As the steward of Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), Futurewise advocates with people like you to pass state legislation that reflects our vision for the future and fight bad bills that would increase sprawl and pollution.
Our recent victories include closing the Sprawl Loophole (HB 5042), adding housing justice to the GMA (HB 1220), passing Middle Housing to allow more homes in all neighborhoods (HB 1110), and adding planning for the climate to the GMA (HB 1181).
Washington is stronger when we’re Growing Together! Going into 2025, the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been. Every corner of Washington is seeing housing costs go up. Climate change has made this year the hottest year on record — again. We’re still working to undo racist zoning practices. And on top of it, our state’s population grew by more than 84,000 in the last year. Washington is growing, and we have the option to grow together and tackle these problems.
That’s why this legislative session our Growing Together campaign is prioritizing these issues and continuing our work from last year. This year’s legislative priorities include:
Rent stabilization: setting price caps on how much rent can be increased each year. This will keep rents predictable and allow more people to afford to stay in their homes. Learn more about HB 1217.
Transit-oriented development (TOD): allowing more homes near transit so we are better connected to work, family, and more and make it easier to get around without a car in cities. Learn more about HB 1491.
Protect our farms and natural resources against sprawl: continuing our work to keep rural areas rural. Learn more about how we’re fighting sprawl in rural areas.
Sign up to volunteer and learn how you can make an impact this legislative session.
Research Futurewise conducted in 2024 is relevant to the 2025 Transit-Oriented Development bill in the Washington Legislature.
Exploring the Potential Impact of the Community and Transit-Oriented Housing Development Bill HB 2160 Across Washington State’s Central Puget Sound Region
Week of April 6 Legislative Update Happy Spring, and happy April! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the return of the sun, and stock up on a little Vitamin D. The Legislative session will wrap up soon, … Continue reading
Week of March 30 Legislative Update We’re speeding along to the end of this year’s legislative session- less than 30 days left until lawmakers adjourn. It takes time and a whole lot of work for bills to make their … Continue reading
Week of March 23 Legislative Update The last few weeks of legislative session have been action-packed, full of votes, committee hearings, and floor action. You stepped up big time to make sure rent stabilization and transit-oriented development stayed alive. … Continue reading
Celebrate over three decades of growth management in Washington with Futurewise at our 35th Anniversary Livable Communities Spring Celebration on May 17, 2025.
