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Stay up to date with the latest dispatches from Futurewise

Futurewise on the steps of the Capitol Building in Olympia, Washington during Futurewise’s Connecting Communities 2024 lobby day. They are holding a banner featuring the Futurewise logo and another that says "Connecting Communities."

We’re Hiring: Campaign Events Intern

Want to help tackle the housing crisis?  Eager to get Washington to move away from fossil fuels?  Want to build walkable cities and protect Washington’s nature and farms? Now’s your chance to be a part of the change! Futurewise is … Continue reading

Futurewise
September 1, 2026
Aftermath of the Old Trails Fire, one of the three devastating August Spokane wildfires

Spokane County’s Growth Pattern and the August 2026 Wildfires

In the first week of August 2026, three wildfires — Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane — tore through the unincorporated fringe of Spokane County, burning more than 11,000 acres, destroying or damaging an estimated 850 to 1,000-plus structures, and forcing nearly 67,000 people to evacuate. Continue reading

Futurewise
August 31, 2026

The Board Has Ruled: Aspirational Is Not Enough

On August 17, the Growth Management Hearing ruled that Thurston County’s plan does not comply with the GMA: both the greenhouse gas emissions reduction subelement and the climate resiliency subelement failed. This decision will shape climate planning across the state for years to come. Continue reading

Futurewise
August 28, 2026

Futurewise files a friend of the court brief supporting the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s appeal of the Kitsap County critical areas regulations

Our hot dry summer underscores the need for trees and shrubs to shade rivers and streams to protect the salmon that live in these habitats. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe appealed Kitsap County’s requirements to retain trees and shrubs and … Continue reading

Futurewise
July 30, 2026

One of the First Test of Washington’s New Climate Planning Law: Aspirational Is Not Enough

For decades, Washington’s Growth Management Act has required cities and counties to plan thoughtfully for growth — protecting farmland, guiding development, and building communities where people can thrive. In 2023, with advocacy from Futurewise and partner organizations, the Legislature took … Continue reading

Marcella Buser
June 25, 2026

Building Code Council Advocacy Update for More Stacked Flats

Imagine living in a Washington where you can afford to live close to your work, school, friends, faith community and more, your kids can afford to live in the neighborhood they grew up in, and you can stay in your … Continue reading

Marcella Buser
June 24, 2026

Futurewise works for strong protection for wetlands, waterways, and water quality 

Four drought years in a row has highlighted the need to protect our waterways for drinking water, irrigation, and fish and wildlife habitat. Wetlands clean, store, and slowly infiltrate water into the ground where it seeps into streams, rivers, lakes, … Continue reading

Marcella Buser
June 23, 2026

CCC: Public Comment and Rally

Thursday, July 23 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Earlier this year, the CCC held our coalitions first rally for the Centers and Corridors legislation. We filled City Hall with strong urbanist voices, advocated for housing that doesn’t hinder our tree … Continue reading

Stephanie Dechaine Cameron
June 11, 2026

June Comp Plan Happy Hour

Wednesday, June 24 6:00 – 7:30 pm Summer is here, and boy, are we excited for some sunshine☀️. With more daylight comes more Seattle residents using public transit to access all the amazing wonders our city has to offer, so … Continue reading

Stephanie Dechaine Cameron
June 11, 2026

CCC: Volunteer – Georgetown Farmers Market

Housing is not just a human right, but also a tool we can use to combat climate change! Join Futurewise at the Georgetown Farmers Market June 11 from 5 – 7 pm to share information around the city’s ✨Comprehensive Plan✨. … Continue reading

Stephanie Dechaine Cameron
June 5, 2026

CCC: Volunteer – West Seattle Farmers Market

Housing is not just a human right, but also a tool we can use to combat climate change! Join Futurewise at Farmers Markets across Seattle to share information around the city’s ✨Comprehensive Plan✨. These are relaxed, low-pressure opportunities to speak … Continue reading

Stephanie Dechaine Cameron
June 5, 2026

SST: Learn to Tell Your Story

The Shaping Spokane Together Housing Coalition invites you to join us for a powerful and interactive storytelling training.  We will cover the components of effective storytelling in the community, public forums or legislative session. You will leave with a template … Continue reading

Stephanie Dechaine Cameron
May 15, 2026