The Institute was founded in April 1995 by the Coalition for a Livable Washington, a group of environmental, labor, religious, and community organizations which came together in the early 1990s to resolve the clashes between local environmentalists and displaced timber workers.

Since then, it has participated in several large studies including a study on Seattle Metropolitics and State and Local Taxes in Washington State.

With this experience, the Institute has moved into direct community development projects that promote our values. We recognize the need for non-profit community advocacy groups to coordinate tangible projects that bring groups together and produce a sustainable future.