Futurewise is the only statewide non-profit organization solely focused on achieving sound land use planning and growth management in Washington. We are dedicated to protecting Washington's natural resources and making our communities better places to live. A key component of creating vibrant, liveable communities is providing affordable housing in urban areas.

Developing and redeveloping our urban areas is a challenge.  There is resistance to change in our cities, especially when change means higher intensity land uses.  Futurewise aims to make cities more livable by building support for decisions that support good urban development.

To implement smart, comprehensive land use decisions, we need the support of environmentalists, transit supporters, builders and developers.  Futurewise supports good urban development by focusing on the following strategies:

• Promoting decisions that encourage sensible development and redevelopment and increased densities in urban centers while fostering distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place. 
• Evaluating and initiating or supporting reforms that reduce barriers and disincentives to desirable development and redevelopment.
• Promoting infrastructure investments that support desirable development and redevelopment.
• Educating the public about the environmental and community benefits of urban development and redevelopment.
• Strengthening the coalitions that work to development and redevelope our urban centers.

Futurewise has written a series of reports on issues related to creating liveable, vibrant urban communities. Click to learn more about:

- Encouraging urban growth in urban areas
- Compact urban development
- Taxes and sprawl
- Infill Resources