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 mark, we put together a video highlighting some of our founders, and the incredible work that followed the passage of the Growth Management Act.

So for 35, we wanted to tell that story more deeply. We looked back at how the dedicated efforts of environmental advocates, legislators, and community organizers both helped write and pass the GMA, and fed the organizing momentum that would become Futurewise. 

Fun fact- we were first founded as 1,000 Friends of Washington, housed under Washington Conservation Voters, an organization that continues to be an ally (now Washington Conservation Action).  

It’s a story we’re proud to tell, and we consider this a living history, something we’ll continue to build, together. 

Explore our founding history as steward of the GMA

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 mark, we put together a video highlighting some of our founders, and the incredible work that followed the passage of the Growth Management Act.

So for 35, we wanted to tell that story more deeply. We looked back at how the dedicated efforts of environmental advocates, legislators, and community organizers both helped write and pass the GMA, and fed the organizing momentum that would become Futurewise. 

Fun fact- we were first founded as 1,000 Friends of Washington, housed under Washington Conservation Voters, an organization that continues to be an ally (now Washington Conservation Action).  

It’s a story we’re proud to tell, and we consider this a living history, something we’ll continue to build, together. 

Explore our founding history as steward of the GMA

Meet Stephanie Cameron, Development Director!

Welcome to the newest Futurewise team member! Stephanie is our new Development Director and is here to make sure we have the resources to keep fighting for livable communities for decades to come. Read on to get to know her! … Continue reading

Marcella Buser
March 30, 2026

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

Marcella Buser
March 26, 2026