Sightline Institute
@sightline.org
Think tank cooking up nonpartisan policy research on housing, energy, climate, and democracy in Cascadia. 🧠🍳 Likes/follows ≠ endorsements.
Newsletters: sightline.org/signup
Newsletters: sightline.org/signup
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Good news: New data suggest that Portland's inclusionary zoning program is finally working as intended, after being fully funded in 2024 www.sightline.org/2025/11/25/p...
Portland’s Inclusionary Zoning Program Is Finally Performing, New Data Suggests | Sightline Institute
Because for the first time, the city fully funded it.
www.sightline.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Good news: New data suggest that Portland's inclusionary zoning program is finally working as intended, after being fully funded in 2024 www.sightline.org/2025/11/25/p...
Reposted by Sightline Institute
The lesson: mandatory inclusionary zoning really has to be funded for it to work.
From 2017 - 2024, #PortlandOR’s inclusionary zoning program wasn’t working.
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
Portland’s Inclusionary Zoning Program Is Finally Performing, New Data Suggests | Sightline Institute
Because for the first time, the city fully funded it.
www.sightline.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The lesson: mandatory inclusionary zoning really has to be funded for it to work.
From 2017 - 2024, #PortlandOR’s inclusionary zoning program wasn’t working.
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
Portland’s Inclusionary Zoning Program Is Finally Performing, New Data Suggests | Sightline Institute
Because for the first time, the city fully funded it.
www.sightline.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:51 PM
From 2017 - 2024, #PortlandOR’s inclusionary zoning program wasn’t working.
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
“The city had ordered that at least 10% of new apartments be affordable,” writes @andersem.bsky.social, “but it turned out that 10% of a small number was also a small number.”
This year, Shannon helped renew Seattle's pioneering Democracy Voucher Program, which will continue to curb the electoral influence of big money for the next 10 years. That's good news for our mission — and for Seattle. ☝️ Join us: sightline.org/fall-fund-drive
November 24, 2025 at 10:06 PM
This year, Shannon helped renew Seattle's pioneering Democracy Voucher Program, which will continue to curb the electoral influence of big money for the next 10 years. That's good news for our mission — and for Seattle. ☝️ Join us: sightline.org/fall-fund-drive
Reposted by Sightline Institute
"Only Serious Candidates, Please"
Alan Durning from @sightline.org proposes commonsense reform. By raising signature requirements and/or filing fees for candidates,voters will enjoy electoral choice w/o having to sift through non-serious pretender candidates
democracysos.substack.com/p/commonsens...
Alan Durning from @sightline.org proposes commonsense reform. By raising signature requirements and/or filing fees for candidates,voters will enjoy electoral choice w/o having to sift through non-serious pretender candidates
democracysos.substack.com/p/commonsens...
Commonsense reform: only serious candidates, please
By raising signature requirements and/or filing fees for candidates, voters will enjoy electoral choice without having to sift through non-serious pretender candidates
democracysos.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:47 PM
"Only Serious Candidates, Please"
Alan Durning from @sightline.org proposes commonsense reform. By raising signature requirements and/or filing fees for candidates,voters will enjoy electoral choice w/o having to sift through non-serious pretender candidates
democracysos.substack.com/p/commonsens...
Alan Durning from @sightline.org proposes commonsense reform. By raising signature requirements and/or filing fees for candidates,voters will enjoy electoral choice w/o having to sift through non-serious pretender candidates
democracysos.substack.com/p/commonsens...
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Transit “speedrunning” started in 1960 with the “Tube Challenge”, a Guinness world record on London’s underground system. In the 65 years since, it’s spread around the world to transit systems of all sizes, now generically called a “speedrun.”
Wilsonville math teacher rides to all 95 MAX stations for world record
Marty Valentine became the first person with an official record for a TriMet MAX "speedrun."
www.opb.org
November 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Transit “speedrunning” started in 1960 with the “Tube Challenge”, a Guinness world record on London’s underground system. In the 65 years since, it’s spread around the world to transit systems of all sizes, now generically called a “speedrun.”
Reposted by Sightline Institute
The Siletz tribe took apart the 20,000 pound humpback after it was euthanized Monday.
‘An incredible privilege and a daunting task’: Oregon tribe harvests beached whale for the first time in generations
The Siletz tribe took apart the 20,000 pound humpback after it was euthanized Monday.
www.oregonlive.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:30 AM
The Siletz tribe took apart the 20,000 pound humpback after it was euthanized Monday.
Let’s email 🤓 Want to be first to view our latest research, hear directly from our program leads, or stay informed with our hand-picked news service? We’ve got you: sightline.org/newsletters
November 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Let’s email 🤓 Want to be first to view our latest research, hear directly from our program leads, or stay informed with our hand-picked news service? We’ve got you: sightline.org/newsletters
Reposted by Sightline Institute
We don't talk enough about how permitting delays of transmission projects ends up on customers' utility bills.
Lawsuits drag out projects, which end up getting built anyway, for more money + higher utility profits!
New from @sightline.org
www.sightline.org/2025/11/20/t...
Lawsuits drag out projects, which end up getting built anyway, for more money + higher utility profits!
New from @sightline.org
www.sightline.org/2025/11/20/t...
The High Cost of Slow Permitting | Sightline Institute
Sluggish approval of Cascadian transmission projects inflates electricity bills and strands renewable energy.
www.sightline.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
We don't talk enough about how permitting delays of transmission projects ends up on customers' utility bills.
Lawsuits drag out projects, which end up getting built anyway, for more money + higher utility profits!
New from @sightline.org
www.sightline.org/2025/11/20/t...
Lawsuits drag out projects, which end up getting built anyway, for more money + higher utility profits!
New from @sightline.org
www.sightline.org/2025/11/20/t...
It takes forever to build power lines and these permitting holdups don't come cheap. Consumers suffer through higher electricity bills and dirtier, less reliable power—but utilities actually make money on project delays. Like, a lot of money.
The High Cost of Slow Permitting | Sightline Institute
Sluggish approval of Cascadian transmission projects inflates electricity bills and strands renewable energy.
www.sightline.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
It takes forever to build power lines and these permitting holdups don't come cheap. Consumers suffer through higher electricity bills and dirtier, less reliable power—but utilities actually make money on project delays. Like, a lot of money.
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Time to strengthen, protect and expand Democracy. Sign up for lobby day!
November 19, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Time to strengthen, protect and expand Democracy. Sign up for lobby day!
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Check out this great video by Urban3 that explores the hidden ways cities subsidize the fiscal black hole that is parking.
One reason for this is that tax assessors frequently undervalue parcels with parking lots, sometimes under $1/sq ft!
youtu.be/BujZfaz6wBo?...
One reason for this is that tax assessors frequently undervalue parcels with parking lots, sometimes under $1/sq ft!
youtu.be/BujZfaz6wBo?...
November 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Check out this great video by Urban3 that explores the hidden ways cities subsidize the fiscal black hole that is parking.
One reason for this is that tax assessors frequently undervalue parcels with parking lots, sometimes under $1/sq ft!
youtu.be/BujZfaz6wBo?...
One reason for this is that tax assessors frequently undervalue parcels with parking lots, sometimes under $1/sq ft!
youtu.be/BujZfaz6wBo?...
Talk ranked choice voting in Portland with Lewis & Clark, North Star Civic Foundation, and our senior researcher Shannon Grimes this Thursday: college.lclark.edu/calendars/ev...
November 18, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Talk ranked choice voting in Portland with Lewis & Clark, North Star Civic Foundation, and our senior researcher Shannon Grimes this Thursday: college.lclark.edu/calendars/ev...
Honored to be included in this powerhouse list - thank you @sharethecities.bsky.social 💪
Hello 5.8K followers!
Share The Cities are unpaid loud cheerleaders 📣 for other orgs’ efforts that need your funding!
💫
If you follow us & like our work
please donate in our honor to:
@houseourneighbors.bsky.social
@realchangenews.org
@futurewise.bsky.social
@sightline.org
@washingtonbus.org
Share The Cities are unpaid loud cheerleaders 📣 for other orgs’ efforts that need your funding!
💫
If you follow us & like our work
please donate in our honor to:
@houseourneighbors.bsky.social
@realchangenews.org
@futurewise.bsky.social
@sightline.org
@washingtonbus.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Honored to be included in this powerhouse list - thank you @sharethecities.bsky.social 💪
Reposted by Sightline Institute
With Connecticut poised to modernize its parking policies, this from @sightline.org is so important. Parking flexibility isn’t just for cities, it’s great for small towns!!!
www.sightline.org/2024/09/04/t...
www.sightline.org/2024/09/04/t...
Twice As Many Small Towns Have Eliminated Parking Mandates As Large Cities | Sightline Institute
Three hometown stories show why parking reform is for everyone.
www.sightline.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
With Connecticut poised to modernize its parking policies, this from @sightline.org is so important. Parking flexibility isn’t just for cities, it’s great for small towns!!!
www.sightline.org/2024/09/04/t...
www.sightline.org/2024/09/04/t...
Reposted by Sightline Institute
'We talk endlessly about the “missing middle.” But the real catastrophe was the “banished bottom”'
Good piece! I wish it mentioned that SROs are re-legalized in all multifamily zones in OR & WA
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Good piece! I wish it mentioned that SROs are re-legalized in all multifamily zones in OR & WA
substack.com/home/post/p-...
The Banished Bottom of the Housing Market
How America Destroyed Its Cheapest Homes
substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
'We talk endlessly about the “missing middle.” But the real catastrophe was the “banished bottom”'
Good piece! I wish it mentioned that SROs are re-legalized in all multifamily zones in OR & WA
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Good piece! I wish it mentioned that SROs are re-legalized in all multifamily zones in OR & WA
substack.com/home/post/p-...
@islandpress.bsky.social is having a 50% off sale (!) on nearly all its print books through midnight PT Sunday. Get a jump on your holiday shopping with their solutions-forward reads.
Don’t wait! Our #SimplyEverything sale has every Island Press book at 50% off. One last opportunity to stock up directly from Island Press — sale ends 11/16! Use code HALF at checkout: islandpress.org/half
November 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
@islandpress.bsky.social is having a 50% off sale (!) on nearly all its print books through midnight PT Sunday. Get a jump on your holiday shopping with their solutions-forward reads.
Portland is now requesting comments on a proposal to raise filing fees to $250 for council and $500 for mayor — better, but still too low.
www.portland.gov/auditor/news...
www.portland.gov/auditor/news...
November 13, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Portland is now requesting comments on a proposal to raise filing fees to $250 for council and $500 for mayor — better, but still too low.
www.portland.gov/auditor/news...
www.portland.gov/auditor/news...
Last year, a New York man ran for Congress as a Democrat in Alaska... from prison... and got 3,500 votes. AK, CA, and WA each let any candidate claim any party on the ballot, but they *don’t* allow parties to claim their nominees.
A Two-Word Fix for Alaska’s Ballot Confusion | Sightline Institute
Letting parties tag their nominees would make Alaska’s elections clearer, fairer, and harder to hijack by disingenuous candidates.
www.sightline.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Last year, a New York man ran for Congress as a Democrat in Alaska... from prison... and got 3,500 votes. AK, CA, and WA each let any candidate claim any party on the ballot, but they *don’t* allow parties to claim their nominees.
Reposted by Sightline Institute
The “Exploding Whale” has gone from a cautionary tale to a beloved piece of Oregon lore.
It’s Exploding Whale Day in Oregon: 10 things to know about the blubber blast, 55 years later
The “Exploding Whale” has gone from a cautionary tale to a beloved piece of Oregon lore.
www.oregonlive.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The “Exploding Whale” has gone from a cautionary tale to a beloved piece of Oregon lore.
Filing to run for city council in #PortlandOR costs only $75, compared to $1446 in Seattle. No wonder Portland’s recent campaign season was like a weekend queue at Voodoo Donuts.
November 12, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Filing to run for city council in #PortlandOR costs only $75, compared to $1446 in Seattle. No wonder Portland’s recent campaign season was like a weekend queue at Voodoo Donuts.
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Fantastic article by @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social in @Sightline.org
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
To Build Fast, Think Small | Sightline Institute
How re-legalizing small apartment buildings would spur the homes city dwellers need now.
www.sightline.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Fantastic article by @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social in @Sightline.org
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
Reposted by Sightline Institute
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
Grist opens applications for new rural reporting grants on climate and environmental justice
Applicants can request up to $5,000 per project.
grist.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
"We need a system that can build again. A politics that rewards competence... The barriers in our way were built by people. That means that people can take them down." 👏 @justineunderhill.bsky.social
The Simple Plan to Save Democracy
YouTube video by Justine Underhill
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
"We need a system that can build again. A politics that rewards competence... The barriers in our way were built by people. That means that people can take them down." 👏 @justineunderhill.bsky.social
Washington’s top-two election system can misfire and elect a less-popular candidate, against the will of most voters. #RankedChoiceVoting is an easy fix.
Will an Electoral Glitch Send a Republican to Patty Murray’s Seat in 2028? | Sightline Institute
Washington’s top-two primary elections can misfire—but there’s an easy fix.
www.sightline.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Washington’s top-two election system can misfire and elect a less-popular candidate, against the will of most voters. #RankedChoiceVoting is an easy fix.