This year’s housing solutions breakfast highlighted local permitting changes to make home happen now. We’re thankful to have hosted Senator Mullet as our keynote speaker and a panel of local leaders including North Bend Mayor Rob McFarland,  Auburn Director of Community Development Jeff Tate, and Mill Creek Mayor Brian Holtzclaw, moderated by Snohomish County Executive Director Ken Klein.

The discussion focused on the important role a timely, predictable and fair permitting review process plays in our region’s ability to respond to the housing crisis. In recognition of its importance, on May 8, 2023 Governor Inslee signed into law  Senate Bill 5290 (sponsored by Sen. Mullet) aimed to reduce permit review timelines and facilitate swifter, more predictable construction. This new law will streamline the permit review process by requiring local governments to adopt and report timelines. To help jurisdictions comply, it also established grant programs and permit processing enhancements. This address historically slow permit processes that have elevated housing costs.

MBAKS is ready to serve as a resource with tools and best practices jurisdictions can implement now to comply with the new requirements.  The Housing Toolkit is intended to serve as a guide for local governments, listing specific code updates and process improvements jurisdictions can take to help provide more diverse, affordable housing. As an additional resource specific to SB 5290, MBAKS developed an overview of requirements and best practices to consider when implementing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Local Remodeling Companies Win Big at Master Builders Association’s Biggest REX/T-REX Awards

BELLEVUE, Wash.—May 7, 2018—On Saturday, local remodeling companies gathered at the Seattle Design Center to celebrate their craftsmanship and talents at the annual Remodeling/Trade Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards, produced by the Remodelers Council of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Overall, 87 entries were submitted, the highest number in the 32-year history of the event. Entries were judged by independent remodeling professionals who chose winners based on the following six criteria:

1. Aesthetics—Is the project visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—Does the project reflect optimal space planning and livability?
3. Quality workmanship—Does the project exhibit special crafting or exceptional features?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the project complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the remodeler successfully utilize solutions to budgetary constraints?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Did the remodeler overcome unique challenges in completing the project?

Here are the 2018 winners (Additional photos available upon request):

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

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On February 18, Mayor Katie Wilson signed CB 121093 and CB 121135 into law, streamlining SEPA review for infill residential and mixed-use development citywide. MBAKS staff were invited to attend the bill signing and provide brief remarks — an encouraging sign of early collaboration with the new administration.

The event was recorded by Seattle Channel.

A Strong Start

As Seattle enters a new chapter of leadership, MBAKS is focused on partnering to create productive, solutions-oriented outcomes. Being included in this milestone reflects the ongoing dialogue between our association and the Mayor’s Office around housing supply, affordability, and regulatory modernization.

Housing outcomes improve when policymakers and housing providers work together. Early engagement helps ensure policy is practical, predictable, and effective.

What the Legislation Does

CB 121093 exempts qualifying residential and mixed-use development from project-level SEPA review until the City’s residential growth targets are met. After that, fallback thresholds exempt residential projects of up to 200 dwelling units citywide.

The reform reduces duplicative review while maintaining environmental protections already required under Washington’s Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act, along with Seattle’s existing land use and critical areas regulations.

Continuing the Work

MBAKS testified in support of the legislation at the February 4 Land Use Committee hearing and submitted a formal letter of support.

We appreciate the Mayor and Council’s leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership with the administration to advance balanced policies that expand housing opportunities across Seattle.

Making home happen requires collaboration — and this is a strong step forward.