Sightline Institute is an independent, nonprofit research and communications center—a think tank—founded by Alan Durning in 1993.

Our work

Sightline equips Cascadia’s citizens and decision-makers with the policy research and practical tools they need to advance long-term solutions to our region’s most significant challenges. Our work includes in-depth research, commentary, and analysis, delivered online, by email, and in-person to regional policy champions, emerging leaders, and a range of community partners.

We believe true sustainability exists at the intersection of environmental health and social justice. Read more about our equity commitment here.

Sightline has long championed sustainability solutions that benefit all our communities in Cascadia, the uniquely rich bioregion stretching from Alaska to British Columbia to Oregon and from the Pacific to the northern Rockies. We strive to identify injustice and work to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. We actively seek to expand our role in advancing public policy and producing resources for the region’s leaders and community partners that tackle issues of racial and economic inequality.

Our mission

Sightline Institute’s mission is to make Cascadia a global model of sustainability—strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment.

Our vision

We envision in Cascadia 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.