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In the Seattle Metro Area, the building permit data for the year-to-date period ending on August 31, 2023, paints a distinctive picture of the region's construction activity. There were 4,021 single-family permits issued during this time, reflecting a substantial 28% decrease compared to the same period in 2022. Similarly, the multifamily segment also saw a noteworthy decline, with 7,851 permits issued, indicating a substantial 46% decrease from the prior year. These statistics show a notable slowdown in both single-family and multifamily construction projects.

Read the full October Builders Bulletin:

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The Employment Security Department’s latest Monthly Employment Report shows a strong labor market in Washington and Seattle. As reported in the November Builder’s Bulletin, Washington’s unemployment rate for September fell to 4.4 percent, representing a 42-year low based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data series. The Seattle/Bellevue/Everett unemployment rate was 3.4 percent.

The Builders' 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.

Download this month's report:

By The Money Hour with Tina Mitchell

Leah Missik with Built Green has been the program manager for about two years. As the program manager, she has grown the certification, conducted a green home study that received national attention, and was nominated for a Northwest Emmy Award for a public-facing ad campaign on the advantages of living in a Built Green® home. Prior to Built Green, Leah worked as a Renewable Energy Analyst, supporting a small-scale renewables program where a utility bought back energy at a premium rate.  In The Money Hour segment today, Leah talks about the importance and benefits of green homes and Built Green.