In May 2005, The Cascade Agenda began as a call to action, a call for change. A call to each and every one of us to imagine the future we want for our children and grandchildren. An opportunity to envision the communities, natural environment and economy that will sustain us for the next 100 years.

Critical Moment in History

The Cascade Agenda is a recognition that the Puget Sound region is at a critical moment in history. Locally, we expect our population to double in the next century, growing to more than 10 million people, about the size of Los Angeles today.  Globally, we know that climate change threatens our natural environment, economy and standard of living. 

In response to these mounting pressures, The Agenda offers the opportunity to protect our quality of life now and create a better future for those who come after us. 

Our Shared Vision

This collective vision for the region is grounded in the belief that a broad coalition can achieve fundamental change. Led by Cascade Land Conservancy, nearly 100 businesses, organizations and government agencies and more than 750 community leaders and passionate citizens from King, Kittitas, Pierce and Snohomish Counties stand behind The Cascade Agenda. Supporters range broadly from farmers, foresters and tribes to housing, arts and culture interests. A full list of endorsers is available at www.cascadeagenda.com.  Clearly, the ideas behind The Agenda speak powerfully to our community.

Together, these community visionaries are advancing two big goals outlined in The Agenda:

• Our Lands: Conserve nearly 1.3 million acres of working forest, farmlands, shorelines, parks and natural areas.
• Our Communities: Make our cities and towns great places to live, work and raise our families.

Accomplishing these bold goals will require leadership from every sector and a voice from every constituency. The Agenda’s collaborative, “big tent,” a key precept from the beginning, continues to offer the best way forward. And the tent is growing. The Cascade Agenda is joining with key regional initiatives like the Puget Sound Partnership and the Prosperity Partnership to achieve a common future. 

Creating a Future for Our Region

In 2008, The Cascade Agenda remains a call to action, a call

for change. The Agenda is recognized today as a key part of a national movement to treat our earth more responsibly. At the end of the day though, it really is about us and protecting the lands and waters that provide us with a high quality of life.

For all the far flung travels of a mobile society, most of us spend the vast amount of time close to our neighborhoods, homes and jobs. The Cascade Agenda is a very real demonstration that despite the global challenges we face,

there are immediate and tangible actions we can take right here at home. That together we are creating a future for our region – this cherished place on the globe.