Lessons in Leadership from Mid-Size Cities

Watch a virtual panel discussion with emerging leaders from Olympia, Port Angeles and Pasco. We’re talking about housing affordability, farmland protection and what big cities can learn from their smaller neighbors.

Dani Madrone (Olympia City Council) helped lead the fight for missing middle housing in Olympia. We previously spoke with Dani and other members of Olympians for People-Oriented Places about how to build inter-generational coalitions for smart and equitable land use. Futurewise has filed an amicus brief to support Olympia’s legislation before the Growth Management Hearings Board.

Navarra Carr (Port Angeles City Council) also works for the North Olympic Land Trust, which serves on the advisory committee for our Port Angeles Greenlink project. We’re working with Navarra and others to help Port Angeles maximize the water quality, habitat, and community benefits of the 6 creek corridor in town.

Zahra Roach (Pasco City Council) previously served on the Franklin County Planning Commission and was the sole member to vote against their last urban growth area expansion. Our Tri-Cities staffer Alison Cable is working closely with Zahra and the Pasco City Council on the upcoming comprehensive plan update.

Catch up on the conversation!

Lessons in Leadership from Mid-Size Cities

Watch a virtual panel discussion with emerging leaders from Olympia, Port Angeles and Pasco. We’re talking about housing affordability, farmland protection and what big cities can learn from their smaller neighbors.

Dani Madrone (Olympia City Council) helped lead the fight for missing middle housing in Olympia. We previously spoke with Dani and other members of Olympians for People-Oriented Places about how to build inter-generational coalitions for smart and equitable land use. Futurewise has filed an amicus brief to support Olympia’s legislation before the Growth Management Hearings Board.

Navarra Carr (Port Angeles City Council) also works for the North Olympic Land Trust, which serves on the advisory committee for our Port Angeles Greenlink project. We’re working with Navarra and others to help Port Angeles maximize the water quality, habitat, and community benefits of the 6 creek corridor in town.

Zahra Roach (Pasco City Council) previously served on the Franklin County Planning Commission and was the sole member to vote against their last urban growth area expansion. Our Tri-Cities staffer Alison Cable is working closely with Zahra and the Pasco City Council on the upcoming comprehensive plan update.

Catch up on the conversation!

Meet Bergen Schmidt, Legal Intern!

  This summer Bergen joined the Futurewise team. Bergen worked with our very small and mighty legal team, in a year where we’ve had plenty of comprehensive plans to review. We’ve been so happy to have you this summer! Tell … Continue reading

Tiffany Wilk Chang
August 20, 2025

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

Tiffany Wilk Chang
August 7, 2025