By Bellevue Reporter

The Puget Sound region is in a housing crisis. As the region's economy grows, so does the number of workers and families moving into the area looking for a home. Skyrocketing home prices, spiraling rents, and the shortage of affordable housing create news headlines every day.

Reports Highlight Flaws in Mandatory Affordable Housing Fees

by MBAKS Government Affairs

Two new reports from ECOnorthwest shed light on key shortcomings in inclusionary zoning policies and the nexus studies often used to justify mandatory affordable housing requirements on new market-rate development.

MBAKS commissioned ECOnorthwest, an independent third-party public policy research firm, to prepare these reports in support of more informed local dialogue around affordable housing strategies.

The first report, Mandatory Affordable Housing Fees Carry Unintended Consequences, examines the real-world impacts of imposing affordable housing fees without corresponding incentives. It finds that mandatory affordable housing fees, though well-intentioned, disproportionately affect middle housing projects, often tipping them from risky to infeasible and preventing them from being built altogether. 

The second, How Nexus Studies Misunderstand the Affordable Housing Challenge, highlights a core flaw in the logic underpinning many nexus studies: the assumption that new market-rate housing is the primary driver of demand for affordable housing. The report describes several issues with this assumption, arguing that the framework used to justify mandatory inclusionary requirements misrepresents the true dynamics of housing markets. It does so by ignoring the broader supply shortage and the filtering process through which new housing helps ease pressure on lower-cost homes. By attributing the affordability crisis to new development rather than to structural undersupply, nexus studies risk reinforcing policies that further constrain housing production—ultimately exacerbating the very problem they aim to solve.

The ECOnorthwest reports reinforce the need to continue advancing solutions that increase supply at all levels. MBAKS is committed to being a collaborative partner in addressing the region’s housing shortage so our communities can be more affordable and inclusive for all.

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

Shannon Affholter Resigns as Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

BELLEVUE, Wash—September 6, 2017—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has announced the resignation of Shannon Affholter, the executive director since 2013. A recognized and effective regional leader for the MBA, Affholter leaves a successful and flourishing organization in place. Affholter's last day will be October 6.

"During the past four years, Shannon has done a remarkable job for our association," said Mike Walsh, the current MBA president. "Shannon and his staff have developed relationships throughout the region and the MBA is on the forefront and involved in critical community issues involving attainable housing, as well as essential planning for our region's continued growth. We have been fortunate to have a professional and dedicated executive like Shannon. His achievements both external and internal have been extraordinary and will provide a strong foundation for our future initiatives. We can't thank him enough for his work!"

Affholter made his announcement last week after accepting a position as Chief Operating Officer for Oakpointe Communities, one of the Pacific Northwest's premier land and commercial development companies. "While this is an exciting opportunity for my family and myself, I recognize the hard work and commitment required to help lead a company of this stature and size," said Affholter. "While it was a hard decision to leave the MBA, I understand that my success would not have been possible without the support of my staff and the latitude granted to me by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. I will be forever indebted to both."

Mike Walsh will welcome Erich Armbruster in January as the 2018 MBA president and board leader. "Working closely with Mike, who has been instrumental in elevating the advocacy of our association, we must now focus our immediate attention on the responsibility of finding an executive leader with the right qualities to lead our organization," said Armbruster. "The MBA has a prestigious history, and while Shannon helped transition the association to another level, both Mike and I recognize how important it is for the future of our members and the Puget Sound Region to advance our ongoing presence and influence, while working constructively and jointly with other organizations to maintain the quality of life that we enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest."

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 2,900 member companies, the Association is dedicated to membership value, government advocacy, financial stewardship and promoting the residential building industry in the Puget Sound Region. The Association and its members address many of the concerns and issues affecting the residential housing industry. If you are looking to buy, build, remodel, or maintain your home, trust MBA for industry professional referrals and practical information to get the job done. mbaks.com

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