Dan Bertolet
@danbertolet.bsky.social
I think it's good when cities are legal, and I work at Sightline Institute to make that happen. My takes on here, though, are no less than 100% mine.
Felt an urge to tap the sign.
(which may or may not have anything to do with recent convos about potential pilot legislation in WA)
(which may or may not have anything to do with recent convos about potential pilot legislation in WA)
October 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Felt an urge to tap the sign.
(which may or may not have anything to do with recent convos about potential pilot legislation in WA)
(which may or may not have anything to do with recent convos about potential pilot legislation in WA)
Back in 2018 I estimated that adding curb bulbouts at every every intersection in Seattle's single-family zones would make room for 160,000 trees. It would also make those intersections safer.
Great to see this idea getting some attention in Coucil.
www.sightline.org/2018/09/06/s...
Great to see this idea getting some attention in Coucil.
www.sightline.org/2018/09/06/s...
October 30, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Back in 2018 I estimated that adding curb bulbouts at every every intersection in Seattle's single-family zones would make room for 160,000 trees. It would also make those intersections safer.
Great to see this idea getting some attention in Coucil.
www.sightline.org/2018/09/06/s...
Great to see this idea getting some attention in Coucil.
www.sightline.org/2018/09/06/s...
There's a long, long list of good reasons why we should:
MAKE MORE CITY
But at this point in history, creating Ds may be the top one.
MAKE MORE CITY
But at this point in history, creating Ds may be the top one.
Everybody's talking about Dem strategy, so here's something to add to the mix.
I start with this premise: The best and most reliable indicator of whether someone will vote red or blue is the density of the place they live. More dense, more likely to be blue, & vice versa.
I start with this premise: The best and most reliable indicator of whether someone will vote red or blue is the density of the place they live. More dense, more likely to be blue, & vice versa.
October 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM
There's a long, long list of good reasons why we should:
MAKE MORE CITY
But at this point in history, creating Ds may be the top one.
MAKE MORE CITY
But at this point in history, creating Ds may be the top one.
Vancouver's lack of middle housing production relative to other Canadian cities illustrates devil's in the details.
One big problem is Vancouver's 2023 middle housing upzone doesn't allow the buildings to be large enough (FAR typically capped at 1.0).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ren...
One big problem is Vancouver's 2023 middle housing upzone doesn't allow the buildings to be large enough (FAR typically capped at 1.0).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ren...
Vancouver's middle-density housing unable to keep up with other Canadian cities
YouTube video by CBC British Columbia
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Vancouver's lack of middle housing production relative to other Canadian cities illustrates devil's in the details.
One big problem is Vancouver's 2023 middle housing upzone doesn't allow the buildings to be large enough (FAR typically capped at 1.0).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ren...
One big problem is Vancouver's 2023 middle housing upzone doesn't allow the buildings to be large enough (FAR typically capped at 1.0).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ren...
Worth repeating:
"Anything that arbitrarily raises the cost of homes even at the high end will have a domino effect that exacerbates the already cutthroat competition for new homes"
"Anything that arbitrarily raises the cost of homes even at the high end will have a domino effect that exacerbates the already cutthroat competition for new homes"
Such a bad idea. We have a massive housing shortage in Boston that drives up costs for everyone. Anything that arbitrarily raises the cost of homes even at the high end will have a domino effect that exacerbates the already cutthroat competition for new homes 1/
www.masslive.com/boston/2025/...
www.masslive.com/boston/2025/...
Boston councilor proposes higher property taxes on large apartments to help homeowners
"The result would be that residential rates would be lowered across the city as a greater burden of the fixed Proposition 2.5 property tax revenue would fall on corporate landlords rather than on smal...
www.masslive.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Worth repeating:
"Anything that arbitrarily raises the cost of homes even at the high end will have a domino effect that exacerbates the already cutthroat competition for new homes"
"Anything that arbitrarily raises the cost of homes even at the high end will have a domino effect that exacerbates the already cutthroat competition for new homes"
Much deserved national recognition for WA's housing abundance superhero @jessdbateman.bsky.social
Happy to share WA’s experience advancing pro-housing policy with bi-partisan leaders from across the country. Thank you @arnoldventures.bsky.social for organizing this peer learning opportunity. Our housing shortage is a solvable problem. Inspired to see progress happening across the country.🏘️
October 28, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Much deserved national recognition for WA's housing abundance superhero @jessdbateman.bsky.social
Small apartment buildings can't provide as many homes per acre as large ones, but they have the advantage of being faster and cheaper to build.
And if they were legalized everwhere in cities (as they should be!) the potential for homes is huge.
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
And if they were legalized everwhere in cities (as they should be!) the potential for homes is huge.
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
October 28, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Small apartment buildings can't provide as many homes per acre as large ones, but they have the advantage of being faster and cheaper to build.
And if they were legalized everwhere in cities (as they should be!) the potential for homes is huge.
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
And if they were legalized everwhere in cities (as they should be!) the potential for homes is huge.
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
"The leading edge is the ADU market fully developing in most places. And the bleeding edge is tiny homes on wheels,"
said @sightline.org's Alan Durning.
Earlier this year, WA became the first state to take a shot at legalizing mobile dwellings statewide with HB 1443.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
said @sightline.org's Alan Durning.
Earlier this year, WA became the first state to take a shot at legalizing mobile dwellings statewide with HB 1443.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Tinyhouses Are Now LEGAL DWELLINGS! How One Man in Portland, OR is Changing Housing as We Know It
YouTube video by That ADU Guy
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:25 PM
"The leading edge is the ADU market fully developing in most places. And the bleeding edge is tiny homes on wheels,"
said @sightline.org's Alan Durning.
Earlier this year, WA became the first state to take a shot at legalizing mobile dwellings statewide with HB 1443.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
said @sightline.org's Alan Durning.
Earlier this year, WA became the first state to take a shot at legalizing mobile dwellings statewide with HB 1443.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Yet another way in which Portland has been ahead of the curve on housing is its legalization of mobile dwellings.
These stories chronicled by @citizen-cate.bsky.social illustrate why this housing type should be legal everywhere.
WA's got a bill for that...
www.sightline.org/2025/09/11/h...
These stories chronicled by @citizen-cate.bsky.social illustrate why this housing type should be legal everywhere.
WA's got a bill for that...
www.sightline.org/2025/09/11/h...
Homes on Wheels Are Filling a Big Gap in Portland | Sightline Institute
Three personal stories showing how small, affordable, and flexible homes on wheels can provide big solutions for Portland families.
www.sightline.org
October 27, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Yet another way in which Portland has been ahead of the curve on housing is its legalization of mobile dwellings.
These stories chronicled by @citizen-cate.bsky.social illustrate why this housing type should be legal everywhere.
WA's got a bill for that...
www.sightline.org/2025/09/11/h...
These stories chronicled by @citizen-cate.bsky.social illustrate why this housing type should be legal everywhere.
WA's got a bill for that...
www.sightline.org/2025/09/11/h...
Just back from a three month sabbatical.
I haven't been keeping up. Is housing legal now?
I haven't been keeping up. Is housing legal now?
October 27, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Just back from a three month sabbatical.
I haven't been keeping up. Is housing legal now?
I haven't been keeping up. Is housing legal now?
"less pavement... more corner stores"
When it comes to local zoning reform, it takes herculean political efforts to allow things that most people want.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
When it comes to local zoning reform, it takes herculean political efforts to allow things that most people want.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Why a WA city is removing parking requirements and allowing corner stores
Bothell is about to get "more Bothell," the city's mayor said. The city says updating its municipal code will make living there more affordable and welcoming.
www.seattletimes.com
July 15, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"less pavement... more corner stores"
When it comes to local zoning reform, it takes herculean political efforts to allow things that most people want.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
When it comes to local zoning reform, it takes herculean political efforts to allow things that most people want.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Sometimes the truth really is this simple:
"A housing tax is a bad way to create housing"
One defense of IZ is that it can enable upzones that wouldn't have been politically feasible otherwise. Unfortunately that comes with the downside of legitimizing bad policy and spreading the cancer.
"A housing tax is a bad way to create housing"
One defense of IZ is that it can enable upzones that wouldn't have been politically feasible otherwise. Unfortunately that comes with the downside of legitimizing bad policy and spreading the cancer.
Inclusionary zoning is a tax on housing
Sometimes, policies have unintended consequences or unforeseen downsides
www.slowboring.com
July 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Sometimes the truth really is this simple:
"A housing tax is a bad way to create housing"
One defense of IZ is that it can enable upzones that wouldn't have been politically feasible otherwise. Unfortunately that comes with the downside of legitimizing bad policy and spreading the cancer.
"A housing tax is a bad way to create housing"
One defense of IZ is that it can enable upzones that wouldn't have been politically feasible otherwise. Unfortunately that comes with the downside of legitimizing bad policy and spreading the cancer.
"In reality, the pro-housing movement aims to unrig the housing market, expand access, bring down prices for consumers, and redistribute power and wealth from the rich to everyone else."
YIMBY is succeeding, so of course it triggers the progressive instinct to unleash the circular firing squad.
YIMBY is succeeding, so of course it triggers the progressive instinct to unleash the circular firing squad.
YIMBY is progressive, populist and antitrust. Not centrist. Not Reaganite.
The Atlantic published my piece and I’ve included a gift link.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The Atlantic published my piece and I’ve included a gift link.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The Biggest Myth About the YIMBY Movement
There’s nothing centrist or conservative about the push to lower housing costs.
www.theatlantic.com
July 15, 2025 at 3:48 PM
"In reality, the pro-housing movement aims to unrig the housing market, expand access, bring down prices for consumers, and redistribute power and wealth from the rich to everyone else."
YIMBY is succeeding, so of course it triggers the progressive instinct to unleash the circular firing squad.
YIMBY is succeeding, so of course it triggers the progressive instinct to unleash the circular firing squad.
The elected leaders of Bothell, WA, a city of 51k just north of Seattle, rank among the biggest YIMBY heroes nationwide.
There's no lack of evidence that reforms like this are the right thing to do.
But in most cities there's a lack of leadership.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/07/10/b...
There's no lack of evidence that reforms like this are the right thing to do.
But in most cities there's a lack of leadership.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/07/10/b...
Bothell Drops Parking Mandates, Legalizes Neighborhood Corner Stores Citywide » The Urbanist
# Bothell becomes the first city in either King or Snohomish County to fully eliminate off-street parking mandates in order to reduce costs for homebuilding. The move clearly solidifies the city as a ...
www.theurbanist.org
July 10, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The elected leaders of Bothell, WA, a city of 51k just north of Seattle, rank among the biggest YIMBY heroes nationwide.
There's no lack of evidence that reforms like this are the right thing to do.
But in most cities there's a lack of leadership.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/07/10/b...
There's no lack of evidence that reforms like this are the right thing to do.
But in most cities there's a lack of leadership.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/07/10/b...
Reposted by Dan Bertolet
This Oregon bill, the first of its kind in the country that I'm aware of, just passed: 50-2 in the House, 28-2 in the Senate.
A lot will depend on rulemaking, but this opens the door to a Japan-like system where the state defines its own version of lower-density zones.
A lot will depend on rulemaking, but this opens the door to a Japan-like system where the state defines its own version of lower-density zones.
I'm also excited about HB 2258, which passed the same committee with not just bipartisan but *unanimous* support. It'd pre-approve zoning & building permits for a state-defined catalog of 1-11 unit buildings on standard urban lots.
two great laws that go great together
bsky.app/profile/ande...
two great laws that go great together
bsky.app/profile/ande...
2. HB 2258. Gov. @tinakotek.bsky.social is also taking lead, but it originated with the state land use agency.
This bill would let the state pre-approve building & land use permits for a catalog of homes, 1-12 units, on basic urban lots in any jurisdiction.
Call it a comeback.
This bill would let the state pre-approve building & land use permits for a catalog of homes, 1-12 units, on basic urban lots in any jurisdiction.
Call it a comeback.
June 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
This Oregon bill, the first of its kind in the country that I'm aware of, just passed: 50-2 in the House, 28-2 in the Senate.
A lot will depend on rulemaking, but this opens the door to a Japan-like system where the state defines its own version of lower-density zones.
A lot will depend on rulemaking, but this opens the door to a Japan-like system where the state defines its own version of lower-density zones.
Oregon led the nation on legalizing middle housing, and is now poised to lead again on improving the standards based on what's been getting built.
Two critical points:
- Allow middle housing with more units to be larger
- Don't burden it with development fees
www.sightline.org/2025/06/04/o...
Two critical points:
- Allow middle housing with more units to be larger
- Don't burden it with development fees
www.sightline.org/2025/06/04/o...
Oregon’s Zoning Reforms Are Working—But They Need Some Upgrades | Sightline Institute
Six years after a monumental rezone, Gov. Kotek's HB 2138 will fill the gaps to more fully legalize starter homes.
www.sightline.org
June 5, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Oregon led the nation on legalizing middle housing, and is now poised to lead again on improving the standards based on what's been getting built.
Two critical points:
- Allow middle housing with more units to be larger
- Don't burden it with development fees
www.sightline.org/2025/06/04/o...
Two critical points:
- Allow middle housing with more units to be larger
- Don't burden it with development fees
www.sightline.org/2025/06/04/o...
Connecticut has become the first US state to do what every US state should do:
It has put a total end to costly, arbitrary local requirements for new housing to include parking.
Massive, overdue win for housing and climate, for both people and the planet!
It has put a total end to costly, arbitrary local requirements for new housing to include parking.
Massive, overdue win for housing and climate, for both people and the planet!
🚨BIG NEWS!
The CT Senate passed HB 5002 over the weekend, which fully repeals parking mandates for all residential uses! It's now heading off to the governor's desk!!
Big shoutout to the folks behind ctparkingreform.org @trumbullbrod.bsky.social and Casey Moran
ctmirror.org/2025/05/30/h...
The CT Senate passed HB 5002 over the weekend, which fully repeals parking mandates for all residential uses! It's now heading off to the governor's desk!!
Big shoutout to the folks behind ctparkingreform.org @trumbullbrod.bsky.social and Casey Moran
ctmirror.org/2025/05/30/h...
H.B. 5002, Democrats' housing bill, gets final passage
The CT Senate passed the most significant piece of housing legislation to emerge in years after hours of debate.
ctmirror.org
June 2, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Connecticut has become the first US state to do what every US state should do:
It has put a total end to costly, arbitrary local requirements for new housing to include parking.
Massive, overdue win for housing and climate, for both people and the planet!
It has put a total end to costly, arbitrary local requirements for new housing to include parking.
Massive, overdue win for housing and climate, for both people and the planet!
One big reason Washington now leads the pack on statewide housing abundance legislation is that it just passed the nation's strongest parking reform bill.
Here's what made that possible:
www.sightline.org/2025/05/16/h...
Here's what made that possible:
www.sightline.org/2025/05/16/h...
May 16, 2025 at 4:27 PM
One big reason Washington now leads the pack on statewide housing abundance legislation is that it just passed the nation's strongest parking reform bill.
Here's what made that possible:
www.sightline.org/2025/05/16/h...
Here's what made that possible:
www.sightline.org/2025/05/16/h...
I'm calling it:
Washington has now accomplished more on statewide zoning reform than any other US state.
In the just ended 2025 legislative session, Washington lawmakers knocked out nation-leading parking and TOD bills, and more.
www.sightline.org/2025/05/15/w...
Washington has now accomplished more on statewide zoning reform than any other US state.
In the just ended 2025 legislative session, Washington lawmakers knocked out nation-leading parking and TOD bills, and more.
www.sightline.org/2025/05/15/w...
Washington Takes Statewide Zoning Reform to the Next Level | Sightline Institute
There’s a healthy competition brewing between states that are taking action for housing abundance. But as of May 2025, Washington leads the pack. Its legislature just passed best-in-the-US bills on bo...
www.sightline.org
May 15, 2025 at 11:32 PM
I'm calling it:
Washington has now accomplished more on statewide zoning reform than any other US state.
In the just ended 2025 legislative session, Washington lawmakers knocked out nation-leading parking and TOD bills, and more.
www.sightline.org/2025/05/15/w...
Washington has now accomplished more on statewide zoning reform than any other US state.
In the just ended 2025 legislative session, Washington lawmakers knocked out nation-leading parking and TOD bills, and more.
www.sightline.org/2025/05/15/w...
Wild to see national TV news emphasizing that you get more affordability and home ownership opportunities when you allow more density in areas previously reserved for single-detached houses.
www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news...
www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news...
How Portland, OR made housing more affordable
In a word: density. New zoning rules in Portland, OR led to an increase in duplexes, tri-plexes, and quad-plexes on lots previously designated for single family homes. The new units typically sell for...
www.nbcnews.com
May 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Wild to see national TV news emphasizing that you get more affordability and home ownership opportunities when you allow more density in areas previously reserved for single-detached houses.
www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news...
www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news...
Update on WA's 2025 Housing Supply Billapalooza:
Signed by the Gov:
HB 1183, HB 1757, HB 1135
Awaiting signature:
SB 5184, HB 1491, HB 1096, HB 1576, SB 5148, HB 1403, SB 5571
Dead:
HB 1443, SB 5156, SB 5613
Info on most of those bills here:
www.sightline.org/2025/02/13/w...
Signed by the Gov:
HB 1183, HB 1757, HB 1135
Awaiting signature:
SB 5184, HB 1491, HB 1096, HB 1576, SB 5148, HB 1403, SB 5571
Dead:
HB 1443, SB 5156, SB 5613
Info on most of those bills here:
www.sightline.org/2025/02/13/w...
April 28, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Update on WA's 2025 Housing Supply Billapalooza:
Signed by the Gov:
HB 1183, HB 1757, HB 1135
Awaiting signature:
SB 5184, HB 1491, HB 1096, HB 1576, SB 5148, HB 1403, SB 5571
Dead:
HB 1443, SB 5156, SB 5613
Info on most of those bills here:
www.sightline.org/2025/02/13/w...
Signed by the Gov:
HB 1183, HB 1757, HB 1135
Awaiting signature:
SB 5184, HB 1491, HB 1096, HB 1576, SB 5148, HB 1403, SB 5571
Dead:
HB 1443, SB 5156, SB 5613
Info on most of those bills here:
www.sightline.org/2025/02/13/w...
Montana giving Washington a run for its money on leading the nation on statewide reforms to boost housing.
One of those states has a red trifecta, while the other has a blue trifecta.
It's almost as if people of every political stripe need homes to live in.
www.sightline.org/2025/04/25/m...
One of those states has a red trifecta, while the other has a blue trifecta.
It's almost as if people of every political stripe need homes to live in.
www.sightline.org/2025/04/25/m...
Montana's Housing Miracle Strikes Twice | Sightline Institute
Bipartisan efforts won a string of bills for more homes, lower costs, and less red tape for Montanans—with lessons for other states.
www.sightline.org
April 25, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Montana giving Washington a run for its money on leading the nation on statewide reforms to boost housing.
One of those states has a red trifecta, while the other has a blue trifecta.
It's almost as if people of every political stripe need homes to live in.
www.sightline.org/2025/04/25/m...
One of those states has a red trifecta, while the other has a blue trifecta.
It's almost as if people of every political stripe need homes to live in.
www.sightline.org/2025/04/25/m...
Do you want to get in on the action to help make every year another Year of Housing?
The right stuff is a mix of experience, analysis, writing, and political strategy. If you think you've got it, please apply!
www.sightline.org/senior-resea...
The right stuff is a mix of experience, analysis, writing, and political strategy. If you think you've got it, please apply!
www.sightline.org/senior-resea...
April 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Do you want to get in on the action to help make every year another Year of Housing?
The right stuff is a mix of experience, analysis, writing, and political strategy. If you think you've got it, please apply!
www.sightline.org/senior-resea...
The right stuff is a mix of experience, analysis, writing, and political strategy. If you think you've got it, please apply!
www.sightline.org/senior-resea...
WA bill HB 1576 that requires owner consent for historic landmarking has passed concurrence and now awaits the Governor's signature.
“Only two legislators voted against the bill that seeks to curtail weaponization of the landmarking process.”
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...
“Only two legislators voted against the bill that seeks to curtail weaponization of the landmarking process.”
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...
www.bizjournals.com
April 22, 2025 at 4:33 PM
WA bill HB 1576 that requires owner consent for historic landmarking has passed concurrence and now awaits the Governor's signature.
“Only two legislators voted against the bill that seeks to curtail weaponization of the landmarking process.”
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...
“Only two legislators voted against the bill that seeks to curtail weaponization of the landmarking process.”
www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news...
“If we really want to open up opportunities for new housing, excessive parking mandates have got to go.”
- @citizen-cate.bsky.social
“Pro-housing advocates have changed the narrative and demanded action.”
- @jessbateman.bsky.social
www.knkx.org/politics/202...
- @citizen-cate.bsky.social
“Pro-housing advocates have changed the narrative and demanded action.”
- @jessbateman.bsky.social
www.knkx.org/politics/202...
WA lawmakers pass major parking reform bill to boost housing
A bill that aims to address housing supply and affordability in Washington by lowering parking requirements is headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
www.knkx.org
April 21, 2025 at 9:09 PM
“If we really want to open up opportunities for new housing, excessive parking mandates have got to go.”
- @citizen-cate.bsky.social
“Pro-housing advocates have changed the narrative and demanded action.”
- @jessbateman.bsky.social
www.knkx.org/politics/202...
- @citizen-cate.bsky.social
“Pro-housing advocates have changed the narrative and demanded action.”
- @jessbateman.bsky.social
www.knkx.org/politics/202...