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 March 17 Legislative Update We’re through one of the busiest weeks at the legislature, and celebrating some big wins- rent stabilization, transit-oriented development, and implementing the Growth Management Act are all safely through the House and on … Continue reading
Week of March 10 Legislative Update What an incredible week of action, I have some big wins to share! As lawmakers in Olympia reach the halfway point of legislative session, they’re making tough decisions about which bills will be … Continue reading
Week of March 3 Legislative Update Friends, we’re reaching the halfway mark for legislative session- full of deadlines where a lot of bills die, and won’t make it any further this year. It’s a good time to look back … Continue reading