Sightline Institute

Sightline won't be posting as frequently here on X. Here's where you can find our latest, besides bsky.app/profile/sightl… ⬇️

What does it look like when voters get a fair share of the seats at the table? youtube.com/watch?v=5PWeaE…

WA’s new transmission authority will help plan, build, and finance the power lines needed to meet the state’s climate goals. sightline.org/2026/04/22/was…

We’re hiring a housing and cities lead researcher! Help develop and drive pro-housing policy with us: sightline.org/lead-researche…

A new analysis from @Sightline finds that Alaska's election reforms, including open primaries, are still delivering benefits for voters and leaders alike. 1. Voters understand ranked choice voting and use it when it counts 2. Elections are more competitive 3. Popular moderates are winning legislative seats 4. Independents are breaking through 5. Lawmakers are working across the aisle on issues that matter to Alaskans "A picture is coming into focus in Alaska: voters who can express nuanced opinions on their ballots, candidates with room to reach across party lines, and a legislature that is modestly more effective for having ideological diversity in its chambers." Read more: sightline.org/2026/04/07/fiv…

Open primaries and #RankedChoiceVoting are no longer new—but they’re still delivering for Alaskans. sightline.org/2026/04/07/fiv…

The US and Canada have the fewest elevators among rich countries. That's a big barrier to building better cities. Join @welcomingneighbors and an all-star slate of panelists on April 10 for a deep dive: sightline.org/going-up-or-ho… youtube.com/watch?v=Or1_qV…

In winner-take-all elections, millions of votes effectively don’t count. Proportional representation offers a better way — where voters get a fair share of seats and more real choices. Check out this quick explainer from @Sightline breaks it down: bit.ly/4sr86Tg

Commonsense reforms can speed and simplify Oregon’s process for approving grid projects so the PNW can hook up more wind and solar and meet its climate goals. sightline.org/2026/03/26/fou…

Let’s not let one headline-grabbing study on the Northwest's electricity needs drive a fossil fuel backslide. Flexible power demand programs, energy efficiency, and an expanded grid are cleaner (and cheaper) options. sightline.org/2026/03/24/the…

Elevators are a key ingredient to homebuilding. How can we get more of them? On April 10, we’re hosting a webinar with @welcomingneighbors and the Center for Building in North America founder Stephen Smith to get into it. Register: sightline.org/going-up-or-ho…

Washington state opened the door to lower-cost, smaller elevators in new apartment and condo buildings. sightline.org/2026/03/19/was…

WA’s SB 6026 significantly boosts where builders can site new apartments, with a crucial measure of flexibility with ground-floor commercial space. sightline.org/2026/03/11/was…

Without adequate funding, “inclusionary zoning” mandates can backfire. OR’s SB 1521 will give Portland-area cities more flexibility in how they design affordability mandates for new buildings if they offset costs. sightline.org/2026/03/05/ore…

What does it look like when voters get a fair share of the seats at the table? #ProportionalRepresentation youtu.be/5PWeaE5dwl4?si…

Honest information about fire risk can forge the way for more transformative changes. sightline.org/fire-hazard-th…

No modern US metro has been better at adding people to already populated neighborhoods than Seattle. sightline.org/seattle-a-mode…

Missoula — join us Feb. 19 for a conversation on accessible transportation with author and advocate Anna Zivarts! sightline.org/when-driving-i…

Homes on wheels are a lifeline, but zoning codes are still trying to keep them out. sightline.org/2026/01/26/fas…

A red state piloted better elections for voters—but national partisan pressures overwhelmed local support. sightline.org/2026/01/21/ran…

In OR’s Deschutes County, proportional representation can reflect voters’ views better than arbitrary lines.  sightline.org/2026/01/20/dis…