THE REAL BLOG

This is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, LANDLOCKED by Policy: A Lower Standard of Living, Sold as Progress. The Gospel of Growth (For Them, Not You) If you've paid attention to housing policy over the last two decades, you've heard the sermon: Growth is bad . Sprawl is wasteful . We need to live smaller, consume less, accept density. Your desire for a yard? Unsustainable. Your dream of homeownership? Outdated. Your expectation that you might afford what your parents had

How Neighbors Were Blocked, Land Was Altered Without Permits, and the Rules Quietly Changed Environmental protections only work if they are applied consistently. Wetlands either matter, or they don’t. When the same land is regulated one way for one owner and another way after ownership changes — especially when unpermitted work has already occurred — the integrity of the regulatory system itself comes into question. This article examines what happened at 9524 Freedom Place, B

Washington State faces a housing crisis manufactured by its own regulatory system. According to the Building Industry Association of Washington's 2024 study, regulations imposed at local, state, and federal levels account for approximately $204,000—or 29.5%—of the median new home sales price of $690,701 . In some counties, regulatory costs alone add over $164,000 to the cost of each new home. These aren't just abstract numbers. They represent middle-class families priced out

The Story Begins with an Elderly Property Owner An 80-year-old man and his wife owned a lot in Whatcom County for 10+ years. He'd paid $150,000 for it in 2007, paid taxes on it faithfully, and dreamed of eventually building a home there. In July 2017, in getting prepared for the building permit, the owners filed a Critical Area Review (CAR) for the property. Part of the process is to have the area reviewed by a wetlands and critical areas planner. Matt Mahaffie, a Wetlands an

In a time where nearly everything feels political, here’s something we should all be able to agree on: our housing system, especially here in Bellingham, is an equal opportunity killer of dreams and hopes when it comes to ownership. It doesn’t matter your background, your politics, or how long you’ve lived here. If you’re trying to build a future, put down roots, and someday own a home, the odds are stacked against you. And the worst part? It didn’t happen by accident. The dr

Let’s talk about parking—because no one at City Hall wants you to. In addition to rebranding multifamily rentals as “Middle Housing” to...

Discover the truth about middle housing. Who really benefits from zoning reform—developers, homeowners, or first-time buyers? Dive into the equity and impact of middle housing.

Discover how Washington State’s Covenant Homeownership Program offers up to $150,000 in 0% interest loans to families historically excluded from housing. Learn how this equity-driven initiative is changing lives.

Discover what House Bill 1217 really means for renters, landlords, and the future of affordable housing in Washington. Get the full story—without the spin.

Explore the real impact of Washington State House Bill 1217—its goals, funding mechanisms, and community implications. Learn how this landmark legislation could reshape access to essential services, reduce disparities, and drive local economic development across Washington.

Cities claim to boost affordable housing with new zoning laws—but hidden costs like impact fees, permits, and utility charges are making real affordability impossible. Discover what your city isn't telling you.