By Logan Riely, Seattle Times

The 24th Annual Gingerbread Village was unveiled Monday at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel lobby. Creations were inspired by scenes from the wizarding world.

The event came together with more than 1,000 volunteer hours, an estimated 1,200 pounds of dough, 800 pounds of icing, 200 pounds of white chocolate, 250 pounds of almond paste, and hundreds of pounds of candy.

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

Master Builders Association Hires Kathleen Sims, Former Weyerhaeuser Executive, as its New Executive Director

Bellevue, Wash—March 1, 2018—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) announced the selection of Kathleen (Kat) Sims as its new executive director. Sims is the first woman to lead the association in its 109-year history. As the former vice president of environmental affairs, sustainability, and corporate responsibility of Weyerhaeuser Company, she is an influential leader accustomed to the building industry. She begins her new role Monday, March 5.

“Kat’s depth and breadth of experience as an executive, real estate attorney, and coalition builder will be a tremendous asset for our association,” said Erich Armbruster, the association’s board president. “She will be an excellent representative for Master Builders Association as we expand our influence with regional leaders in addressing the growth and critical housing issues facing our region. I could not be more pleased that such an exceptional leader is taking the helm.”

Sims is a seasoned attorney specializing in real estate law, with more than 10 years of in-house business management expertise. Prior to her most recent position at Weyerhaeuser, Sims worked as vice president of government affairs at Plum Creek Timber Company Inc., which merged with Weyerhaeuser in 2016. She also served as senior director of sustainability and senior director, real estate law at Plum Creek. Early in her career, Sims was a partner at Alston, Courtnage & Bassetti LLP and an associate attorney at Foster, Pepper & Shefelman LLP (now Foster Pepper), where she provided strategic legal advice to developers, landowners, and lenders.

“Developing adequate housing is vital to the health of our region and the Master Builders Association needs to be at the table as discussions are made that impact housing availability,” said Sims. “I’m looking forward to forging new partnerships and locking arms with the association’s leadership, members, and staff to help solve critical issues affecting our communities.”

“Having an opportunity to engage an experienced leader with Kathleen’s credentials is a terrific outcome for our association,” said Mike Walsh, MBAKS 2017 board president and head of the executive search committee.  “Kat has sound judgement and common sense and will be an effective voice for Master Builders Association.”

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 nearly 3,000 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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Contact: data@mbaks.com

Housing Market Shows Modest Inventory Gains Amid Rising Prices and Slowing Construction

Housing inventory in King and Snohomish counties improved slightly in March 2025 but remains below healthy market levels, with King County at 1.9 months' supply and Snohomish County at 1.4. Median home prices continued to rise, reaching $977,500 in King County and $790,000 in Snohomish County for single-family homes. Builder confidence declined sharply, with the national Housing Market Index falling 22% year over year to 40 and the Western regional index at 35. Construction activity also slowed, as single-family and multifamily permits in the Seattle metro area fell 6% and 5% respectively compared to last year, and Washington’s construction employment dropped by over 12,000 jobs.

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