Event part of MBAKS’ ongoing engagement on HB 1110 & HB 1337 implementation

MBAKS recently hosted a Middle Housing Forum focusing on state law changes now being implemented that could transform the housing landscape in our region and state.

The March 25 learn-at-lunch style event drew nearly 100 attendees. It was designed to help MBAKS members navigate the coming changes related to middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) following the adoption of HB 1110 and HB 1337 in 2023.

Panelists included Lilith Vespier, Infill Housing Manager with the Department of Commerce; Adam Weinstein, Director of Planning & Building for the City of Kirkland; and Ryan Gillis, Founder and CEO of Gillis Real Estate. 

In case you missed it, members can find a copy of the presenters’ PowerPoint slides on our Middle Housing & ADU Resources page, which is part of the Resource Library on MBAKS Connect.

Following panel presentations, attendees also heard brief updates from a handful of other city representatives in attendance from Bellevue, Bothell, Kent, and Lynnwood. Many cities in our two counties are in the process of updating local codes to comply with the new middle housing and ADU state laws. Local jurisdictions have until June 30, 2025 to update their codes.

The forum ended with audience Q&A time. During this open discussion, some members reiterated a point Ryan Gillis made during his presentation--the importance of flexibility in local codes so that builders can better respond to market demand. Another member stressed the importance of ensuring floor area ratios and building heights are properly set so that more project types are feasible to build. 

Members also expressed concerns about affordable housing fees that some jurisdictions are adopting alongside middle housing codes, as they will create unnecessary barriers to adding more housing choices.

MBAKS Executive Director Jerry Hall closed by sharing MBAKS’ overarching suggestion for cities implementing middle housing and ADU changes – “keep it simple.” The easier and more cost-effective it is to build middle housing, the more likely it is to be built, and the more attainable it will be for those looking for a place to call home.

Thanks to all who attended the Middle Housing Forum! To keep up with our advocacy work and changes related to middle housing and ADUs, MBAKS members are encouraged to engage with our Builders Councils.

Wondering who has it best in Western Washington and the Pacific Northwest? Look no further than our phenomenal membership base. 

Every year, Seattle Business magazine puts out their list of the 100 best companies to work for, based on anonymous employee survey responses as picked from 10 categories: corporate culture, executive leadership, benefits, communication, hiring/retention, performance standards, responsibility/decision making, rewards/recognition, training/education, and workplace environment. 

Response scores are then calculated and averaged out, and companies ranked in four categories: small, midsize, large, and those headquartered outside Washington state. 

Which employees are smiling away at their standup desks flanked by exotic popcorn machines and flashy breakroom games where they can count their 401Ks? We’re proud to announce that 21 MBAKS member companies made the grade for 2018. Full disclosure, we were a little perturbed Seattle Business magazine didn’t expand the list to 3,000 and put all our awesome members on the list, but there’s always next year. 

Check out the extensive list of member companies that raised the bar in 2018. 

Large Companies (150+ Employees)

• Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning
• Clark Nuber
• Edward Jones
• Evergreen Home Loans
• Exxel Pacific
• Redfin
• Sequoya Electric
• Valley Electric
• Zillow Group

Midsize Companies (50–149 Employees) 

• American Income Life
• Andersen Construction
• Berntson Porter & Company
• Gravity Payments
• Pacific Capital Resource Group
• Pillar Properties 
• Sweeney Conrad

Small Companies (15–49 Employees) 

• Board & Vellum
• Carlisle Classic Homes
• Chermak Construction
• Kalles Group
• Pacific Crest Savings Bank

Congratulations to all 21 of our member companies for going above and beyond! 
See the entire list at seattlebusinessmag.com

This is our final Shannon's 60, as Shannon Affholter is leaving the MBA after four great years.