By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

December 2019 permit numbers show the Seattle metro area ended the year with a modest 3% decline in single-family permits and a 5% drop in multifamily permits compared to 2018. The overall decline for the metro area was driven by King County, which ended the year with 14% fewer single-family permits. However, Snohomish County saw an 11% uptick in single-family permits, and Pierce County was up 3%. For multifamily permits, the year-end decline for the metro area was driven by Pierce County, which saw permits drop 43%. Meanwhile, multifamily permits rose 13% in Snohomish County and remained flat in King County.

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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Shannon interviewed state Senator Guy Palumbo (D-1st District) about the recently signed SB 5674, which will make the final plat approval process significantly more efficient.

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Primary ballots are being mailed out this week so please look for them in your mailbox and make sure to vote! Tuesday, August 6 is the last day to return your ballot either by mail or at a drop box. The election is crucial for housing policy as it will determine which candidates advance to the General Election, potentially shifting the balance of power and philosophical approach to housing initiatives. This election serves as a barometer for public sentiment on key issues and sets the stage for future legislative actions. Counties will certify the Primary Election on August 20 and the General Election is Tuesday, November 5.
 
You can find drop box locations, ballot questions, candidate statements, and more information related to the election at King County Elections or Snohomish County Elections.  

You can review candidate endorsements by the Affordable Housing Council (AHC) below and see the full AHC list HERE.