Volunteers from MBAKS, Green Canopy Homes, and Rebuilding Together Seattle worked together recently to make Janice's home safer to live in.

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

Governor Signs Into Law Buildable Lands Bill

New Law Will Improve the Methodology and Process Used to Assess Buildable Lands

Bellevue, Wash—July 7, 2017—Governor Jay Inslee yesterday signed into law Senate Bill 5254, ensuring adequacy of buildable lands and zoning in urban growth areas. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joe Fain (R-47th District), will improve the methodology and process by which local jurisdictions assess buildable lands.

Nick Harper, senior director of strategy & policy at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, explained the significance of the bill, which has been a top legislative priority for the association. “The bill’s passage represents a major step forward for the buildable lands process by ensuring greater accuracy of information used to plan for growth,” he said. 

“The new law brings more specificity into what items must be reviewed to determine whether lands are buildable or what density could be achieved,” Harper added. “More accurate buildable lands data should help our region do a better job of utilizing existing land supply and infrastructure to meet current and future housing demand.”

The new law also provides increased certainty and flexibility for local jurisdictions to assist in funding low-income and homelessness programs.

The Growth Management Act requires King, Snohomish, Pierce, Clark, Thurston, and Kitsap counties to establish a buildable lands program to determine whether the counties and cities within them are achieving urban growth within their urban growth areas. Senate Bill 5254 adds Whatcom County to the list of counties participating in the buildable lands program. View the House Bill Report for Senate Bill 5254.

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With more than 2,900 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region. mbaks.com

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