Making Washington a place to prosper.

Remove the barriers to building more affordable housing in WA

This article is republished here courtesy of the Building Industry Association of Washington. Over the last 30 years, Washington’s population has grown by 60%; yet we’ve only increased the number of housing units by 33%. The failure to accommodate this growth has created a market so tight in Washington that median home prices have nearly tripled in the last decade to roughly...

[un]Divided: Food insecurity in Washington state

In Brandi’s recent segment of [un]Divided, she reflects on gratitude and the things we are grateful for during the holidays, like family, a steady job, and income. But she also acknowledges those who are struggling – crushed under the weight of inflation and high gas prices – in Washington state. Brandi welcomes Barb Houston, Executive...

By Brandi Kruse

“Hidden costs” will keep Washington’s home perpetually unaffordable

Although mortgage rates have leapt from 3 percent to 7 percent in a year, the cost of home ownership isn’t going down anytime soon. According to a forecast by Norada Real Estate, the typical Washington home’s value increased by 15.1 percent in the past year. Although next year’s value increases are expected to be much...

Study: Seattle tax revenue has skyrocketed 94%

An analysis by the Downtown Seattle Association found that the average Seattleite is paying $600 more per year in taxes compared to 2013 – and that’s adjusted for inflation. Jon Scholes with the DSA tells Brandi Kruse on the [un]Divided Podcast that the city has more than enough revenue to meet its needs.

By Brandi Kruse

When in doubt – vote for balance on November 8

In Tuesday’s Midterm election, undecided voters have the power to usher in a period of much-needed sanity. They can do it by prioritizing balance above political party. At a time when extremes on both sides are pushing bad ideas – balance is the only thing that can truly protect us. Balance requires compromise, consensus, and...

By Brandi Kruse

[un]Divided: King County Prosecutor election race

In the latest segment of [un]Divided, Jim Ferrell – the Mayor of Federal Way – discusses his campaign for King County Prosecutor with Brandi. She explains how this is the most important race because the Prosecutor elect will have the opportunity to set the tone for the criminal justice system. Accountability and justice are crucial...

By Brandi Kruse

Randy Jones

Eminent Domain is a law which gives the government the right to take your property for a public use. They have to provide financial compensation, but it often isn’t enough – and the financial compensation often doesn’t make up for being forced out of your property. We talked to Randy Jones of Port Orchard, Washington about...

Poll: State worker covid booster bonuses unsurprisingly unpopular

If you’re opposed to Governor Jay Inslee’s $1,000 bonus to state workers who get the COVID-19 booster shot, you’re not alone. According to a WA Poll of 875 Washington adults, 57 percent oppose the bonus, while only 27 percent supported it. Only 20 percent of those polled supported a booster mandate. The $1,000 bonus is...

Washington state should not follow California’s lead on energy

Bad energy policy has had serious consequences. Washington lawmakers can give residents some relief. Wherever California lawmakers lead, Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington lawmakers are soon to follow – just look at their recent mandate on electric vehicles. Now, it’s another attack on energy that’s going to hit Washingtonians in the pocketbook. And as of right...

[un]Divided: Spokane’s Camp Hope Predicament

In this week’s segment of [un]Divided, Brandi unpacks the debate over who is at fault for the Camp Hope situation in the city of Spokane. With approximately 500 homeless people camping out on the state’s Department of Transportation land, city and county officials are at a standstill about how to resolve the encampment. The inability of...

By Brandi Kruse

Victory! County nixes plans for Chinatown homeless megaplex (for now)

This article is republished here courtesy of Change Washington. When tasked with a long, difficult undertaking it’s important to celebrate the victories when they happen. King County’s decision to nix a planned homeless megaplex in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID) represents an unexpected and important success for sound homelessness policy, public safety, and common-sense governance. As we’ve written on...

[un]Divided: Win for Chinatown-International District

In Brandi’s recent segment of [un]Divided, she details the controversy surrounding the proposed expansion of a homeless complex in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Specifically, the dismissal of the community’s concerns by elected officials and the recent decision to pause the project.

By Brandi Kruse

Washington seeks to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035

Monumental change will hit low- and middle-class Washingtonians especially hard. State lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee are moving forward with plans to ban the purchase of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. In addition, the governor has declared a statewide goal for all “private” new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030. The state is trying...

How Seattle, King County’s poor criminal justice policies affect all Washington

Crime across Washington has increased significantly in recent years. While it’s a local problem in much of the state, it’s the result of decisions made elsewhere. Some might naturally point to Olympia, where the state legislature has enacted numerous police “reform” laws handicapping law enforcement and enabling criminal activity. However, ultimately this is tied to...