As we prepare for the 20th Anniversary of the Growth Management Act (and our 20th Anniversary as well), we will be taking a look at the successes and opportunities to improve our state’s land use planning laws.  

Nearly 20 years ago, citizen activists, along with state leaders, helped pass our state’s Growth Management Act.  About that same time, Futurewise (then known as 1000 Friends of Washington) was founded by local citizens who wanted to ensure that our state would achieve the GMA’s goals and grow in ways that protect our important resources and quality of life for generations to come. 

Since then, Futurewise has been at the forefront in protecting the things that are important to all of us —healthy, attractive communities where people can afford to live, have access to viable transportations choices, while conserving our rural areas and natural resources. 

Futurewise has also positively affected state policy.  More recently, Futurewise led efforts to defeat Initiative 933, a sweeping roll back of environmental protection.  We were also instrumental in getting “Mass Transit Now” on the ballot and in passing the measure to increase bus and rail service in the Puget Sound region.  And we will continue to fight for statewide policies supporting responsible growth management with an eye towards reducing carbon emissions.

Today, Futurewise is Washington State’s leading organization fighting for smart growth policies at the local and state level.  We are committed to making sure that we use our land resources wisely so that our state grows in a way that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

In recognition of the last 20 years, and in welcoming the next 20, Futurewise threw a great Reunion Celebration. On Saturday, March 20, good food, good friends, and good cheer all came together to create an excellent event.  

For more information on the Reunion Celebration, click here.