Afascinating report in the Seattle Times suggests that Initiative 933 – the land use measure – has thinner support in that state than most people probably have supposed.

I-933 is the spawn of Oregon’s Measure 37 from 2004, aimed at limiting governmental enforcement of land use rules. The Oregon measure passed easily in that state. The Washington provisions are somewhat different, in part reflecting differences in the two states’ laws, and partly other considerations, but the overall intent is the same. In Oregon, measure got support from a wide range of people and groups traditionally active in the property rights movement.

In Washington . . . apparently, not so much.

The Times piece by Eric Pryne notes, “The state’s leading developers are providing scant backing for a measure opponents label a ‘developers’ initiative.’ They offer varying explanations.
The Building Industry Association of Washington says it has higher priorities this year. The Washington Association of Realtors says its members are deeply divided on I-933.”

And, in another irony, the initiative’s main organizational backer is the Washington Farm Bureau – an organization that in Oregon was deeply divided on the measure, and probably more opposed than in favor. The Washington campaign seems to be taking on a flavor unexpected a few months ago.