By Allison Butcher, Master Builders Association, The Lens News

Over the past 18 months, five King County cities have adopted a building moratorium, temporarily putting the brakes on new home construction.

While a moratorium is legal, it does not mean it is good policy. At a time when demand for housing is far outpacing housing supply, which drives up both home prices and rents and makes housing less attainable, building moratoria certainly are not good for housing. They also are not good for our economy or the families and workers looking for a home closer to job centers. Furthermore, they potentially could run counter to our region's transportation investments that contemplate the need for more transit-oriented development in certain areas.

By the Everett Herald

Members of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Professional Women in Building Council, and AAA KARTAK on Sept. 30 volunteered to rake, measure, dig, and plant around the future homes of low-income families at Housing Hope’s Main Street project in Monroe.

Kimberley Martin is the owner of Cyneburg Scapes. The company creates woodscapes to attain the homeowner’s vision and allow them to enjoy the outdoors at home. Kimberley is actively involved on our PWB Executive Council.

I, Luellen Smith, own Rhino Wine Cellars & Cooling Systems with my husband. Our company designs and installs custom wine cellars and cooling systems for clients around the world. We strive to be the market leader in custom wine cellar design and enjoy turning our clients' wine cellar dreams into a reality. I am honored to be the PWB Council chair this year.

Please join with us in celebrating all PWB tradeswomen this week! We encourage you to share your story with us.

Learn more about PWB at mbaks.com/pwb. Share your story and get involved at facebook.com/groups/MBAKSPWB.