Homes4WA
@homes4wa.org
A work group for advocates, policy makers, and neighbors across Washington State promoting policy solutions for more affordable, abundant homes. Join us! homes4wa.org
A project of @Sightline.org
A project of @Sightline.org
Reposted by Homes4WA
If you agree that retail spaces on the ground floor of apartment buildings should be optional, not mandated, here's something you can do:
Take pics of vacant storefronts in you neighborhood and post them as a reply here, with info about where they are.
And please share this post, thank you!!!
Take pics of vacant storefronts in you neighborhood and post them as a reply here, with info about where they are.
And please share this post, thank you!!!
To celebrate the possibility that SB 6026 will end mandates for apartment buildings to have commercial uses on their ground floors, here's a bunch of pics of empty retail spaces in Seattle's Capitol Hill, the most densely populated neighborhood in WA.
app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/...
app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/...
February 3, 2026 at 9:37 PM
If you agree that retail spaces on the ground floor of apartment buildings should be optional, not mandated, here's something you can do:
Take pics of vacant storefronts in you neighborhood and post them as a reply here, with info about where they are.
And please share this post, thank you!!!
Take pics of vacant storefronts in you neighborhood and post them as a reply here, with info about where they are.
And please share this post, thank you!!!
Reposted by Homes4WA
Last year WA's elevator code reform bill, SB 5156, passed the Senate and died in the House, and it's now on deck for the Senate to pass it again.
Supporters can help by contacting your Senators and asking them to bring the bill to a floor vote, using this form:
app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5156
Supporters can help by contacting your Senators and asking them to bring the bill to a floor vote, using this form:
app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5156
Send a comment
app.leg.wa.gov
January 27, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Last year WA's elevator code reform bill, SB 5156, passed the Senate and died in the House, and it's now on deck for the Senate to pass it again.
Supporters can help by contacting your Senators and asking them to bring the bill to a floor vote, using this form:
app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5156
Supporters can help by contacting your Senators and asking them to bring the bill to a floor vote, using this form:
app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5156
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨We want more homes near jobs!
HB 2480 would allow more apartments near shopping districts — good thing for workers *and* local businesses. It has its first committee hearing tomorrow, January 28 at 8:00 am. Voice your support:
HB 2480 would allow more apartments near shopping districts — good thing for workers *and* local businesses. It has its first committee hearing tomorrow, January 28 at 8:00 am. Voice your support:
HB 2480 Washington State Legislature
app.leg.wa.gov
January 27, 2026 at 6:44 PM
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨We want more homes near jobs!
HB 2480 would allow more apartments near shopping districts — good thing for workers *and* local businesses. It has its first committee hearing tomorrow, January 28 at 8:00 am. Voice your support:
HB 2480 would allow more apartments near shopping districts — good thing for workers *and* local businesses. It has its first committee hearing tomorrow, January 28 at 8:00 am. Voice your support:
Short session moves fast. Here's what was introduced and moved through committee last week: www.homes4wa.org/bill-tracker
Legislative session is here! Lawmakers in Olympia are weighing hundreds of bills — follow our top priorities through our new bill tracker: homes4wa.org/bill-tracker
Bill Tracker — #Homes4WA
www.homes4wa.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Short session moves fast. Here's what was introduced and moved through committee last week: www.homes4wa.org/bill-tracker
Legalize it!
“I just love it here”
the latest from @sightline.org's @citizen-cate.bsky.social on **the fastest, lowest-cost housing solution** that could be in more backyards now—for aging parents, live-in caregivers, young people starting out, etc.—if only they were legal
the latest from @sightline.org's @citizen-cate.bsky.social on **the fastest, lowest-cost housing solution** that could be in more backyards now—for aging parents, live-in caregivers, young people starting out, etc.—if only they were legal
Fast, Affordable, Illegal | Sightline Institute
Takeaways Since NW Tiny Homes opened on Columbia Boulevard in Portland, Oregon, last July, business has been good. By September, the company had already hit its sales goal for the year. It sells styli...
www.sightline.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Legalize it!
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨
HB 1443 to legalize MDUs is stuck in committee and needs caucus action to get to the floor for a vote. Let our elected leaders know that we want more of these unbeatably low-cost, fast-build, and flexible housing options in our cities ASAP.
HB 1443 to legalize MDUs is stuck in committee and needs caucus action to get to the floor for a vote. Let our elected leaders know that we want more of these unbeatably low-cost, fast-build, and flexible housing options in our cities ASAP.
January 23, 2026 at 6:39 PM
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨
HB 1443 to legalize MDUs is stuck in committee and needs caucus action to get to the floor for a vote. Let our elected leaders know that we want more of these unbeatably low-cost, fast-build, and flexible housing options in our cities ASAP.
HB 1443 to legalize MDUs is stuck in committee and needs caucus action to get to the floor for a vote. Let our elected leaders know that we want more of these unbeatably low-cost, fast-build, and flexible housing options in our cities ASAP.
Reposted by Homes4WA
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/u...
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle » The Urbanist
# In this podcast, The Urbanist newsroom previews Washington's state legislative session and breaks down the huge setback dealt to the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement project, a highway boondoggle w...
www.theurbanist.org
January 22, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Urbanist Podcast: Olympia Preview and a Highway Boondoggle www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/22/u...
Reposted by Homes4WA
Excited to be part of the Coalition for Elevator Reform's first brainstorm session.
Mark my words, we're gonna get elevators in more buildings & more cities
Mark my words, we're gonna get elevators in more buildings & more cities
January 22, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Excited to be part of the Coalition for Elevator Reform's first brainstorm session.
Mark my words, we're gonna get elevators in more buildings & more cities
Mark my words, we're gonna get elevators in more buildings & more cities
Reposted by Homes4WA
NEW // Sunday Video: North America Has an Elevator Problem www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/18/s...
Sunday Video: North America Has an Elevator Problem » The Urbanist
# In this video, Uytae Lee of About Here teamed up with Seattle-based environmental thinktank Sightline Institute to talk about North America's elevator problem. Elevators have been made rare and cost...
www.theurbanist.org
January 18, 2026 at 5:49 PM
NEW // Sunday Video: North America Has an Elevator Problem www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/18/s...
This session we’re again working to help pass SB 5156 to make elevators more economical in WA.
Legalizing smaller, lower-cost elevators will help make more small-scale apartment buildings and age-friendly city living accessible to more Washingtonians, no matter their physical abilities. 🆙🆙🆙
Legalizing smaller, lower-cost elevators will help make more small-scale apartment buildings and age-friendly city living accessible to more Washingtonians, no matter their physical abilities. 🆙🆙🆙
SB 5156 Washington State Legislature
app.leg.wa.gov
January 21, 2026 at 11:40 PM
This session we’re again working to help pass SB 5156 to make elevators more economical in WA.
Legalizing smaller, lower-cost elevators will help make more small-scale apartment buildings and age-friendly city living accessible to more Washingtonians, no matter their physical abilities. 🆙🆙🆙
Legalizing smaller, lower-cost elevators will help make more small-scale apartment buildings and age-friendly city living accessible to more Washingtonians, no matter their physical abilities. 🆙🆙🆙
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨
Scissor stairs + Permit-ready plans both have hearings tomorrow morning in the same committee session (1/21 at 10:30a). Sign up to testify or show your support —>
Scissor stairs + Permit-ready plans both have hearings tomorrow morning in the same committee session (1/21 at 10:30a). Sign up to testify or show your support —>
January 20, 2026 at 11:09 PM
🚨ACTION ALERT🚨
Scissor stairs + Permit-ready plans both have hearings tomorrow morning in the same committee session (1/21 at 10:30a). Sign up to testify or show your support —>
Scissor stairs + Permit-ready plans both have hearings tomorrow morning in the same committee session (1/21 at 10:30a). Sign up to testify or show your support —>
SB 6026 (More homes near jobs) would allow more apartments near shopping districts - trading vacant space for homes while increasing the neighborhood customer base, local foot traffic, and economic vibrancy for existing businesses.
It has a #WALeg committee hearing TOMORROW, 1/16 at 10:30a.
It has a #WALeg committee hearing TOMORROW, 1/16 at 10:30a.
January 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM
SB 6026 (More homes near jobs) would allow more apartments near shopping districts - trading vacant space for homes while increasing the neighborhood customer base, local foot traffic, and economic vibrancy for existing businesses.
It has a #WALeg committee hearing TOMORROW, 1/16 at 10:30a.
It has a #WALeg committee hearing TOMORROW, 1/16 at 10:30a.
Reposted by Homes4WA
WA's scissor stair bill has a hearing Friday at 10:30am.
If you understand why it would be a good thing to allow scissor stairs, please consider testifying, which is easy to do over Zoom, time limit typically 2 minutes.
Link to sign up:
app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
Select "remote" testimony.
If you understand why it would be a good thing to allow scissor stairs, please consider testifying, which is easy to do over Zoom, time limit typically 2 minutes.
Link to sign up:
app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
Select "remote" testimony.
January 14, 2026 at 7:24 PM
WA's scissor stair bill has a hearing Friday at 10:30am.
If you understand why it would be a good thing to allow scissor stairs, please consider testifying, which is easy to do over Zoom, time limit typically 2 minutes.
Link to sign up:
app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
Select "remote" testimony.
If you understand why it would be a good thing to allow scissor stairs, please consider testifying, which is easy to do over Zoom, time limit typically 2 minutes.
Link to sign up:
app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
Select "remote" testimony.
Reposted by Homes4WA
The scissor stair bill, HB 2228, is a simple bill to get the state building code council to do a simple thing: adopt code to allow them.
They've been legal in NYC and Vancouver, BC for decades and are common in Europe and Asia.
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/202...
They've been legal in NYC and Vancouver, BC for decades and are common in Europe and Asia.
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/202...
January 14, 2026 at 7:35 PM
The scissor stair bill, HB 2228, is a simple bill to get the state building code council to do a simple thing: adopt code to allow them.
They've been legal in NYC and Vancouver, BC for decades and are common in Europe and Asia.
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/202...
They've been legal in NYC and Vancouver, BC for decades and are common in Europe and Asia.
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/202...
Legislative session is here! Lawmakers in Olympia are weighing hundreds of bills — follow our top priorities through our new bill tracker: homes4wa.org/bill-tracker
Bill Tracker — #Homes4WA
www.homes4wa.org
January 13, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Legislative session is here! Lawmakers in Olympia are weighing hundreds of bills — follow our top priorities through our new bill tracker: homes4wa.org/bill-tracker
Reposted by Homes4WA
NEW VIDEO: North America’s Elevator’s Problem
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
The United States has the fewest elevators in the rich world, with Canada only a bit ahead. We teamed up with @uytaelee.bsky.social of About Here Videos to investigate why, exactly, North America sucks at elevators.
North America's Elevator Problem
YouTube video by About Here
youtu.be
January 11, 2026 at 11:02 PM
NEW VIDEO: North America’s Elevator’s Problem
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
One housing solution we're excited about this year: MDUs.
Mobile dwelling units are homes on wheels. They are hands-down the fastest, lowest-cost solution we can deploy against our housing shortage. Let's legalize MDUs for grandparents, caregivers, and young people starting out!
Mobile dwelling units are homes on wheels. They are hands-down the fastest, lowest-cost solution we can deploy against our housing shortage. Let's legalize MDUs for grandparents, caregivers, and young people starting out!
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
January 8, 2026 at 7:26 PM
One housing solution we're excited about this year: MDUs.
Mobile dwelling units are homes on wheels. They are hands-down the fastest, lowest-cost solution we can deploy against our housing shortage. Let's legalize MDUs for grandparents, caregivers, and young people starting out!
Mobile dwelling units are homes on wheels. They are hands-down the fastest, lowest-cost solution we can deploy against our housing shortage. Let's legalize MDUs for grandparents, caregivers, and young people starting out!
We're baaaack! Back on Bsky, that is — we didn't stop working for more affordable, abundant homes in the legislative off-season.
This group is jazzed about the bills shaping up for 2026 (kicking off Jan. 12) with more to share very soon. Until then, subscribe to our newsletter: homes4wa.org/updates
This group is jazzed about the bills shaping up for 2026 (kicking off Jan. 12) with more to share very soon. Until then, subscribe to our newsletter: homes4wa.org/updates
January 6, 2026 at 8:44 PM
We're baaaack! Back on Bsky, that is — we didn't stop working for more affordable, abundant homes in the legislative off-season.
This group is jazzed about the bills shaping up for 2026 (kicking off Jan. 12) with more to share very soon. Until then, subscribe to our newsletter: homes4wa.org/updates
This group is jazzed about the bills shaping up for 2026 (kicking off Jan. 12) with more to share very soon. Until then, subscribe to our newsletter: homes4wa.org/updates
Reposted by Homes4WA
Not sure where to post your post-election energy? We've got you! We'll be at farmer's markets across the city to share the good word of ✨ housing density ✨
Seattle needs thousands of homes built, and we deserve a comprehensive plan that works for everyone.
Learn more and sign up! shorturl.at/E6BYo
Seattle needs thousands of homes built, and we deserve a comprehensive plan that works for everyone.
Learn more and sign up! shorturl.at/E6BYo
November 5, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Not sure where to post your post-election energy? We've got you! We'll be at farmer's markets across the city to share the good word of ✨ housing density ✨
Seattle needs thousands of homes built, and we deserve a comprehensive plan that works for everyone.
Learn more and sign up! shorturl.at/E6BYo
Seattle needs thousands of homes built, and we deserve a comprehensive plan that works for everyone.
Learn more and sign up! shorturl.at/E6BYo
Reposted by Homes4WA
After taking a quick break after session I’m starting to think about housing policy for next session. What’s on your pro-housing wishlist? 📋✅
May 29, 2025 at 6:26 PM
After taking a quick break after session I’m starting to think about housing policy for next session. What’s on your pro-housing wishlist? 📋✅
Every bill that made it through #WALeg is the culmination of months (years, really!) of effort/learning/compromise/collaboration.
After a #WAleg session full of housing wins, Washington is (arguably) winning the states’ race for best-in-class homebuilding upgrades. @danbertolet.bsky.social recaps the 2025 billapalooza:
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 19, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Every bill that made it through #WALeg is the culmination of months (years, really!) of effort/learning/compromise/collaboration.
Reposted by Homes4WA
Washington’s new parking reform act shows what bold leadership (shoutout to @jessdbateman.bsky.social @davina425.bsky.social) and strong storytelling can do. @citizen-cate.bsky.social outlines the strategies for advocates elsewhere. #WAleg
How Washington State Won Parking Reform | Sightline Institute
Last week, Governor Bob Ferguson’s signature made it official: Washington has passed the strongest statewide rollback of costly parking mandates in the United States. The bill does many things, but pu...
www.sightline.org
May 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Washington’s new parking reform act shows what bold leadership (shoutout to @jessdbateman.bsky.social @davina425.bsky.social) and strong storytelling can do. @citizen-cate.bsky.social outlines the strategies for advocates elsewhere. #WAleg
With @governorferguson.bsky.social's signature, the parking bill is LAW. SB 5184 will curb housing costs, sprawl, and excess pavement. People over parking!!! @danbertolet.bsky.social
May 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
With @governorferguson.bsky.social's signature, the parking bill is LAW. SB 5184 will curb housing costs, sprawl, and excess pavement. People over parking!!! @danbertolet.bsky.social
Reposted by Homes4WA
Just 10 days until King County Affordable Housing Week! RSVP for our 5/12 kickoff—featuring remarks from Patience Malaba; a power of pro-housing messaging discussion with Clayton Aldern; & a state legislative roundtable with Sen. Jessica Bateman, Sen. Emily Alvarado, & more! bit.ly/AHW2025-Kick...
May 2, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Just 10 days until King County Affordable Housing Week! RSVP for our 5/12 kickoff—featuring remarks from Patience Malaba; a power of pro-housing messaging discussion with Clayton Aldern; & a state legislative roundtable with Sen. Jessica Bateman, Sen. Emily Alvarado, & more! bit.ly/AHW2025-Kick...
Reposted by Homes4WA
One more week to apply for our housing researcher position!
Senior Researcher, Housing + Cities | Sightline Institute
Senior Researcher, Housing + Cities
www.sightline.org
April 30, 2025 at 9:58 PM
One more week to apply for our housing researcher position!