On Tuesday November 15th, Futurewise hosted their campaign kick-off for the 2023 legislative session. We want to thank every volunteer, partner, and ally who joined us! We also want to thank Representative Davina Duerr, Anna Fahey of Sightline, our very own Bryce Yadon for giving an insight to what we will be focused on this upcoming year. The work we have planned is going to take a team effort. If you weren’t able to make it, no worries; here is a quick recap.

For Our Future

This year, a big focus of our work will be on housing. More specifically, here are the issues we’ll be working on:

Middle housing – This would bring an end to exclusionary zoning by allowing 4-plexes in all areas zoned for detached single family residences, and 6-plexes near transit.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) – This would significantly increase the zoned capacity around transit to leverage the recent investments by the state in transit. It also addresses issues that increase the cost to build TOD by removing parking minimums and other unnecessary development regulations.

GMA Climate – This legislation requires the largest and fastest growing counties and cities within them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled through land use planning. It also requires all jurisdictions to plan for resiliency and address the impacts of climate change.

These issues are important. The future of Washington is being set today and we must continue to ensure our fast-growing cities have equitable housing and transportation options that work for everyone, to protect our rural areas from sprawl. We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for our children, for our communities, families, environment, for our future.

Next Steps

Leading up to session, we will be having great opportunities for you to get involved! First up is a weak of action!

• Sun Dec 11, 11-1pm – Capitol Hill Clipboarding (Seattle)
• Mon Dec 12, 6-7:30pm – Letter to the Editor Writing Group (virtual)
• Tues Dec 13, all day – Social-Media Day of Action (virtual)
• Weds Dec 14, 6-7pm – Story-telling Training (virtual)
• Thurs Dec 15, TBD – Postcard Parties (locations TBD)
• Fri Dec 16, all day – Email Day of Action (virtual)

If that week doesn’t work, you can sign up to be notified for all future volunteer events here. Also, make sure you’re signed up for our email list as we will be providing updates their as well.

It’s going to be a busy legislative session, but we’re excited! With all our volunteers, supporters, and allies, we WILL win in 2023 to secure a just, sustainable and resilient future for all Washingtonians. We hope you’ll be a part of our fight for our future.