Impact Stories
The Board Has Ruled: Aspirational Is Not Enough
On August 17, the Growth Management Hearing ruled that Thurston County’s plan does not comply with the GMA: both the greenhouse gas emissions reduction subelement and the climate resiliency subelement failed. This decision will shape climate planning across the state for years to come. Continue reading →
Victory for salmon and Southern Resident Orcas: Growth Management Hearings Board improves protections
On February 17, 2026, the Growth Management Hearings Board agreed with Futurewise and its allies that the Snohomish County critical areas regulations failed to adequately protect rivers and streams. Critical areas regulations are required to protect fish and wildlife habitats … Continue reading →
Legislative Recap 2026
Legislators adjourned on Thursday afternoon, and the 2026 Legislative Session is a wrap! Truly remarkable, every single bill on our 2026 Growing Together agenda passed the Legislature. 🤯 Seven bills with our fingerprints on them are now on their way … Continue reading →
Futurewise Then & Now – Steward of the Growth Management Act
Last year Futurewise celebrated a big milestone – for 35 years (and counting) we have been advocating for smart land use, shaping legislation, and helping communities across Washington create comprehensive plans that reflect their values. When we hit our 30-year … Continue reading →
Futurewise’s 2025 Impact Report
Futurewise 2025 Impact Report In the spring of 2009 I was living in California, finishing my master’s degree in city planning. In between studying for exams, I was reading about a legislative fight back home in Washington State to set … Continue reading →
RELEASE: Seattle Passes Bold Plan for Housing Abundance
SEATTLE, WA — Today, the Seattle City Council took its final vote on the One Seattle Plan, adopting an updated Comprehensive Plan and new Neighborhood Residential zoning code that will significantly expand housing opportunities across the city. The Complete Communities … Continue reading →
October Executive Director’s Note: The Importance of Working Statewide
Futurewise works all across Washington State, and it’s really important to me that we uphold this aspect of our mission. But as a small organization that can be challenging, so we try to find focus areas that reflect the diversity … Continue reading →
Futurewise Wins Appeal of Mercer Island’s Comprehensive Plan, Setting Precedent for Statewide Implementation of Affordable Housing Policies
Last week, alongside Mercer Island residents Kian Bradley and Trevor Reed, we prevailed in our appeal with the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) of the Mercer Island comprehensive plan. Why this matters: This ruling is the first to test … Continue reading →
Celebrating the Livable Communities Awards & 35 Years of Futurewise
At our 2025 Annual Spring Celebration, we recognized municipalities and elected officials who are leading the charge on making our neighborhoods more connected, affordable, and climate-friendly. Continue reading →
2025 Legislative Wrap-up: BIG Year for Housing
We are wrapping up the 2025 legislative session with a bang. This turned out to be a huge year for housing policy. We are so appreciative of everyone who took part in our Growing Together campaign this year! Let’s take a look at … Continue reading →