Contact: data@mbaks.com

This month's Builders Bulletin features a new data point, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is a national and regional indicator that tracks builder perception of current single-family home sales and expectations. It has decreased every month in 2022, reflecting a general bearish outlook towards the housing market amid rising construction costs and high interest rates.

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Shannon Affholter is the executive director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, the largest and oldest local homebuilders association in the nation. Previously, he was the vice president of business and economic development for Economic Alliance Snohomish County. While there, he advanced strategic growth plans, advocated on behalf of business and fostered economic development in the region. He also was elected to serve two terms on the Everett City Council.

Prior to his tenure at Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Affholter was a business development executive at the regional accounting firm of Moss Adams and an account executive with Merck. He holds an MBA from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University. In The Money Hour segment today, Shannon talks about how the demand for housing has significantly outpaced residential housing supply.

Contact:
Stephanie Giralmo, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBAKS Builds Ramps to Give Mobility Freedom to Those in Need

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 23, 2022—Since 1993 the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has built almost 600 wheelchair access ramps for families in need. Built by MBAKS members and community volunteers, these ramps provide a much-needed benefit for those who struggle to get themselves or their loved ones safely in and out of their homes.

“As one of our signature community stewardship programs, Rampathon is something we look forward to every year,” says Jerry Hall, Executive Director at MBAKS. “I have so much gratitude for our members, who lend their free time and knowledge to provide mobility freedom to individuals and families within our community.”

MBAKS is planning to build 27 mobility ramps for deserving families across King and Snohomish Counties this year. As part of this effort, they showcased Francisco Avila-Mooney, an 8-year-old who is wheelchair-bound and has multiple equipment needs for his therapy and care. At the time of the showcase, the Avila-Mooney Family did not have a ramp, which made it difficult to get Francisco out of the house. However, thanks to the efforts of MBAKS member, Shirey Home Pro, the family now has a new ramp that aids in ease of mobility and safety, making it easier to transport Francisco to and from his appointments.

In addition to the 22 member companies that volunteered to be a part of this year’s program, long-time program sponsor Dunn Lumber supplied the lumber at no cost and BECU provided funding as the Community Sponsor.

“MBAKS has been working tirelessly since 1909 to support builders who build homes for our communities and provide attainable homes for all,” said Traci Tenhulzen, MBAKS Board President and Executive Producer at Tenhulzen Residential. “It is a pleasure to be a part of an association that provides this invaluable service of universal access to those in need. Tenhulzen Residential has been building ramps for Rampathon since the program began and we look forward to building our 33rd ramp this summer.”

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

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