THE REAL BLOG

A Real Issues Analysis Introduction: The Story You’ve Been Told vs. The Truth You Haven’t For years, Bellingham officials and outside advocacy groups like the Sightline Institute have pushed one message: “Density equals affordability.” It’s repeated so often that many people assume it must be true. But when you look at the data, follow the money, and compare Bellingham’s actions to its own past promises, a very different story emerges. This is not a housing strategy. It’s a r

This is what happens with the residents are not kept informed on what policy changes are happening.

We’re for ADUs that help real homeowners stay solvent, not for fantasy policies that no one can actually build or buy into.

“Now you see it — now you don’t.” In most magic shows, the illusionist hides a rabbit. In Bellingham’s Planning Department, they hide developable land. The Setup City planners love to talk about “limited buildable land.”They point to charts and maps that show a shrinking supply, then use that “evidence” to justify higher density, smaller lots, and new fees. But behind the curtain lies a trick that would make Houdini proud: they don’t just measure land — they make it vanish on

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.