With just a few weeks left in 2018, Futurewise is looking ahead to the 2019 legislative session. The November elections substantially changed the make-up of the state legislature, with Democrats picking up seven seats in the State House and three seats in the State Senate. The new members will change the overall calculus as we assess how we can advance our legislative goals. Additionally, we’re cognizant of other priorities the state legislature will have to consider, including a significant financial investment in mental health spending and the governor’s climate action plan.
Futurewise is looking to the 2019 legislative session with three key goals in mind that address land use and the Growth Management Act (GMA), transportation and housing.
Land Use
With regards to land use and the GMA, our goal is that state and local jurisdictions plan for climate change, our limited agricultural and forests lands are conserved, and cities grow sustainably and equitably through adoption and implementation of mutually beneficial rural and urban land use and environmental policies. To advance this goal, we will be working on legislation that strengthens urban growth line regulations to further prevent sprawl as well as supporting opportunities for cities and urban areas to grow through equitable investment in infrastructure and access to opportunity.
