Contact:
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.478.7453
pr@mbaks.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INITIATIVE 24-03 CHALLENGED IN COURT ON LEGAL, COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Local initiative authorizes lawsuits for damages against any party that impacts Snohomish River Watershed, with lessened burdens of proof; requires City of Everett to complete undefined restoration activities with monetary judgments.

State Supreme Court precedent illustrates that the initiative falls outside of the scope of local initiative powers, as demonstrated by the Court invalidating a similar initiative passed in Spokane in 2016.

In filing the complaint, home builders and other local businesses underscored the importance of existing environmental laws to protect water quality in our region.

EVERETT, Wash., January 28, 2025–Today the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, along with additional local businesses operating in Everett and Snohomish County, filed a complaint in Snohomish County Superior Court challenging the constitutionality of Initiative 24-03. The basis of the complaint is that the initiative’s scope falls outside of the legal parameters set for local initiatives in Washington State. A similar initiative passed in Spokane was invalidated by the State Supreme Court. The coalition of Plaintiffs that filed the complaint share the desire of Everett voters to protect our region’s waterways and green spaces. This is why they are proud to adhere to the strict requirements set by local and state agencies to protect water quality in our region, in addition to advancing other environmental stewardship measures under their respective corporate policies.

In 2016, the State Supreme Court found in Spokane Entrepreneurial Ctr. v. Spokane Moves to Amend the Constitution that initiatives such as I 24-03 fall outside the scope of local initiative powers. A member of the legal team that successfully argued for the plaintiffs in that case is serving as lead counsel on this complaint, Rob Maguire of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.

“Washington Courts have consistently rejected local initiatives seeking to change water use or regulation as beyond the scope of the local initiative power,” said Mr. Maguire. “Like the Spokane initiative that was unanimously struck down by our State Supreme Court, the Everett initiative seeks to change water use regulations over the Snohomish River Watershed, including its tributaries. It goes far beyond the scope of the local initiative power because it conflicts with federal and state law, and is unconstitutionally vague. We are therefore asking the court to invalidate the initiative and enter an injunction preventing the unlawful measure from being enacted or enforced.”

Clayton Graham, a land use lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine and co-counsel to the Plaintiffs, noted that “[t]he Initiative, if enacted and enforced, would leave owners, users, and developers of property in Everett in a lurch; given the possibility of damages suits for activities that have virtually any impact—no matter how minor or indirect—on the Snohomish River Watershed.” Mr. Graham noted concerns about the “chilling effect” these liability provisions could have on development in the City, which is already subject federal, state, and local regulations intended to protect water quality.

“As homebuilders, our members are proud of their role in upholding our community’s investments and expectations for protecting the environment that we all share,” said Jerry Hall, executive director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. “We cannot afford for the existing environmental regulations enforced by state and local jurisdictions to be undermined by the type of local initiative that our State Supreme Court has already found to be illegal. We are challenging this initiative in court so that local homebuilding may continue to help mitigate our region’s affordability crisis while new housing is built in accordance with existing, rigorous environmental protections. Furthermore, to the extent the initiative adversely affects housing construction and local businesses, it will inhibit the city of Everett’s efforts to accommodate the 20-year projections it is required to plan for under the Growth Management Act.”

“Our members operate under strict and appropriate regulatory oversight to ensure that their business operations are in alignment with our state’s values of environmental stewardship,” said Cory LeeAnn Shaw, executive director of the Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association. “Unfortunately, this illegal initiative runs counter to the existing environmental protections that require regular monitoring, permitting and compliance.”

Under the laws governing local initiatives, City of Everett officials acted in accordance with their obligations to put Initiative 24.03 before voters once the required number of signatures had been verified. Under the law, whether the content of the initiative complies with local initiative powers is not a factor in determining if it may be placed before voters. As a result, the initiative appeared on the ballot in Everett and following the election, plaintiffs are now asking Snohomish County Superior Court to intervene so that an unconstitutional initiative does not proceed further.

 Read the the full complaint here.

About MBAKS

The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders association, helping to make home happen since 1909. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Shannon Affholter Resigns as Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

BELLEVUE, Wash—September 6, 2017—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has announced the resignation of Shannon Affholter, the executive director since 2013. A recognized and effective regional leader for the MBA, Affholter leaves a successful and flourishing organization in place. Affholter's last day will be October 6.

"During the past four years, Shannon has done a remarkable job for our association," said Mike Walsh, the current MBA president. "Shannon and his staff have developed relationships throughout the region and the MBA is on the forefront and involved in critical community issues involving attainable housing, as well as essential planning for our region's continued growth. We have been fortunate to have a professional and dedicated executive like Shannon. His achievements both external and internal have been extraordinary and will provide a strong foundation for our future initiatives. We can't thank him enough for his work!"

Affholter made his announcement last week after accepting a position as Chief Operating Officer for Oakpointe Communities, one of the Pacific Northwest's premier land and commercial development companies. "While this is an exciting opportunity for my family and myself, I recognize the hard work and commitment required to help lead a company of this stature and size," said Affholter. "While it was a hard decision to leave the MBA, I understand that my success would not have been possible without the support of my staff and the latitude granted to me by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. I will be forever indebted to both."

Mike Walsh will welcome Erich Armbruster in January as the 2018 MBA president and board leader. "Working closely with Mike, who has been instrumental in elevating the advocacy of our association, we must now focus our immediate attention on the responsibility of finding an executive leader with the right qualities to lead our organization," said Armbruster. "The MBA has a prestigious history, and while Shannon helped transition the association to another level, both Mike and I recognize how important it is for the future of our members and the Puget Sound Region to advance our ongoing presence and influence, while working constructively and jointly with other organizations to maintain the quality of life that we enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest."

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 2,900 member companies, the Association is dedicated to membership value, government advocacy, financial stewardship and promoting the residential building industry in the Puget Sound Region. The Association and its members address many of the concerns and issues affecting the residential housing industry. If you are looking to buy, build, remodel, or maintain your home, trust MBA for industry professional referrals and practical information to get the job done. mbaks.com

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Contact:
Stephanie Giralmo, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBAKS Announces 2021 Award Winners

BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 9, 2021—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) announced the 2021 award winners at its annual year-end gala on Thursday, December 9.

Each year, MBAKS recognizes members in eight different categories: Spirit of Service, Emerging Leader, Moving the Market, Associate of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, Builder of the Year, Exceptional Service, and the MBAKS Hall of Fame Award. Winners are decided through an open member nomination and awards committee process.

Here are 2021’s winners:

Todd Levitt, Murray Franklyn Family of Companies, Bellevue, WA

Spirit of Service Award

The Spirit of Service Award recognizes an individual or company in the homebuilding industry that has demonstrated compassion and dedication through service. Volunteering time, talent, or ideas that empower or improve the quality of life of individuals, families, or groups in our community.

In 2021, Todd Levitt served as MBAKS President, where he made service his annual theme. In addition to his service to our industry, Todd also volunteers in the community, working with the Boy Scouts of America, Doxa Housing, and MBAKS’ Rampathon and Painting a Better Tomorrow community events.

Cameron Kartak, AAA Kartak Co., Everett, WA

Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes up-and-coming members who have made significant contributions to MBAKS and the homebuilding industry. In addition, they demonstrate tremendous potential for future leadership and service.

Cameron Kartak has mentored members of both MBAKS and staff at his family-owned business. He has served as Membership Council Chair, Associate Director at Large on the MBAKS Board of Directors, and Finance Committee member.

Joe Schwab, Uniplex Construction, Redmond, WA

Joseph Irons, Irons Brothers Construction, Shoreline, WA

Exceptional Service Award

The Exceptional Service award is the highest recognition award for members and staff for their many years of professional leadership and/or exemplary service to MBAKS.

Joe Schwab, who served as MBAKS President in 2008, has always been incredibly committed to the success of MBAKS and all our members. He has shown the same dedication while advancing our industry’s priorities on state and national levels, providing a stable, consistent voice for homebuilding during good times and bad.

Joseph Irons, who served as MBAKS President in 2016, has always had a passion for giving back to the community. As a past chair of the Rampathon Committee, he developed and designed many of the standards and processes members use to build ramps today. Irons Brothers Construction has been building Rampathon ramps for neighbors in need since 2005.

Melissa Irons, Irons Brothers Construction, Shoreline, WA

Sandy McAdams | PWB Woman of the Year

Named after past MBAKS president, Sandy McAdams, who was the first woman president of our association, the recipient of this award is selected by their peers. It honors an individual who exemplifies excellence and commitment to making a difference.

Melissa Irons has been an active member of MBAKS and its councils for more than a decade, along with volunteering for leadership roles within those councils. She has been a proactive volunteer in MBAKS community stewardship programs for several years, participating in Rampathon and Painting a Better Tomorrow.

Evergreen Certified, Seattle, WA

Moving the Market Award, Built Green

The Moving the Market Award recognizes a person, business, or government entity that has taken actions or implemented programs that advance and expand Built Green certification, promote Built Green as a brand, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

For more than a decade, Evergreen Certified has worked with dozens of MBAKS builder members to help remove barriers that would prevent them from reaching for more sustainable practices. The company has verified hundreds of units and their projects have won both local and national awards.

Luellen Smith, Rhino Wine Cellars and Cooling Systems, Issaquah, WA

2021 Associate of the Year

The Associate of the Year award is dedicated to non-builder MBAKS members who have made an impact on the association and its work.

Luellen Smith has a long and accomplished tenure on the MBAKS Board of Directors, she has served as Secretary of the Finance Committee, and chaired the Membership Council, Membership Retention Committee, the REX/T-REX Awards, and Professional Women in Building Council.

Jennifer VanderBeken, VanderBeken Remodel, Marysville, WA

2021 Remodeler of the Year

The Remodeler of the Year award is presented to leaders in the remodeling industry, who display an exemplary talent in their work.

Jennifer VanderBeken’s artistry and skill as a remodeler have earned her numerous accolades, including two REX/T-REX Remodeling Excellence Awards in 2016 and 2020. She has also taken home the BIAW Excellence in Remodeling Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, the National Chrysalis Award in 2018, and Best of Houzz Service Award.

Brian Holtzclaw, Village Life Homes LLC, Lynnwood, WA

2021 Builder of the Year

The Builder of the Year award doesn’t just go to members with exceptional building capabilities, but to those members who go beyond and are leaders within the industry.

Brian Holtzclaw, served as MBAKS President in 2020, works as legal counsel for Village Life, and represents the great citizens of Mill Creek as Mayor. When the State shut down in March 2020, he lobbied relentlessly alongside MBAKS and BIAW to convince Governor Inslee to reopen the construction industry. As a result, construction was the first major industry to get back to work in May 2020. Brian has had a distinguished career touching on every aspect of homebuilding.

Brian Ross, Oakpointe, Bellevue, WA

MBAKS Hall of Fame

The purpose of the MBAKS Hall of Fame award is to honor people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our association.

Throughout Brian Ross’ time at MBAKS, he has been a tireless supporter of sound housing policy and Government Affairs’ efforts to advance it. He remains active on the Affordable Housing Council board and his dedication and service to MBAKS is matched by his highly attuned business sense when it comes to housing and development.

For more information on this release, contact Stephanie Giralmo at sgiralmo@mbaks.com

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

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