20 What if We Could Get Wildfire Under Control? With Hilary Franz
What if wildfire isn’t just a natural disaster, but a test of how well we govern prevention, preparation, response, and recovery? In this episode, Greg talks with Hilary Franz, former Washington Lands Commissioner about governing through climate chaos, building unlikely coalitions, and why states like Washington can’t afford to wait for federal leadership when it comes to protecting lives, land, and the future.
As big and intractable as climate issues can seem, Hilary’s story is hopeful. When the climate crisis hits home, progress is possible when state and local leaders can take charge, look past politics, to address shared problems. From reimagining forest management to partnering with tribes, timber towns, and tech leaders, Franz shares what it takes to lead boldly—and collaboratively—when every season is fire season. This is a story about practical climate action, political courage, and what it might look like for the West Coast to lean into big challenges it can see coming.
As big and intractable as climate issues can seem, Hilary’s story is hopeful. When the climate crisis hits home, progress is possible when state and local leaders can take charge, look past politics, to address shared problems. From reimagining forest management to partnering with tribes, timber towns, and tech leaders, Franz shares what it takes to lead boldly—and collaboratively—when every season is fire season. This is a story about practical climate action, political courage, and what it might look like for the West Coast to lean into big challenges it can see coming.
In this episode, we cover:
- How wildfire strategy in Washington shifted from reactive to proactive
- Why climate denial isn’t the biggest obstacle anymore—climate delay is
- The political and practical costs of federal inaction
- What it means to build coalitions with tribes, timber workers, and tech CEOs
- Why state sovereignty matters in an age of climate instability
- What a West Coast climate alliance could actually look like
- How Hilary Franz’s background in conservation law—and figure skating—shaped her leadership
About Our Guest:
Hilary Franz served as Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands from 2017–2025, leading the state’s wildfire prevention, forest management, and climate resilience efforts. A former conservation attorney, she is known for bipartisan coalition-building, hands-on leadership in crisis, and her early days as a competitive figure skater.
Hilary Franz served as Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands from 2017–2025, leading the state’s wildfire prevention, forest management, and climate resilience efforts. A former conservation attorney, she is known for bipartisan coalition-building, hands-on leadership in crisis, and her early days as a competitive figure skater.
Other resources
- 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan: Central and Eastern Washington | WA - DNR
- National Interagency Fire Center
Related Episodes:
- Ep 10: What If Blue Cities Got It Together? (Sandeep Kaushik)
- Ep 08: Leave America and Discover Ecotopia? (Solo)
- Ep 02: How Can the West Coast Redesign Itself? (Mickey McManus)
Join the Conversation by offering your take on this spicy question:
What would it take for the West Coast to lead on climate like our lives depend on it?
What would it take for the West Coast to lead on climate like our lives depend on it?
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Thanks to:
- "Indie for Indie" Sponsor: Share It Music
- Featured Share It Artist: Queen Anne (and their non-profit partner Malaria Consortium US)
- Producer: Tim Wohlberg