Contact: data@mbaks.com

In the Seattle Metro Area, the building permit data for the year-to-date period ending on August 31, 2023, paints a distinctive picture of the region's construction activity. There were 4,021 single-family permits issued during this time, reflecting a substantial 28% decrease compared to the same period in 2022. Similarly, the multifamily segment also saw a noteworthy decline, with 7,851 permits issued, indicating a substantial 46% decrease from the prior year. These statistics show a notable slowdown in both single-family and multifamily construction projects.

Read the full October Builders Bulletin:

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.

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.