By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Building permit data from the Census Bureau show 8,430 single-family permits and 16,764 multifamily permits issued in the Seattle metro area through November of last year. This represents an 8 percent decline in single-family permits and a 5 percent increase for multifamily permits compared to the same period in 2017. The release of building permit and other housing data was delayed as a result of the federal government shutdown.

The Builder's Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, State of the Cities Data Systems, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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Contact: data@mbaks.com

In July 2023, the unemployment rate in Washington stood at a healthy 3.6%, while the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett metropolitan area boasted an even lower rate of 3.1%. Notably, the construction sector in the state experienced growth over the past year, adding 4,500 jobs between July 2022 and July 2023. With a total statewide construction employment of 240,900, these figures reflect a positive trend in Washington's labor market and its continued commitment to economic development.

Read the full September Builders Bulletin:

This is our final Shannon's 60, as Shannon Affholter is leaving the MBA after four great years.