By Mike Richard, The Lens News

Two Seattle mayoral candidates and one city council candidate shared their perspectives this week on hot housing topics in the expanding city, including affordable housing, clean energy, and density issues.

The contenders took part in a panel that discussed ways to make the region “inclusive, resilient and vibrant” as part of Built Green’s 2017 Conference on September 14. The annual event brings construction sector stakeholders together to learn about current best practices and technology for environmentally friendly building.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Pierce is Only County in Seattle Metro Area to See Permit Activity Rise

Looking at the three-county Seattle Metro Area, Pierce is the only county to see permit activity rise through July 31 of this year, compared to the same period last year. The latest permit data from the U.S. Census Bureau show single family permits rose 13 percent and multifamily permits doubled in Pierce County. Meanwhile, King County saw a slight decrease in permits, with single family permits down 2 percent and multifamily permits down 4 percent. Snohomish County saw double-digit declines of 11 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

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, U.S. Census Bureau, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Download this month's report:

By Margo Greenman, 425 Business

With inventory down 25 percent, home values and rents both increasing, and more people moving to the region, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties said the local housing market is struggling with a housing affordability crisis.

"Despite efforts to add more housing, including a rise in apartment home construction in the region, the demand for housing has significantly outpaced supply," Master Builders Association executive director Shannon Affholter said in a press release. "Lack of buildable land and other barriers to new home construction have contributed significantly to escalating housing costs and a housing supply shortage in King and Snohomish counties. Unfortunately, this is making it harder for families and workers to find attainable housing near job centers."