The Puget Sound region is a great place to live and work, as reflected in the fast pace of growth over the past decade. More people coming to the region means we need more people working in skilled trades—to build housing, commercial space, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

Recently, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) partnered with Redfin to conduct a survey of homebuilders. The survey showed 82% have had difficulty finding qualified workers in the past year. In the same survey, the greatest skilled labor needs reflected in the housing industry are framing, carpentry, superintendents, and program management.

Workforce development continues to be a top priority for the residential building community in our growing regional economy. MBAKS works with schools and communities to provide background and shine light on the opportunities available in the homebuilding industry.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The near-record-low 2.6% unemployment rate for Seattle/Bellevue/Everett seen in February rose to 5.5% in March, according to the latest monthly employment report, which shows the first wave of job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Employment Security Department notes the impacts on jobs are more likely to be evident in the April report. Meanwhile, housing indicators from the latest Builders Bulletin do not yet reflect the impact of coronavirus on real estate and new home construction. The report shows year-over-year median home price increases in March and rising permits in February.

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:

This week, Shannon talks to Eric Drivdahl with Gelotte Hommas Architecture about this year's Gingerbread Village, an annual event held at the Sheraton to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northwest Chapter.

More about Gingerbread Village