News
Stay up to date with the latest dispatches from Futurewise
Guest Blog: Cities and Counties Need STEP Housing
About the Authors:Deb Wilson is an Aberdeen City Councilmember.Kitty Klitzke is a Spokane City Councilmember. Our communities are facing a housing shortage and affordability crisis. From Spokane to Aberdeen, middle-class families are struggling to afford modest starter homes and even … Continue reading
Futurewise
March 3, 2026
Legislative Update Week 8: Last Chance to Get Our Bills Across
Happy March! Do you feel like February flew by in a blink? We do. This short 60-day session is in its final two weeks, and we’ve got a few bills left to pass. It’s been an incredible year for our … Continue reading
Marcella Buser
March 3, 2026
Legislative Update Week 7: YES on Supportive Housing
Last week we were watching Floor votes galore, and now somehow, we are less than three weeks away from the last day of the 2026 legislative session. These final weeks are the most critical points for our Growing Together agenda. All of our priority bills are … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
February 23, 2026
Legislative Update Week 6: We’re halfway there
Good morning and happy Sunday! Legislators had a full day of floor action yesterday, so I’ll dive right into the updates. I was hoping this email was going to start with “ALL our priorities have passed the House!” But HB … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
February 16, 2026
RFP: Valley Creek Daylighting & Stormwater Park Economic Study
Futurewise is looking for a contractor to conduct an economic study for the GreenLink Port Angeles Valley Creek Daylighting and Stormwater Park project. Continue reading
Futurewise
February 13, 2026
What’s the Deal with Neighborhood Residential?
Neighborhood Residential is the zoning definition update for the areas of our city which used to be limited to just single family detached homes that is more reflective of other types of homes that have existed in the neighborhoods before … Continue reading
Futurewise
February 10, 2026
January Executive Director’s Note: Our duty to our neighbors
I had a lot of ideas for what I might write about this month. This week I’m traveling through the central part of our state, meeting with inspiring community leaders, elected officials, planners, farmers, and affordable housing providers. I hope … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
February 10, 2026
Legislative Update Week 5: Floor Vote Frenzy is Back!
If you’ve been active with us in prior legislative sessions you may remember floor vote frenzy– the week-ish after committee cutoffs when lawmakers are hearing and voting on bills on the Floor. Well it’s time! In a typical session, we’d expect … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
February 10, 2026
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 … Continue reading
Alex Brennan
February 5, 2026
Legislative Update Week 4: Take Action on STEP Housing
It seems like every week we say “things are moving quickly!” but it’s true, all of our 2026 priority are on the move. This Wednesday, Feb 4th marks the first ‘cutoff’ deadline for bills – any that haven’t passed out … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
February 2, 2026
Legislative Update Week 3: Help Keep All of Our Bills Alive!
Here with your weekly dispatch from Olympia! Grab your morning coffee and let’s dig in. This week lawmakers were busy in committee meetings, hearing lots of bills. This is a pivotal point for how bills take shape, and it will soon … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
January 26, 2026
Legislative Update Week 2: More Middle Housing
Legislators are wasting no time this short session. Our bills have a lot of hearings next week, and we’re gearing up for in-person and virtual action opportunities. Still learning the ins and outs of session? I put together this Legislative … Continue reading
Tiffany Wilk
January 21, 2026