Congresswoman Suzan DelBene recently visited the Snohomish County Builders Council to speak with Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) members about key federal housing and economic issues impacting the residential construction industry. During the meeting, Congresswoman DelBene provided an overview of ongoing federal housing discussions and participated in a member Q&A session. Builders and industry professionals shared their challenges related to housing supply, affordability, permitting delays, workforce shortages, and the overall regulatory environment facing homebuilding in Washington state.

During her remarks, Congresswoman DelBene highlighted several key federal housing priorities, including the need to advance comprehensive housing legislation (ROAD to Housing Act), expand and strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and address ongoing permitting and regulatory challenges that continue to delay housing production nationwide. She also discussed the importance of improving coordination across federal agencies and modernizing policies to help increase housing supply and affordability in communities across Washington and the country.

As these conversations continue at the federal level, MBAKS will be heading to Washington, D.C. in June for the NAHB Legislative Conference to meet directly with Washington’s congressional delegation and advocate for key industry priorities.

High priority topics will include:

• Advancing comprehensive housing legislation.
• Addressing permitting challenges and burdensome building codes.
• Supporting workforce development and immigration reforms to help meet the growing demand for housing and strengthen the residential construction workforce.

View more information about the NAHB Legislative Conference.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has posted its annual population update, which shows continued growth in the Puget Sound region. As of April 1, 2021, King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties added 66,200 people. According to The Seattle Times, the Seattle metropolitan area, which includes King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, now exceeds 4 million people.

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.

Download this month's report:

MBAKS joined Governor Ferguson as he signed HB 1096 into law.

Big news for housing in Washington: Governor Bob Ferguson has signed HB 1096 into law, legalizing residential lot splitting across the state. After three years of advocacy, this landmark reform creates a straightforward, administrative process for homeowners and homebuilders to divide a single lot into two—unlocking small-scale infill, expanding homeownership, and creating new paths to affordability.

For decades, Washington law required homeowners and builders to navigate complex, costly subdivision processes that could take years—even when the existing lot already met zoning and infrastructure standards. HB 1096 finally fixes that, allowing qualifying lots to be split without major red tape, and enabling cities to review building permits alongside lot split applications.

Lot splitting won’t just create more homes—it will also allow aging homeowners to age in place, help families build wealth through multigenerational housing, increase opportunities for supplemental income, and offer first-time buyers access to starter homes in high-opportunity neighborhoods. It complements recent reforms like HB 1110 (middle housing) and supports the Growth Management Act’s goals by enabling gentle infill where it’s needed most.

HB 1096 ensures accountability by requiring clear, objective standards, displacement mitigation, and infrastructure availability before approval. Cities must implement the new policy by 2027 (or within two years for non-GMA jurisdictions), and guidance is expected from the state Department of Commerce later this year.

This is a major step toward restoring affordability and giving everyday Washingtonians more options to stay, build, and invest in their communities—one lot at a time.

View MBAKS Lot Splitting Brief for more information: Creating More Housing Through Lot Splitting.