Wonkabout Washington

I-5 and the Seattle Skyline at sunset looking down Yesler Way to Elliott Bay with Smith Tower peeking out on the left and the car-clogged I-5 trench on the right.

Why Climate Advocates Should Be Urbanists, Part 1

Land use policy is a powerful tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. So why isn’t it a bigger part of the policy debate? This four-part 'Land Use and Climate Change' series explores that question.

Op-Ed: State Must Pass Transit-Oriented Housing Rules Prioritizing Equity, Affordability

In 2023 the stakes are the highest they have ever been. Wildfires and sea level rise have put the climate crisis in stark context....
A graphic of blue and green mountains with the skyline of a city in front of them with the words WA Can't Wait in a white box on the left corner.

Washington Can’t Wait 2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

In the blink of an eye, the 2022 WA Legislative Session has come and gone. Despite the devastating, 11th hour death of HB 1099, our bill...
A photo shows an empty lot with tall grass on a suburban street.

How the GMA’s Illegal Growth Loophole Works in Practice

Note: This article was revised on 10/29/21 to reflect Futurewise's decision to rename the "vesting loophole" as the "illegal growth loophole" to more clearly...
The photograph shows a curved street of a large two story houses with garages under construction

Goodbye Farmland, Hello Mega-Mansions

How a major loophole in the Growth Management Act has allowed unnecessary sprawl and non-compliant development to gobble up our rural lands for decades. Note:...

Wonkabout: Washington Still Can’t Wait

Futurewise 2021 Legislative Wrap-Up: Our efforts to address climate change, housing affordability, and environmental justice through comprehensive planning.  At Futurewise, we believe that everyone deserves to live...

Wonkabout Washington: 2021 Mid-Legislative Session Update

It’s official: we’re halfway through the 2021 state legislative session. Wonkabout Washington is back with a legislative low-down, highlighting the Washington Can’t Wait campaign...

Wonkabout Washington: We’ve Got Their Attention

The 2020 legislative session promises to be like nothing we’ve seen before due to the impacts of Covid-19. Legislators will be meeting entirely virtually,...