On February 18, Mayor Katie Wilson signed CB 121093 and CB 121135 into law, streamlining SEPA review for infill residential and mixed-use development citywide. MBAKS staff were invited to attend the bill signing and provide brief remarks — an encouraging sign of early collaboration with the new administration.

The event was recorded by Seattle Channel.

A Strong Start

As Seattle enters a new chapter of leadership, MBAKS is focused on partnering to create productive, solutions-oriented outcomes. Being included in this milestone reflects the ongoing dialogue between our association and the Mayor’s Office around housing supply, affordability, and regulatory modernization.

Housing outcomes improve when policymakers and housing providers work together. Early engagement helps ensure policy is practical, predictable, and effective.

What the Legislation Does

CB 121093 exempts qualifying residential and mixed-use development from project-level SEPA review until the City’s residential growth targets are met. After that, fallback thresholds exempt residential projects of up to 200 dwelling units citywide.

The reform reduces duplicative review while maintaining environmental protections already required under Washington’s Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act, along with Seattle’s existing land use and critical areas regulations.

Continuing the Work

MBAKS testified in support of the legislation at the February 4 Land Use Committee hearing and submitted a formal letter of support.

We appreciate the Mayor and Council’s leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership with the administration to advance balanced policies that expand housing opportunities across Seattle.

Making home happen requires collaboration — and this is a strong step forward.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Recent building permit data for the Seattle metro area shows single-family and multifamily permits fell in King County by 8% and 26%, respectively, in September year-to-date compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, permits are up in Snohomish and Pierce counties during the same period.

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:

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: