By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

In May, the median home price rose to $775,000 in King County and $655,000 in Snohomish County, up 23.6% and 32.86% respectively from a year ago. The low inventory of homes for sale plus high demand continues to put upward pressure on home prices.

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.

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On Friday, September 25, MBAKS partnered with the City of Auburn and 79 volunteers to plant 109 trees at Brannan Park for Planting a Better Tomorrow.

The event took place at Brannan Park as part of a strategic effort to serve a community disproportionately affected by air pollution. As a central hub for nearby schools and local families, the park serves as a key open space for the Auburn community.

“Together, we stepped up to make a positive environmental impact where it is needed most,” said MBAKS Community Stewardship Specialist Charlene Lam. “We’re so grateful for everyone involved who braved the rain to make a lasting impact.”

Despite the downpour, volunteers pressed ahead with the goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future. City of Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner joined the effort, noting that Brannan Park is a go-to spot for her daughter during the summer and emphasizing that the added tree canopy and shade will make a tangible difference for local families.

Launched in 2024, this marks the third Planting a Better Tomorrow event in which MBAKS has collaborated with local municipalities, bringing the total to 248 trees planted across the region. MBAKS references research from the Washington State Department of Ecology to target its efforts, collaborating with some of the 16 highlighted communities across the state that bear a heavy burden from air pollution. Recognizing serious health impacts like reduced life expectancy and elevated rates of childhood asthma, MBAKS remains committed to sowing the seeds of change today for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

The 2026 Washington State legislative session kicks off January 12, and it will be fast, fiscal, and highly consequential for housing. As a 60-day supplemental budget session, lawmakers enter Olympia facing mounting housing affordability pressures, limited time, and a constrained budget.

Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental budget aims to address an estimated $2.3 billion shortfall in the 2025-27 biennium. The proposal relies on spending reductions, tapping the state’s rainy-day reserve, and reallocating existing funds, rather than new taxes in the supplemental.

The shortfall reflects slower revenue growth, driven by weaker real estate activity and employment, alongside rising costs to maintain existing services. As a result, budget negotiations are expected to focus on fiscal prioritization and cost containment, with renewed discussion of potential revenue options. This includes proposals such as a payroll expense tax on large employers, changes to property tax growth limits, and renewed discussion of a high-income or “millionaire” tax as lawmakers weigh options to address the budget gap.

Despite these constraints, housing remains a top priority. Lawmakers broadly agree that we cannot address affordability without building more homes—but debate continues over how to do that.

Given budget realities, the most viable housing policies will be those that speed delivery, reduce risk, and avoid adding new costs. That is exactly where Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is focused.

MBAKS 2026 Legislative Priorities: A Practical Path to More Homes

In 2026, MBAKS is advancing a focused, solutions-oriented agenda aimed at reducing delays, lowering costs, and expanding housing opportunities across Washington. Our priorities reflect what builders experience every day—and what moves the needle on affordability.

Subdivision Reform & Streamlining

Washington’s subdivision laws are outdated and unnecessarily complex. MBAKS supports modernizing subdivision statutes by clarifying pre-application requirements, requiring administrative approval of plats within urban growth areas, and encouraging concurrent review of plats and construction plans. These changes will shorten timelines, reduce risk, free up local staff capacity, and expand infill housing opportunities (HB 1818; SB 5633).

Clear & Objective Development Standards

Subjective regulations create uncertainty, delays, and higher costs. MBAKS supports legislation to ensure local development regulations are clear, objective, and predictable, leading to faster and more reliable permit approvals (SB 5613).

Self-Certification & Review Cycles

Redundant reviews drive up costs without improving outcomes. MBAKS supports allowing licensed professionals to self-certify code compliance and limiting projects to three review cycles when standards are met, preventing endless delays (SB 5729).

Building Code Pause

Constant code changes add cost and uncertainty. MBAKS supports rebalancing the Building Code Council’s membership and pausing frequent code updates to stabilize construction costs and improve affordability.

Rural Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Rural communities also need housing solutions. Streamlining Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) permitting in rural areas can support multigenerational living, expand housing choices, and strengthen rural communities (HB 1010).

Oppose Increases to Fees, Taxes, & Housing Costs

At a time of record affordability challenges, Washington cannot tax or fee its way to more housing. MBAKS will oppose policies that increase housing costs through higher fees or taxes and continue advocating for solutions that make homeownership more attainable.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 session will test whether Washington is serious about addressing housing affordability. With limited time and tight budgets, success will hinge on cutting red tape, restoring predictability, and resisting policies that drive costs higher. MBAKS will remain at the table throughout session, advancing practical reforms that help builders deliver the homes Washington urgently needs.