This week, Bob Smith from Advanced Insurance Solutions shares why he's been an MBAKS member for 28 years.

Learn more about member benefits

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 The Everett Herald staff

BELLEVUE—Former Everett Councilman Shannon Affholter is preparing to resign as executive director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties next month to become chief operating officer for a major Pacific Northwest land-development company.