Futurewise is thrilled to welcome Brooke Frickleton to our team as our new Deputy Legal Director! Brooke will be working with our long-time staff attorney, Director of Planning & Law Tim Trohimovich, on the upcoming comprehensive plan updates.

Tell us a little about yourself! How did you end up at Futurewise?

Some of my earliest memories growing up in south King County were of my father taking my sister and I to every park within a 10 mile radius of our suburban home. These excursions paired with my time in CampFire group programs fostered a deep connection with my community and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The CampFire program wasn’t simply about crafts and s’mores (though those were pretty great too!). It instilled a sense of environmental stewardship and community service.

Witnessing the ever-changing landscape of South King County, as demonstrated by the ever increasing frequency of airplanes flying over my South Sound childhood home, underscored the delicate balance between development and preservation. These experiences fueled my goal to advocate for the creation and protection of open spaces, not just for myself, but for future generations.

This passion led me to Oregon State University, where I earned a B.S. in Policy & Management, focusing on the social and political aspects of resource issues. After a brief period as an indoor rock climbing instructor, I pursued a law degree at Gonzaga University School of Law, specializing in environmental, municipal, and land-use law. My studies introduced me to Futurewise’s legal and legislative advocacy efforts, which deeply resonated with my own values. Now, after experience in legal education and various land-use related private sector roles, I’m excited to contribute to such an impactful organization.

Why do you believe in Futurewise’s work? Why do you think what we do is important?

I believe in the work of Futurewise because we champion policies that protect nature for recreation and health, and aim to preserve and enhance our state’s high quality of life. Through citizen participation and coalitions built on trust, Futurewise advocates for sustainable development by recognizing the interconnectedness of issues like housing, transportation, equitable economic development, and climate change resilience, the most urgent issue of all.

What do you do outside of work?

Unsurprisingly, my free time revolves around spending time outdoors, whether it’s enjoying public lands for recreation or exploring the natural beauty of Washington’s remote areas. You can find me playing tennis, soccer, or on a playground with my kiddos at a city park, or I might be camping, snowboarding, boating, or rock climbing in more remote locations. When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy music – I love playing the guitar, discovering new artists and genres, and attending concerts.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Washington?

Beyond the natural beauty, from the rolling hills of the Palouse to the rugged beauty of the coast, I appreciate Washington for its progressive spirit. This state actively works to create a more just and equitable society. We’ve seen innovative policies that champion LGBTQ+ rights and push for racial equity. Plus, Washington fosters a thriving for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a tech startup in Seattle or a local brewery in your hometown, the state provides resources and a supportive network to help your ideas take flight.

If you could snap your fingers and fix one issue facing our state, what would it be?

If I could snap my fingers and fix one issue facing Washington, it would be the lack of equitable access to green spaces and essential services. The deeper I delved into land use issues the more I realized the inequities in access to the very resources that enriched my childhood. Many communities lack well-maintained accessible parks and green spaces or convenient access to commercial and community centers. This creates a situation where the benefits of nature and basic resources are a privilege, not a right. Environmental justice goes hand-in-hand with environmental protection. Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature, access clean water and air, and connect with their community, regardless of income or location. This involves creating more green spaces in underserved areas, improving walking and biking infrastructure, and expanding public transportation. Not only would this promote environmental justice and improve public health, but it would also create a more resilient Washington prepared for the challenges of climate change.