Future 42

I-645 fell short. The constitutional fight against the new income tax continues

Voters did not approve Initiative 645, leaving our state’s new income tax in place. But the election did not settle whether that tax violates the state Constitution. That question remains before the courts, where former Attorney General Rob McKenna, former state Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge, and the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) are challenging...

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims ‘travelling nurses’ are the ones filling streets with junk RVs

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed a law that would have required permits for RVs parked on city streets, claiming the legislation would hurt travelling nurses. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedPod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

Whatcom County’s 2027–2028 Budget: Taxes, Public Safety, and Your Voice

Whatcom County Council is approaching important decisions on its proposed 2027–2028 biennial budget. On Tuesday, November 10, the County Council will continue reviewing the proposed 2027-2028 biennial budget. The final budget ordinance and related tax levy measures are scheduled for introduction, with a final vote anticipated for November 24. With affordability at the forefront of...

Bigger Budgets, Bigger Questions: Seattle and King County’s Decade of Government Growth

For years, the debate in Olympia has followed a familiar pattern: government spending grows, unsustainable budgets produce budget “shortfalls”, and the conversation quickly turns to finding more tax revenue. But this challenge isn’t confined to state government. The same pattern is playing out closer to home in Seattle and King County. And with budget season...

Mayor Wilson vetoes RV accountability. What’s her solution?

Seattle cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Mayor Katie Wilson has vetoed the City Council’s proposed RV permitting program, even while acknowledging the quality-of-life and public-safety challenges associated with RVs and unsheltered homelessness. Compassion and accountability are not competing values. We should help people move toward shelter and housing while also...

Bellingham’s Proposed Regional Fire Authority: What Taxpayers Should Know

Bellingham residents may soon be asked to consider a significant change in how fire protection and emergency medical services are funded and delivered to residents and businesses in the city. The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire District 8 are developing a proposal to create a Regional Fire Authority (RFA), a separate public agency...

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims her plan to fight homelessness is ‘common sense’

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson says she’s looking to other cities that have found success in dealing with homelessness – but she seems to lack the political will to enforce drug and camping laws. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedPod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

Seattle’s affordable housing policy is making housing more expensive

Seattle says it wants more affordable housing. Yet one of the city’s own policies is making new homes more expensive to build, discouraging private investment, and potentially keeping desperately needed housing from ever being constructed. The city’s Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program requires most new multifamily and commercial developments in designated areas to either include...

Vote “No” on the Tacoma Housing Provider Fee and Enforcement Initiative

“Safe Homes for All” Would Cost Taxpayers Up to $10 Million Per Year Ballots for the November general election have been mailed and should already be arriving in Tacoma voters’ mailboxes. Among the measures on this year’s ballot is a sweeping new rental regulation proposal that the City Manager estimates could cost taxpayers and businesses...

Future 42 Clark County Annual Event Nov. 11, feat. Rob McKenna and Brandi Kruse

Join Dann Mead Smith, Leslie Lewallen, and Future 42 Clark County advisory committee members for the annual Project 42/Future 42 Clark County event in Battle Ground and hear the latest on what is happening in our county and state, as well as hear from Rob McKenna with an update on the income tax lawsuit and...

Your ballot is coming. Your voice matters.

Throughout the year, Future 42 has worked to keep Washingtonians informed about the decisions being made in Olympia and in communities across our state. We’ve highlighted important issues, held elected officials accountable, and provided opportunities for you to speak up and make your voice heard. Now comes the most important opportunity of all. Ballots for...

[un]Divided: Seattle taxes spike 172% in just 12 years

Seattle taxes have spiked at five times the rate of population growth, with most of it falling on businesses. Follow unDivided across platforms and subscribe to support the show: unDividedPod.com.

By Brandi Kruse

2026 Clark County Charter Review Amendment Voter Guide

This November, Clark County voters are being asked to decide on 9 proposed amendments to the County Charter, which will appear on the ballot as Amendments 19 through 27. These amendments range from minor housekeeping updates to significant changes in how our county government operates. At Future 42 Clark County, our mission is to turn frustration...

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Featured Articles

I-645 fell short. The constitutional fight against the new income tax continues

I-645 fell short. The constitutional fight against the new income tax continues

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims ‘travelling nurses’ are the ones filling streets with junk RVs

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims ‘travelling nurses’ are the ones filling streets with junk RVs

Whatcom County’s 2027–2028 Budget: Taxes, Public Safety, and Your Voice

Whatcom County’s 2027–2028 Budget: Taxes, Public Safety, and Your Voice

Bigger Budgets, Bigger Questions: Seattle and King County’s Decade of Government Growth

Bigger Budgets, Bigger Questions: Seattle and King County’s Decade of Government Growth

Mayor Wilson vetoes RV accountability. What’s her solution?

Mayor Wilson vetoes RV accountability. What’s her solution?

Bellingham’s Proposed Regional Fire Authority: What Taxpayers Should Know

Bellingham’s Proposed Regional Fire Authority: What Taxpayers Should Know

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims her plan to fight homelessness is ‘common sense’

[un]Divided: Seattle mayor claims her plan to fight homelessness is ‘common sense’

Seattle’s affordable housing policy is making housing more expensive

Seattle’s affordable housing policy is making housing more expensive

Vote “No” on the Tacoma Housing Provider Fee and Enforcement Initiative

Vote “No” on the Tacoma Housing Provider Fee and Enforcement Initiative

Future 42 Clark County Annual Event Nov. 11, feat. Rob McKenna and Brandi Kruse

Future 42 Clark County Annual Event Nov. 11, feat. Rob McKenna and Brandi Kruse

Your ballot is coming. Your voice matters.

Your ballot is coming. Your voice matters.

Ferguson’s Way

Ferguson’s Way

[un]Divided: Seattle taxes spike 172% in just 12 years

[un]Divided: Seattle taxes spike 172% in just 12 years

2026 Clark County Charter Review Amendment Voter Guide

2026 Clark County Charter Review Amendment Voter Guide