We have dual climate and affordable housing emergencies bearing down on us as a community and a world. In order to be truly sustainable, our communities must make note of the equitable access to clean, green, affordable housing. Our communities in Redmond and Kirkland are 100% LEED Platinum certified, and yet close to three quarters of our residents earn less than 50% of the median income. And we build without government subsidies.

If we are truly going to move forward with a sustainable, equitable future, we must join the three major pillars of successful communities: the environment, housing, and transportation. With must look holistically at how we build now and in the future to be more resilient to the challenges we will face in the coming decades as climate change intensifies. We can thrive as a community, but we have to do it together, and we have to be serious and make bold moves that protect our future on this planet.