Please visit our new website, http://forwashington.net.

We will be moving our content to the new servers, and switching this domain name 'forwashington.org' over the next few weeks.

New Enterprises, New Hope

The Institute advances economic development that helps depressed communities recover prosperity and self-determination. We harness public and private capital in the service of new enterprises designed to maximize local participation and produce real benefits: high-quality jobs, enriched tax bases, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

We believe that industries arising from local initiative more effectively improve regional economic health. We are committed to business models that include a wide spectrum of participants -- farmers, small businesses, employees, and local government - so that economic gains are absorbed more deeply into surrounding communities. Democracy thrives where there is broad participation in commercial success.

The Institute's main program areas are Community Development and Alternative Energy. We have compiled a record of accomplishment in the former and are on the cusp of launching exciting new ventures that convert waste to biofuels. Please see our "Community" and "Project" pages.

Our Values - American democracy is founded on fair and open economic opportunity. Its mainstays are equitable distribution of resources and benefits, technological innovation, sustainable use of natural resources, and healthy and tolerant communities. The Institute continues to build on the proud tradition of this country's progressive agenda, reversing economic and political deterioration through creative project development that builds community partnerships. Please visit our "Strategic Vision" page to read more about the Institute's development strategy.

Community Involvement - The Institute pools the resources of public agencies, non-profit groups, and for-profit organizations to found sustainable economic initiatives rooted in the needs of communities. Our partnerships attempt to reach across Washington's urban / rural divide. We have recently launched a new outreach program, Back to the Roots, in an effort to bring together groups to initiate dialogue on a more sustainable future for Washington. Additionally, we are a fiscal sponsor or supporting organization for several "associated organizations". Please visit our "Community Action" page for more information on our partner organizations.

Sustainable Development - Long-term prosperity and local self-sufficiency result from industries that give back economic return without degrading the local environment and stripping communities of their natural resources. The Institute identifies resources that regions hold in abundance and works to convert those into value-added products, producing jobs and other economic opportunities in the immediate vicinity. See our "Development Projects" page for more information.

Research and Evaluation - Our research keeps close tabs on the future of energy systems and community development. This research includes ideas for organizing small communities, natural resource management, and global trends in sustainable energy designs. Using this research, the Institute provides comprehensive, independent evaluations of appropriate technologies as well as feasibility and business analysis. Our business and government partnerships complement our research to give us an immersed, real-world understanding of the factors shaping our region. We actively employ that knowledge to build effective coalitions and creative projects that restore faith in the problem-solving potential of American democracy. Please view our "Research and Analysis" page for more details.