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
All Sightline Institute research is available to you to cite, use, and share, per our free use policy.
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
It’s Time for Cascadia to Start Pruning the Gas System and Electrifying Whole Neighborhoods
Washington’s Refinery Communities Just Got a Transition Boost
The Northwest Needs More Midsize Solar
What Washington, DC, Can Learn from the Other Washington about Climate Policy
It’s Time to Stop Subsidizing New Gas Pipes
Is There a Future for Gas Utilities? It Could Be Heating and Cooling Your Home (from the Ground)
With Ranked Choice Voting Coming to Washington State, It’s Time to Coordinate Rollout
One Year In and One Year Out: An Update on Portland Charter Reform
Idaho, Montana, and Washington Could Save $30 Million by Moving Local Elections to National Election Day
What Can Portland Learn from America’s Oldest Proportional Election System?
A Fairer Election System in Alaska Helped More Independents Win Office
Four Ways Context Matters for Wildfire News Coverage
Blazing a Trail: The Vital Role of Wildfire Hazard Maps
The Best Wildfire Solution We’re Not Using
You’re a YIMBY? Great, Why Aren’t You a Small Developer Yet?
West Coast Case Studies: Advocacy for and Implementation of Legislation for Regional Housing Needs
Land Use Policy Is Climate Policy Is Housing Policy
Portland Events: Housing-Themed Story Slam and Panel
How Much Are Gas Taxes? Most People Don’t Know
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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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.
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.