Environment & Sustainability

Green street trees shade Tacoma sidewalks. Colored dots on the sidewalk represent the values of the cooling effect.

A Tree Grows in Tacoma, But Will It Be There in 10 Years?

Tacoma has the least tree canopy in the Puget Sound Region. Residents experience this reality in higher average temperatures and poor air quality. On a...
A graphic of blue and green mountains with the skyline of a city in front of them with the words WA Can't Wait in a white box on the left corner.

Washington Can’t Wait 2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

In the blink of an eye, the 2022 WA Legislative Session has come and gone. Despite the devastating, 11th hour death of HB 1099, our bill...

Cities Announce Race to Zero Emissions by 2040 or Sooner

Participating mayors pledge to enlist an additional 1,000 cities to achieve net zero carbon emissions. July 29th, 2021 marked an important date that only the...

Sunday Video: Can We Make Cities Car-Free?

https://youtu.be/g9-9CxCxrVE Dave Amos looks at how cities across the globe are making streets and districts car-free. He also explains how this is improving economic and...

Sunday Video: What’s So Good About Decongestion Pricing

New York City's decongestion pricing program has hit an unexpected roadblock with the state's governor unilaterally imposing an indefinite pause. But decongestion pricing holds...

Map of the Week: Access and Choice to Grocery Stores in Seattle

Human settlements are built on the bedrock of food access. Without adequate sustenance, urban environments cannot flourish. People will travel long distances to ensure that they are...
A women walks down the trail to Paradise Inn and the crowded parking lot adjoining it. A mountain ridge and cirrus clouds are on the horizon.

Op-Ed: Transit in Rainier National Park Would Ensure Paradise for Everyone

A robust public transit network for Mount Rainier National Park could unlock trailheads and attractions to more visitors, while improving environmental sustainability. Rather than grousing about the park's timed-entry system, let's improve access for all.

Wonkabout Washington: Waterways and Skyway

Snohomish County Reconsiders Developing Channel Migration Zones The Growth Management Act, including the Shoreline Master Program, touches many different land use issues in many different...