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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Parking Reform Alone Can Boost Homebuilding by 40 to 70 Percent
The History of Washington’s Wandering Election Day
A Magic Boost for Low-Turnout City Elections
Reintroducing: Your Local Library, a Critical Tool for Democracy
Election Reform Measures Lost; Election Reform Didn’t
Lessons for Washington State Leaders as Another US Oil Refinery Closes
Lessons for Washington State Leaders as Another US Oil Refinery Closes
One of Washington’s Anti-Climate Initiatives, 2066, Eked Out a Victory. Why?
Four Ways Gov.-elect Ferguson and Washington Lawmakers Can Build on the State’s Big Climate Win
Correcting the Record on Initiative 2066
The Contradiction of a Split Vote on Washington’s Anti-Climate Ballot Initiatives
(Re)explaining Washington’s Climate Commitment Act
The History of Washington’s Wandering Election Day
A Magic Boost for Low-Turnout City Elections
Reintroducing: Your Local Library, a Critical Tool for Democracy
Election Reform Measures Lost; Election Reform Didn’t
Alaskans Keep Their Model Election System
Portland Election Delivers City’s Most Representative Council Ever
Uncontainable Wildfires Are Inevitable. Community Destruction Is Not.
Northwest Carbon Markets Can’t Support Longer Timber Harvest Rotations
Why Do We Choose Short Rotation Forestry Over Carbon Storage, Timber Supply, and Forest Health?
Yes, Long Rotations Can Yield Real Climate Gains for Cascadia
Passing the Private Forest Accord Would Help Oregon Catch Up with Washington and California
Housing Is Popular, Actually
End Parking Mandates, Get a Free Bus Pass
Cities’ Bigger Future Can Look and Feel Beautiful—If We Build for It
To Stop Building Heat Islands, Stop Overbuilding Parking Lots
Will Washington Do The Right Thing on Backyard Homes This Year?
Washington Bill Would Legalize Hundreds of Thousands More Homes
Video: Housing Solutions Are Climate Solutions
Poll: Washington Voters Out Ahead Of Local Leaders On Zoning Reforms
Video: Zoning for All Kinds of Affordable Homes
Recipes for Successful Abundant Housing Communications
How to Tear Down the Invisible Walls in Your City’s Zoning Code
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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.
Farms + Forests
Where sustainability meets stewardship of our natural resources and food systems. Get dispatches from actual farms and forests—and the policy discussions that determine their health and climate impacts.
