Event part of MBAKS’ ongoing engagement on HB 1110 & HB 1337 implementation

MBAKS recently hosted a Middle Housing Forum focusing on state law changes now being implemented that could transform the housing landscape in our region and state.

The March 25 learn-at-lunch style event drew nearly 100 attendees. It was designed to help MBAKS members navigate the coming changes related to middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) following the adoption of HB 1110 and HB 1337 in 2023.

Panelists included Lilith Vespier, Infill Housing Manager with the Department of Commerce; Adam Weinstein, Director of Planning & Building for the City of Kirkland; and Ryan Gillis, Founder and CEO of Gillis Real Estate. 

In case you missed it, members can find a copy of the presenters’ PowerPoint slides on our Middle Housing & ADU Resources page, which is part of the Resource Library on MBAKS Connect.

Following panel presentations, attendees also heard brief updates from a handful of other city representatives in attendance from Bellevue, Bothell, Kent, and Lynnwood. Many cities in our two counties are in the process of updating local codes to comply with the new middle housing and ADU state laws. Local jurisdictions have until June 30, 2025 to update their codes.

The forum ended with audience Q&A time. During this open discussion, some members reiterated a point Ryan Gillis made during his presentation--the importance of flexibility in local codes so that builders can better respond to market demand. Another member stressed the importance of ensuring floor area ratios and building heights are properly set so that more project types are feasible to build. 

Members also expressed concerns about affordable housing fees that some jurisdictions are adopting alongside middle housing codes, as they will create unnecessary barriers to adding more housing choices.

MBAKS Executive Director Jerry Hall closed by sharing MBAKS’ overarching suggestion for cities implementing middle housing and ADU changes – “keep it simple.” The easier and more cost-effective it is to build middle housing, the more likely it is to be built, and the more attainable it will be for those looking for a place to call home.

Thanks to all who attended the Middle Housing Forum! To keep up with our advocacy work and changes related to middle housing and ADUs, MBAKS members are encouraged to engage with our Builders Councils.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Nancy Grygorowicz-Davis
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.460.8216

Master Builders Association Names Lowe Director of Government Affairs

BELLEVUE, Wash.—June 26, 2018—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties announced that it has named Marco M. Lowe as director of Government Affairs.

Prior to joining MBAKS, Lowe served as vice president of Seattle’s renewable district energy system, Enwave Seattle, where he led the system’s growth, government relations and other operational duties. Earlier, he served as department director in Seattle’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations.

Before his role at Enwave, Lowe worked as chief of staff at New York City’s Department of Small Business Services, as director of community relations for Mayor Greg Nickels and as a member of Gary Locke’s gubernatorial staff.

“I am very excited to be joining the team at MBAKS and am ready to help carry on the critical mission of housing the Puget Sound region,” Lowe says on his new role. “The advocacy work at the association is an integral part of this mission, and I am lucky to be working with such a strong group on the Government Affairs team.”

MBAKS Executive Director Kat Sims says, “In our continued efforts to advocate for the builders and residents of our great region, Marco’s experience with city government will be an asset to our association members as well as the cities and homeowners for which they build market-rate, middle-income and affordable housing options.”

Lowe received a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Washington before earning his master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Lowe begins his tenure at MBAKS June 27.

About MBAKS

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

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By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The number of homes for sale in King and Snohomish counties was up in July compared to June, which has eased price increases somewhat. While this is good news for buyers, the 1.57 months’ supply of inventory in King County and 1.45 months’ supply in Snohomish County are still well below the four-to-six month level considered to be an indicator of a healthy market.

The Builder's 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: