-
Site C dam to get Indigenous name after flooding Treaty 8 territory
The Narwhal
-
How do you define climate adaptation? Here are 10,000 ways
Grist
Our Mission
Sightline Institute’s mission is to make Cascadia a global model of sustainability— strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment.
We envision an economy and way of life that are environmentally sound, economically vibrant, and socially just. We believe that if Cascadians succeed at reconciling themselves with the natural heritage of this place—the greenest part of history’s richest civilization—we can set an example for the world.
