The MBA and the homebuilding industry in the city of Seattle won a decisive victory recently. In the matter of Bendare Dundat v. City of Seattle (Master Builders Intervenor), Judge Barbara Mack issued a decision overturning the City's 'qualifying lot' design review ordinance for being in violation of RCW 82.02.020.

The Court determined that the ordinance imposes direct and indirect costs on projects and developers that are neither reasonably necessary nor the direct result of the proposed development. As the Court stated, "It is hard to fathom how costs and fees could be reasonable and necessary for the smaller project, but not for the first, more impactful project on the adjacent property." Finally, the Court found the city admitted that the ordinance was designed to mitigate collective impacts, not the impact of any individual project—this is the very thing that violates RCW 82.02.020.

The MBA is very happy to have been able to provide financial support to pursuing this matter in court, and the outcome is a collective benefit to developers and builders in Seattle. The MBA will continue to identify ways in which it can work to improve housing affordability within Seattle.

We took a break from our Painting a Better Tomorrow® volunteer day at YouthCare to talk to their director of community engagement. YouthCare works to help homeless youth become self-sufficient. This year's Painting a Better Tomorrow was sponsored by Capital Benefit Services.

Learn more about our community stewardship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Caia Caldwell
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.460.8213

Master Builders Association Hires Jeremy Hall as Its New Chief Operating Officer

In addition to having more than a dozen years of business leadership experience, Hall is a graduate of Harvard Business School and holds a Master of Business Administration.

Previously, Hall was principal at Brightspeed Consulting, COO of California Medical Evaluators, and COO of Medical Consultants Network. During his time as the COO of Medical Consultants Network, Hall reduced operational expenses, expanded the number of the company’s call centers, and oversaw the growth of a regional company into a national presence. Early in his career, Hall worked for Arthur Andersen where he focused on business consulting specifically within the healthcare, construction, and telecommunications industries.

“I’m delighted to announce that Jerry will be joining the team,” said Kat Sims, executive director of MBAKS. “Jerry’s extensive COO experience and wealth of financial and operational knowledge will help elevate all aspects of our planning and operations, opening up possibilities and improving our performance in the coming years.”

“It is a privilege to join MBAKS,” said Jerry Hall. “Keeping the Puget Sound region as one of the top places in the world to live is something I am passionate about. I’m excited to be part of the vital work MBAKS does for its members and the Pacific Northwest.”

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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